Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites

Featured in: Classic American Desserts

These bite-sized snacks feature soft dough filled with mozzarella and pizza sauce, sealed and baked to golden perfection. Each piece is brushed with egg, sprinkled with Parmesan and oregano, then decorated to resemble basketballs using black olives or food coloring. Ideal for sharing at parties or game day, they combine classic pizza flavors in a fun, portable form with an easy preparation time under 40 minutes.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:35:00 GMT
Golden brown Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, ready to dip in pizza sauce for game day. Save
Golden brown Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, ready to dip in pizza sauce for game day. | epicurestates.com

Cheesy, bite-sized pizza snacks shaped like basketballs—perfect for game day or parties!

I first served these during a basketball tournament and they were a massive hit among both kids and adults

Ingredients

  • Dough: 1 pound (450 g) refrigerated pizza dough
  • Filling: 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 24 slices pepperoni (optional omit for vegetarian), 1/2 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce plus more for dipping
  • Topping: 1 large egg beaten, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, Black food coloring or black olives for basketball lines

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Roll:
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) thickness
Cut:
Using a 2-inch (5 cm) round cutter cut out 24 circles from the dough
Fill:
Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce a sprinkle of mozzarella and a slice of pepperoni (if using) onto the center of each dough circle
Form:
Fold the edges up and pinch to seal forming a ball Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet
Brush:
Brush each ball with beaten egg Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano
Bake:
Bake for 12 15 minutes or until golden brown
Decorate:
Let cool slightly Using a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or a thin strip of black olive draw basketball lines onto each bite
Serve:
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping
A close-up shot of delicious, cheesy Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, perfectly bite-sized and fun. Save
A close-up shot of delicious, cheesy Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, perfectly bite-sized and fun. | epicurestates.com

This recipe always brings my family together during game nights creating fun and delicious memories

Notes

For a vegetarian version omit the pepperoni or use vegetarian pepperoni You can use mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for extra cheesiness Serve with ranch dressing or garlic butter for dipping Food-safe markers may also be used for basketball lines

Required Tools

Baking sheet Parchment paper Rolling pin Round cookie cutter (2-inch/5 cm) Pastry brush Small brush or food-safe marker

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy) and egg Pepperoni may contain additional allergens—check labels Always verify store-bought ingredient labels for allergens

Warm, appetizing platter of homemade Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, complete with pepperoni and sauce offered. Save
Warm, appetizing platter of homemade Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites, complete with pepperoni and sauce offered. | epicurestates.com

These pizza bites are a slam dunk for any occasion guaranteed to score big with your guests

Slam Dunk Basketball Pizza Bites

Cheesy, bite-sized snacks shaped like basketballs, perfect for game day and party enjoyment.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
35 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Dough

01 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough

Filling

01 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
02 24 slices pepperoni (optional)
03 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus additional for dipping

Topping

01 1 large egg, beaten
02 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
03 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 Black food coloring or black olives for basketball line decoration

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Set the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Shape Dough: Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.

Phase 03

Cut Circles: Cut 24 circles using a 2-inch round cutter from the rolled dough.

Phase 04

Assemble Bites: Place a spoonful of pizza sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a slice of pepperoni (if using) onto each dough circle.

Phase 05

Form Balls: Fold up the edges of each dough circle and pinch to seal, forming a ball. Position seam side down on the baking sheet.

Phase 06

Apply Toppings: Brush each ball with beaten egg. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and oregano evenly.

Phase 07

Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Phase 08

Decorate: Allow to cool slightly. Using a fine brush dipped in black food coloring or a thin strip of black olive, draw basketball lines on each bite.

Phase 09

Serve: Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • 2-inch round cookie cutter
  • Pastry brush
  • Fine brush or food-safe marker

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and egg; pepperoni may contain additional allergens—verify ingredient labels.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 80
  • Fat: 3.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Protein: 3 g