Get ready for Sourdough Pizza Bombs! These little bites are filled with gooey cheese, pepperoni, and your favorite toppings, all wrapped in a soft sourdough crust.
These bombs are perfect for a fun snack or an easy meal. I love dipping them in marinara sauce—it’s like a pizza party in your mouth! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Use an active starter for the best rise and flavor. If you don’t have one, consider using store-bought pizza dough as a quick substitute. Just note that the texture will differ.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great, but you can replace part of it with whole wheat flour for more nutrients. Just be aware it will change the texture slightly.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that classic stretch, while cheddar adds a nice sharpness. If you prefer dairy-free, try vegan cheese that’s designed for melting.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni is the traditional choice, but feel free to use diced vegetables, olives, or even cooked sausage as a tasty alternative. This is a great way to sneak in healthy ingredients!
Pizza Sauce: Homemade is always best for flavor, but jarred sauce works just fine. You can even use pesto for a different twist!
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Well?
The key to a good rise is proper fermentation. Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly—this indicates it’s ready to work.
- Mix the ingredients and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps activate the gluten.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place. Keeping it covered is essential to prevent it from drying out.
- Check the dough after 3-4 hours; it should double in size. If it’s not rising enough, it might be too cold where it’s resting.
Armed with these ingredients and tips, you’re all set to make those delicious Sourdough Pizza Bombs! Enjoy creating these delightful bites! 🎉
How to Make Sourdough Pizza Bombs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes
- Optional: garlic powder for sprinkling
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 3-4 hours for the dough to rise and about 30 minutes for preparation and baking. So, plan for a total of around 4 hours to make delicious Sourdough Pizza Bombs. But most of that time is just waiting for the dough to rise, making this a not-so-busy recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm water, olive oil, and salt. Slowly add the flour while stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Then, knead it on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as you knead.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for about 3-4 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. This is when the sourdough will work its magic!
3. Preheat and Prepare:
When the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease your cast iron skillet.
4. Divide and Shape:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a small disc with your hands.
5. Fill the Dough:
On each dough disc, spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce. Then, sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and add a few pieces of pepperoni on top.
6. Seal the Bombs:
Carefully fold and pinch the edges of the dough around the filling to seal it tightly, creating a ball. Place the sealed balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet or skillet.
7. Add Toppings:
Brush the tops of the pizza bombs with melted butter, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, parsley, and optional garlic powder for extra flavor.
8. Bake:
Bake the pizza bombs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Enjoy these tasty bombs warm, with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping!
Now you have your delightful Sourdough Pizza Bombs—perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying any time! 😊
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough Instead of Sourdough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver. Just roll it out and follow the filling and baking instructions as outlined in the recipe for tasty results.
How Can I Make These Pizza Bombs Vegetarian?
To make them vegetarian, simply skip the pepperoni and load up on your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add extra cheese for flavor!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza bombs ahead of time! Assemble them and place them in the fridge for up to a day. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking, or bake them straight from the fridge; you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave, though the oven will maintain the texture better.