You know, there’s something about cheesy pizza bites that feels like a warm hug on a rainy day. It’s like your favorite childhood memory wrapped up in gooey cheese and a crispy crust—absolute comfort food. Just last week, I found myself craving them during a Netflix binge, and let me tell you, these little delights didn’t disappoint.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat two 12-cup standard muffin tins with olive oil spray. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add Greek yogurt to the dry mixture and stir with a fork or spatula until it forms small crumbles. On a floured surface, knead the dough about 15 times until it’s tacky but not sticky.
- Shape the dough into 16 equal balls, about 25 grams each. Place each ball into the muffin cups and press down slightly to cover the bottom and sides.
- Bake the dough for 15 minutes. Take it out of the oven and gently press down in the center of each cup to create a small indentation.
- Fill each well with 2 teaspoons of marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped pepperoni. Return to the oven for 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the pizza bites cool for 2 minutes. Use a knife or spatula to carefully remove the bites, ensuring any stuck cheese is cut away. Repeat with remaining dough and toppings as needed.
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (whole wheat or gluten-free mix, approximately 5 oz)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (diamond crystal)
- 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2/3 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 ounce turkey pepperoni, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1144 kcal | Protein: 72 g | Carbohydrates: 124 g | Fats: 38 g | Saturated Fat: 18 g | Cholesterol: 120 mg | Sodium: 3896 mg | Fiber: 6 g | Sugar: 16 g
FAQ
- Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for the dough?
- It is recommended to use non-fat Greek yogurt rather than regular yogurt, as regular yogurt will make the dough too sticky.
- What are some alternative toppings for the pizza bites?
- You can experiment with various toppings such as finely diced bell peppers, fresh mozzarella and basil for a Caprese style, pesto and cheese, or even a dessert version with Nutella and mini marshmallows.
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?
- Yes, you can use pre-made pizza dough if you want to save time. However, making your own dough with Greek yogurt adds extra protein to the bites.
- How can I prevent the cheese from sticking to the muffin tin?
- After baking, use a paring knife or metal offset spatula to carefully remove the bites by cutting around the top to free any cheese that may have adhered to the pan.
- What is the nutritional information for each serving of pizza bites?
- Each serving, consisting of 4 bites, contains approximately 286 calories, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 18 grams of protein, 9.5 grams of fat, and 1.5 grams of fiber.
Tips
- Ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired baking powder will prevent the dough from rising properly, affecting the texture of your pizza bites.
- For a quicker preparation, consider using store-bought pizza dough instead of making your own, which can significantly reduce the prep time.
- When forming the dough into balls for the muffin tin, make sure they are evenly sized to ensure uniform cooking and presentation.
- Experiment with various topping combinations, such as using fresh mozzarella and basil for a Caprese style or pesto and cheese for a flavorful twist, to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Equipment
- Muffin Tin (preferably a 12-cup standard size)
- Olive Oil Spray
- Metal Offset Spatula or Paring Knife (to help remove the bites from the muffin tin)
