Bomboloni Pizza Bites: The Ultimate Italian Fusion Treat!

Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown dough ball, crisp on the outside and irresistibly soft on the inside. As you take a bite, melted mozzarella stretches between your teeth, mingling with tangy marinara sauce. This is the magic of Bomboloni Pizza Bites—a perfect combination of two Italian classics: bomboloni, the beloved fried doughnuts, and pizza, everyone’s favorite comfort food.

These bite-sized delights are the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party, preparing for game night, or just craving something indulgent, they are guaranteed to impress. The best part? You can choose to fry them for a crispier texture or bake them for a slightly lighter version, making them adaptable to your preference.

With a few simple ingredients and a straightforward method, these pizza-stuffed treats come together quickly. The dough is soft and airy, wrapping around a gooey cheese center that pairs beautifully with a rich marinara sauce. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs at the end adds the perfect finishing touch, elevating the flavor to the next level. Once you try them, they may just become a new favorite in your snack rotation.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 bites

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 egg

For the Filling:

• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup pepperoni, diced (optional)

For Frying/Baking:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for baking)

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil, chopped

How to Make Bomboloni Pizza Bites:

1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, stirring until the mixture comes together. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the filling by shredding the mozzarella and chopping the pepperoni into small pieces if using. Have the marinara sauce ready in a small bowl for easy assembly.

3. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out even circles. Gather any leftover dough, roll it out again, and repeat until all the dough is used.

4. Fill and Seal: Place a small spoonful of marinara sauce in the center of half of the dough circles. Add a pinch of shredded mozzarella and a few pieces of diced pepperoni if desired. Carefully place another dough circle on top of each filled piece. Press down the edges firmly, then pinch or crimp them with a fork to ensure they are well sealed and do not open during cooking.

5. Fry or Bake:

For Frying: In a deep pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the stuffed dough balls in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides, about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

For Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly puffed.

6. Garnish and Serve: While still warm, sprinkle the Bomboloni Pizza Bites with grated Parmesan, dried oregano, and freshly chopped basil. Serve them immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Tricks:

• Seal those edges well! Use a fork to crimp them shut to prevent leaks.
• Want extra crispiness? Try an air fryer at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes.
• Make it ahead! Prep the dough and store it in the fridge overnight for easy assembly the next day.
• Dipping fun: Serve with garlic butter, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick!

Variations:

• Veggie Lovers: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Cheese Explosion: Mix in some ricotta or provolone for extra gooeyness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend that works for yeast dough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔️ Easy & fun to make!
✔️ Perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness.
✔️ Kid-friendly and party-approved!
✔️ Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.

Pinterest Pro Tip:

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