Pizza-Stuffed Pumpkin Bites with Pretzel Stems
Golden-brown pizza-stuffed pumpkin bites made with dough, melted cheese, and savory pizza fillings, topped with herbs and pretzel stick stems. Serve warm with marinara for dipping at Halloween parties, family dinners, or festive gatherings. Fun to make, kid-approved, and perfect for seasonal snack boards and grazing tables.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Total Time: 33 mins
- Yield: 10-12 pumpkin bites
Ingredients
– Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ cup mini pepperoni slices or diced bell peppers
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
– Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
– 10-12 pretzel sticks (for stems)
– 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide pizza dough into 10–12 equal portions and roll each into a small round (approximately 10 cm diameter).
3. Place a spoonful of mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni or bell peppers in the center of each dough round.
4. Gather the edges upward and pinch firmly to seal, forming a ball. Flatten slightly.
5. Use kitchen twine or a knife to create 4–5 vertical indentations around each ball to resemble pumpkin ridges.
6. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Insert a pretzel stick into the top center of each pumpkin as a stem.
8. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 8–10 minutes. These freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—reheat from frozen at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes. Make ahead by assembling up to the baking step and refrigerating for up to 24 hours.