Description
Crispy football-shaped pepperoni pizzas celebrate game day with zesty Italian flair. Game watchers will love these bite-sized, crowd-pleasing snacks that score big on flavor and fun.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (13.8 oz / 392 g) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 25 slices pepperoni
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preparation: Dust the countertop with flour to create a non-stick surface for dough manipulation.
- Shaping: Roll out pizza dough evenly, then cut football-shaped pieces using a cookie cutter or precise knife tracing.
- Layering: Distribute pepperoni slices on half the dough cutouts, leaving a small perimeter for sealing, then generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface.
- Assembling: Carefully place matching dough pieces on top, pressing edges firmly with fingertips and crimping with a fork to create a secure seal.
- Finishing: Whisk an egg and brush the football pockets, then dust with Italian seasoning and optional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor profile.
- Baking: Position the prepared footballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space between pieces, and slide into a preheated oven until they transform into a rich, golden-brown color.
- Serving: Remove from oven and allow brief cooling, then plate alongside warm marinara sauce for an irresistible game day appetizer experience.
Notes
- Manage Dough Consistency: Roll pizza dough carefully to prevent tearing and ensure even thickness for uniform cooking and appealing presentation.
- Prevent Filling Leakage: Seal edges meticulously by pressing firmly with fingertips and crimping with a fork to lock in pepperoni and cheese, avoiding messy spills during baking.
- Achieve Golden Finish: Egg wash the surface generously to create a glossy, appetizing exterior that enhances visual appeal and provides a crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular pizza dough with gluten-free alternatives and use plant-based pepperoni and cheese for vegetarian or allergy-friendly versions of these game day snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg