Description

Have you ever wondered if a tiny pizza could look like a spooky skull but taste like a cheesy, pepperoni-packed treat? Picture mini skull-shaped bites filled with gooey mozzarella and served with a warm pizza sauce for dipping. Sounds like the perfect snack for a Halloween party, right? These Mini Skull Pepperoni Pizza Bites are an easy recipe that takes just 30 minutes to make and will thrill your guests with their eerie look and delicious flavor

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create savory bites and a flavorful dipping sauce. Here’s what you’ll need, why each one matters, and some substitutions:

For the Pizza Bites

Unsalted Butter (8 tablespoons, 1 stick, melted): Adds richness to the batter.
- Substitution: Use vegetable oil or vegan butter.
Paprika (2 teaspoons): Adds color and smoky flavor.
- Substitution: Use smoked paprika or chili powder.
Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup + 5 teaspoons): Adds cheesy, nutty flavor.
- Substitution: Use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for vegan.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Provides structure for the bites.
- Substitution: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances savory flavors.
- Substitution: Use honey or a sugar substitute.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth.
- Substitution: Use fresh minced garlic (1/2 teaspoon).
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings pizza flavor.
- Substitution: Use a mix of dried oregano and basil.
Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances savory taste.
- Substitution: Use finely minced onion (1 tablespoon).
Large Eggs (2): Binds the batter.
- Substitution: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Balances flavors.
- Substitution: Use table salt (3/4 teaspoon) or omit pepper.
Pepperoni Slices (24, finely chopped, about 1/2 cup): Adds classic pizza flavor.
- Substitution: Use turkey pepperoni, sausage, or diced veggies.
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (4): Creates gooey centers.
- Substitution: Use cubed mozzarella or vegan cheese.

For the Pizza Sauce

Tomato Sauce (one 15-ounce can): Forms the sauce base.
- Substitution: Use crushed tomatoes.
Grated Parmesan (2 tablespoons): Adds cheesy depth.
- Substitution: Use nutritional yeast for vegan.
Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Thickens and intensifies flavor.
- Substitution: Use extra tomato sauce (reduce by simmering).
Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity.
- Substitution: Use honey or a sugar substitute.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds savory flavor.
- Substitution: Use fresh minced garlic (1/4 teaspoon).
Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances pizza taste.
- Substitution: Use dried oregano or basil.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth.
- Substitution: Use finely minced onion (1 teaspoon).
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Balances flavors.
- Substitution: Use table salt (1/4 teaspoon) or omit pepper.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Cheese and pepperoni provide protein and calcium, while the tomato sauce offers vitamin C and antioxidants, making these bites a slightly nutritious treat. The skull shape and savory flavors create a spooky Halloween vibe. The ingredients are affordable, widely available, and adaptable for vegan or gluten-free diets, making this recipe versatile for festive gatherings.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 425°F.
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons melted butter with 1 teaspoon paprika.
Brush the cavities of a 20-cavity nonstick aluminum skull bites pan with the paprika butter.
Sprinkle 5 teaspoons grated Parmesan (about 1/4 teaspoon per cavity) into the cavities.

Tip: Brush evenly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, combine 6 tablespoons melted butter, 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, a few grinds of black pepper, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 cup warm water.
Whisk until combined.
Fold in 1/2 cup finely chopped pepperoni.

Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the batter light.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spoon a heaping tablespoon of batter into each cavity of the prepared pan.
Cut 4 mozzarella cheese sticks into 5 pieces each (3/4 inch long).
Press one cheese piece sideways into the batter in each cavity.
Bake until set and golden brown on top, 6-8 minutes.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before unmolding.

Tip: Push cheese gently to ensure it stays centered.

Step 4: Make the Pizza Sauce

In a medium saucepan, whisk one 15-ounce can tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth, 8-10 minutes.

Tip: Stir constantly to avoid burning.

Step 5: Serve

Unmold the pizza bites and place on a platter.
Serve warm with the warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Tip: Serve immediately for the gooiest cheese.