These cheesy garlic pizza balls are a delightful snack that everyone in the family will love! They are warm, gooey, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy movie night or a fun addition to your next family gathering, these little bites are sure to impress. Easy to make and brimming with cheesy goodness, you might want to make a double batch!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple and quick, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With ingredients that are mostly everyday staples, there’s no need for special trips to the grocery store. They’re also fun to make with kids—just have them help pinch the dough! Plus, you can satisfy those cheese cravings while knowing you’ve prepared something everyone will enjoy.
How to Make the Recipe
Making these pizza balls is a breeze. You’ll start by rolling out the dough, sprinkling in cheesy goodness and spices, then roll up little bundles of joy. The best part? They bake quickly, and soon your kitchen will be filled with the warm aroma of garlic and cheese. Serve them fresh and hot for everyone to enjoy.
What You Need
For the dough:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the garlic butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the dough.
- Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into squares, approximately 2 inches in size.
- Take each square and pinch the corners together, forming a ball. Ensure the cheese is tucked inside.
- Place the cheese-filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the pizza balls are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and add the chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.
- Once the pizza balls are golden brown, remove them from the oven and drizzle with the garlic butter mixture.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
How to Serve the Recipe
These cheesy garlic pizza balls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a sweet marinara sauce for dipping, and they become an instant hit! They make a great appetizer, snack, or even a fun finger food for parties. Consider serving them alongside a light salad or veggie platter for a complete meal.
How to Store the Recipe
To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten pizza balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just place cooled balls in freezer-safe bags, and they’ll keep well for up to a month. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh dough from your local pizzeria for even better flavor.
- Experiment with different kinds of cheese for varied tastes—try cheddar or feta!
- If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
- Make sure to pinch the dough corners well to keep the cheese from leaking out.
- Don’t skip the garlic butter; it adds a lovely, rich flavor to each bite.
Variations & Swaps
- For a vegetarian twist, add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese mixture.
- Swap in gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
- Add cooked pepperoni or cooked sausage for a meatier option.
- Try adding herbs like fresh basil or oregano to the garlic butter for an extra flavor kick.
- For a cheesy herb blend, mix in some crumbled feta or goat cheese.
FAQs
Can I make these pizza balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough balls and store them in the fridge for a day before baking. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping them in the oven.
Can I freeze them after baking?
Yes, these pizza balls freeze well! Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can go straight from the freezer to the oven for reheating.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the pizza balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven will help keep them crispy.
What can I dip them in?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you could also serve them with ranch dressing, basil pesto, or a spicy aioli for fun variations.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy bottoms?
Make sure you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet and allow enough space around each ball for even baking. Using parchment paper can also help keep them from sticking to the pan.
Cheesy Garlic Pizza Balls
Ingredients
For the pizza balls
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the garlic butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the dough.
- Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into squares, approximately 2 inches in size.
- Take each square and pinch the corners together, forming a ball. Ensure the cheese is tucked inside.
- Place the cheese-filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Garlic Butter Preparation
- While the pizza balls are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and add the chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.
Serving
- Once the pizza balls are golden brown, remove them from the oven and drizzle with the garlic butter mixture.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
