Save Fun, bite-sized mini pizzas shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day snacks or parties. These cheesy, customizable treats are easy to make and guaranteed to score big with kids and adults alike.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite at our game day gatherings, loved by kids and adults for its fun shape and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 lb (450 g) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- Sauce & Cheese: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce , 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings & Decoration: 24 slices pepperoni (optional, for filling) , 1/4 cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese , 2 tablespoons olive oil , 2 tablespoons cornmeal (for dusting) , 2 tablespoons black olives, thinly sliced (for basketball lines) , 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for basketball color)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400℉ (200℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with cornmeal.
- Step 2:
- Divide pizza dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten gently into a 2-inch (5 cm) round.
- Step 3:
- Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese in the center of each round. Add a pepperoni slice, if desired.
- Step 4:
- Pinch edges to seal and roll gently back into a ball. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5:
- Brush each ball lightly with olive oil. For a deeper basketball color, brush with a bit of tomato paste mixed with olive oil.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Step 8:
- Let cool for 2 minutes. Use thin strips of black olive to create basketball lines on each bite.
- Step 9:
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Pin it Making these basketball pizza bites always brings my family together, especially during basketball season when we watch games and enjoy these treats.
Required Tools
Baking sheet , Parchment paper , Rolling pin , Pastry brush , Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), dairy (cheese), possible soy (pizza sauce). May contain: Eggs (depending on dough), processed meats (pepperoni). Always check ingredient labels if allergens are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 70 , Total Fat: 3.2 g , Carbohydrates: 8 g , Protein: 2.5 g
Pin it These basketball pizza bites are sure to be a slam dunk at your next party or game day event.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I shape the mini pizzas like basketballs?
Roll dough into small balls, flatten gently, add fillings, then reseal and bake. After baking, use thin black olive slices to form basketball lines on each piece.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular dough with gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- → What toppings work well besides pepperoni?
You can try cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or omit toppings altogether to suit your taste.
- → How long should these mini pizzas bake?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- → What’s the best way to serve these bites?
Serve warm with extra sauce for dipping. They pair nicely with crisp lager or sparkling water.