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Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkin Bites

These adorable Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkin Bites are a fun, seasonal snack perfect for fall gatherings. With a crisp, chewy crust, melty cheese, and flavorful pepperoni, these miniature pizzas offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
  • Optional: Dried oregano, for seasoning
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, for seasoning
  • Flour, for dusting

Equipment

  • Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter (approx. 3 inches)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Clean work surface
  • Dry skillet (optional, for pre-crisping pepperoni)
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  3. Use the pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pumpkin shapes. Re-roll scraps as needed.
  4. Place the pumpkin shapes on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Par-bake the dough: Bake the pumpkin shapes for 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) *before* adding any toppings. This creates a slightly firmer base and prevents sogginess.
  6. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, warm the pizza sauce slightly. This helps it spread easier and prevents the dough from getting soggy.
  7. Brush each pumpkin with a thin layer of olive oil. This helps them brown nicely.
  8. Spread a thin layer of warmed pizza sauce on each pumpkin.
  9. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  10. Pre-crisp the pepperoni (optional): Briefly cook the mini pepperoni slices in a dry skillet over medium heat until they start to crisp up. This intensifies their flavor and prevents them from becoming rubbery in the oven.
  11. Top with mini pepperoni slices.
  12. Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and/or red pepper flakes.
  13. Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  14. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose which can inhibit melting. To prevent the pizza bites from becoming soggy, warm the pizza sauce slightly before spreading it on the dough. If you don't have mini pepperoni, you can cut regular pepperoni into smaller pieces. Store leftover pizza pumpkin bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or sprinkle on top before baking. Homemade pizza dough can also be used for a more authentic flavor.