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Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites

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If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and sure to disappear fast, these Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites are the answer! 

 

Main image of Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites

 

These bites are a delicious blend of salty and creamy, with a little kick from the pepperoni. Plus, they’re super easy to put together, making them perfect for any party or get-together.

I love that these bites are quick and easy to make. A must for any party!

These mozzarella pepperoni and olive bites also only require a few ingredients to make.

They are absolutely crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly too! My kids gobble them in no time flat!

I also love that these can be made ahead of time. You know how important that is for sporting events!

And this pepperoni appetizer is perfect for any occasion. I mean any occasion! Fancy, casual, you name it!

 

Toothpick with a black olive on the end

 

What Ingredients are in Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites?

Mini pizza bites are the perfect solution to pizza night! Quick and easy, they’ll get a 5 star rating from the whole family!

Here’s the simple ingredients you’ll need to grab from the grocery store:

  • Medium whole black olives: These provide a salty, briny flavor that pairs well with the pepperoni and mozzarella.
  • Pepperoni: Adds a spicy and savory flavor to the bites.
  • Mozzarella cheese: The main ingredient of the recipe, it provides a creamy and mild flavor that balances the saltiness of the olives and pepperoni.
  • Pizza sauce (optional): Adds a classic pizza flavor to the bites and can be used as a dipping sauce.

Pro tips:

  • If the cheese is too soft to hold its shape, place it in the freezer for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Use a mix of green and black olives for a more colorful presentation.
  • Make sure to buy whole olives, not sliced, as the slices will not stay on the toothpick.

 

pepperoni folded and placed under the olive on toothpick

 

How to Make Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites

The pizza appetizer is an easy recipe made from your favorite pizza toppings. Here’s how to make them:

  1. Create: Skewer the olives, pepperoni, and mozzarella.
  2. Wrap: If making ahead of time, arrange the bites on a tray and cover with saran wrap so they don’t dry out.
  3. Serve: When serving, you can serve them plain or with a drizzle of pizza sauce on a platter.

Pro Tip:

  • You can make a lot of these pizza bites at a time. Use parchment paper on a baking sheet and fill it up!
  • Serve with plates or just a simple paper towel! Your choice!

 

4 pepperoni slices layered in preparation for a pepperoni rose

 

Do These Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites Taste Like Pizza Bites?

While they don’t taste exactly like pizza bites, the combination of pepperoni, cheese, and optional pizza sauce gives them a similar flavor profile.

If you want to try making them a little differently though, feel free to substitute or add some of your own preferences for different flavors.

Try adding or swapping out:

  • provolone cheese
  • different marinara sauce
  • parmesan cheese
  • cream cheese
  • different meats or mini pepperonis

 

4 pepperoni's rolled up to create a rose.

 

When to Serve Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites

These bites are perfect for any occasion, from game day to the perfect snack for after school snack. 

With a bowl of tortilla chips you can’t go wrong!

Here’s a few ideas about when to serve them:

  • Super Bowl
  • Movie Nights
  • Quick Snack
  • Baby Shower
  • Any Game Day Appetizer
  • Your Next Party

 

toothpick with an olive, pepperoni rose and mozzarella square on it.

 

How to Serve Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites

Arrange the bites on a platter or board for easy serving. They can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled.

I like to choose short skewers or long toothpicks. This allows each person to grab a few to put on their own plates.

I’d say in that way they’re actually better than pizza rolls too because you don’t even need to get your hands dirty!

 

a mozzarella pepperoni bite laid out on a platter

 

Are Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites Healthy?

Everyone needs protein and some fruit in their lives right?

I’m not sure if these are considered the healthiest snack food, but they can often be eaten in a low carb diet!

There’s also no corn syrup and I even think they’re keto diet friendly (though I’m not expert on it.)

So while whether they are healthy or not is pretty subjective, they’re pretty good in my book!

Can You Make Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites Ahead of Time?

Yes! These bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

This makes them the perfect appetizer! Make them the night before and throw them on the table when you’re ready to serve them.

I recommend not making them more than 24 hours in advance.

After 24 hours I find they start to dry out a little and just not taste as great as they did initially.

 

platter full of mozzarella pepperoni bite

 

How to Store Leftover Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I recommend not storing the delicious appetizers in any sauce as it’ll easily cause the food to break down quickly.

Instead store them just on the skewers and keep them cold.

Can You Freeze Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites?

I don’t recommend freezing these bites as the texture of the cheese may change when thawed.

While the pepperoni will still taste great, it’s the cheese and olives which tend to change texture.

 

pizza sauce on platter with mozzarella pepperoni bites on top

 

More Tasty Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love…

 

Mozzarella Pepperoni bites are an awesome snack and perfect appetizer! Made with delicious cheese and yummy pepperoni, they’re the first thing to go off the table!

 

Yield: 30 Bites

Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites

toothpick with an olive, pepperoni rose and mozzarella square on it.

If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's easy to make and sure to disappear fast, these Mozzarella Pepperoni Bites are the answer!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Instructions

  1. Slice Mozzarella cheese into 1/2" x 1/2" cubes.
  2. Drain olives from liquid.
  3. Using a toothpick, skewer an olive and push 1/3 way up the toothpick.
  4. Fold a piece of pepperoni into half or quarters and skewer next.
  5. Finally skewer mozzarella. Do not push toothpick all the way through mozzarella, only half way through as you do not want guests poking themselves in the mouth with the toothpick.
  6. If making ahead of time, arrange on tray and cover with saran wrap so that it does not dry out.
  7. When serving, serve plain or with a drizzle of pizza sauce on platter.

Notes

If you wish to create a pepperoni rose, lay 4 piece os pepperoni out, overlapping each (as seen in the photo). then gently roll up into a rose and skewer with toothpick.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

30

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 47Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 104mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 3g
Originally Posted: June 26, 2014

Photos and Text Updated: April 30, 2023

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DENISE

Friday 3rd of September 2021

I’m looking for appetizers/snack type foods to eat because it’s really too hot to cook and in the summer my appetite is much lighter. I found this and plan to have a few tonight with delicious coleslaw I made last night. Thanks!

Renee Goerger

Thursday 2nd of April 2020

What a beautifully simple appetizer. I would love to snack on these with a glass of wine!

Julie

Thursday 2nd of April 2020

Yes! Simple and Tasty! Thanks for sharing!

Matty

Monday 15th of January 2018

Thanks for sharing. Absolutely perfect ! I’m going to make these for the upcoming Super Bowl Party! To make it even easier, think I’ll buy the mozzarella sticks and cut them in approx 3/4” chunks.

Janelle

Monday 15th of January 2018

Matty that is a fabulous idea that others have suggested to me as well! Such a great idea! I hope you enjoy!

Pam

Sunday 4th of January 2015

I've made these before & they were a big hit! I'm planning to make them again. How far in advance can I make them without them drying out, or the pepperoni turning the cheese a red color?

Janelle

Sunday 4th of January 2015

Hi Pam! So glad you like these as much as I do! Honestly I don't know how far in advance you can make them. For me, I generally cut up my block cheese the night before {though you could certainly do this several days ahead as long as it was stored properly so it didn't dry out}. I then assemble in the morning and put in the fridge covered up so they don't dry out and I've never had a problem with the pepperoni turning the cheese red from the oils. However I suspect if you do it any sooner you may run into that problem. If you end up making these a day or two in advance, let us know how they turn out!

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