why make this recipe
Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza. They are perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or any time you want a bite-sized snack with a festive flair. These mini pumpkin-shaped bites are easy to make and a great way to engage kids in the kitchen, making them a hit with the whole family. Plus, who doesn’t love pizza and pumpkins?
how to make Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza pie crust
- 2 tablespoons marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
- 16 slices of pepperoni
- 8 mini mozzarella balls (or 8 cubes of mozzarella)
- 1 egg, slightly beaten with 2 tsp water
- Long kitchen twine
- Optional: parsley or Italian seasoning for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut out 8 circles using a 3½ to 4-inch cutter.
- In the center of each circle, add a small spoonful of marinara sauce, 2 pepperoni slices, and 1 mozzarella ball or cube.
- Bring the edges up and around the filling, pinching tightly to seal. Form a round dough ball.
- Take a piece of kitchen twine and gently tie it around each dough ball to create pumpkin segments—wrap 3–4 loops to mimic pumpkin ridges (don’t tie too tight).
- Brush each dough ball with egg wash.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and puffy.
- Let them cool slightly, remove twine, and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
how to serve Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins
Serve Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins warm as an appetizer or snack. Place them on a platter with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also sprinkle some parsley or Italian seasoning on top for added flavor and a pop of color.
how to store Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to enjoy them warm again.
tips to make Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins
- Make sure to pinch the dough securely to avoid any filling leaks during baking.
- Use different cheese or meats to customize the flavor to your liking.
- If you want a deeper flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the filling.
variation
You can switch up the filling by adding veggies like bell peppers or olives, or even use a cheese blend for a unique twist on the classic pizza taste.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?
Yes, you can use any pizza sauce of your choice. It will still taste great!
How do I make these gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free pizza crust instead of the regular one, and they will still turn out delicious!
Can I freeze these pizza pumpkins?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly, and bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy!
Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza pie crust
- 2 tablespoons marinara sauce plus more for serving
- 16 slices pepperoni
- 8 mini balls mozzarella (or 8 cubes of mozzarella)
- 1 egg slightly beaten with 2 tsp water
- 1 piece long kitchen twine for creating pumpkin segments
Optional Garnish
- parsley or Italian seasoning for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut out 8 circles using a 3½ to 4-inch cutter.
- In the center of each circle, add a small spoonful of marinara sauce, 2 pepperoni slices, and 1 mozzarella ball or cube.
- Bring the edges up and around the filling, pinching tightly to seal. Form a round dough ball.
- Take a piece of kitchen twine and gently tie it around each dough ball to create pumpkin segments—wrap 3–4 loops to mimic pumpkin ridges (don’t tie too tight).
- Brush each dough ball with egg wash.
Baking
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and puffy.
- Let them cool slightly, remove twine, and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.