These Pizza Dough Balls are wonderful because they can be either baked or fried. Since everyone loves pizza, why not try and make this pizza ball recipe as a different way for an appetizer or fun family meal? Fried pizza bites anyone?
I consider myself a bit of a pizza hound. I'm always on the lookup for new ways to make pizza and to get that pizza flavor and taste. And while I'm not overly picky about the toppings (I'll literally eat them all), I find that the outside texture of the dough is where it's really at.
I try to stuff as many toppings inside the pizza dough as I can, but this takes a bit of skill level to stretch the pizza dough without tearing it. (Don't worry, it's totally possible!)
If you're looking for a simple pizza recipe that is simple and fast, you're going to love this crescent roll pizza meal idea!
Pizza Dough Balls
The main thing to keep in mind for this dough balls recipe is that you don't have to cook it just one way. I love that I can make a choice about frying them or baking them, and I can switch it up every time, too.
Should you poke holes in pizza dough?
Maybe when you're making a pizza using a homemade pizza crust, but since you're using crescent roll dough that is already premade, you don't have to worry about that at all.
What can I add to pizza dough for flavor?
This is where it can get fun. I've made this pizza balls recipe so many times and I've changed it up a bit each time I do. You don't actually have to add anything to the dough to give it more flavor because it's really just that good.
However, if you want to add a flavoring, a little bit of olive oil and Italian seasoning can be a super great way to go. I've also added pizza sauce, too, for that classic pizza taste and flavor.
There is literally no wrong way to season the dough as long as it's your preference and how you like it. Don't forget to add a bit of oil and parmesan on the top or even a dab of butter and salt!
Ingredients needed to make Pizza Dough Ball recipe
- Crescent roll dough
- Ground beef
- Canola oil
- Mozzarella pearls
- Marinara sauce
- Pepperoni
- Garlic salt
Variations to these Fried Pizza Bites
If you're like me, you like to change up the flavors and taste. The good news is that pizza recipes are very versatile and can easily be altered to your liking.
Some of the ways that you can change up the taste and flavor of these easy pizza dough balls are:
- Change up the type of cheese used
- Add in different types of meat
- Make it vegetarian and stuff it full of veggies
- Add only cheese
- Change up baking them and frying them to find out what you like best
Did I mention that this fried pizza bites recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make? It's a fast and easy way to get dinner on the table fast!
Tips for Making Pizza Dough Balls
This pizza ball recipe isn't hard but make certain that you remember these easy tips to make it taste the best as possible.
- If you're adding meat, make certain that you drain out the grease.
- Pinching the seals of the crescent rolls is key to keeping all the ingredients on the inside where they belong. If you have any gap at all, the meat and cheese are going to drain out.
- If you're frying these dough balls, be certain to add them to the grease carefully. They are also going to expand as they cook so make certain that you're giving space in the oil for that.
- Always have a paper towel on the plate to set your fried dough balls on. This will help to quickly absorb up any of the greases that is extra off the pizza dough balls.
What do you use as a dip for pizza dough balls?
This is totally up to you! Some people actually don't want anything to dip these tasty bites into while others love the dipping aspect. Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and even melted butter with garlic powder and garlic salt are ALL great choices for dipping.
You could even set out a few different options and have fun dipping away to see what you like best!
How do you reheat pizza dough bites?
Reheating them is a breeze! You can pop them in your oven to reheat low and slow or put them in the microwave for a fast boost of heat as well.
Can you freeze pizza dough bites for later?
In my opinion, no. Since you're going to be baking or frying them, they're best to be eaten fresh. I also don't recommend it because you're going to be using premade crescent roll dough which isn't going to freezer well.
More Pizza Recipes
- Easy Zucchini Pizza Bites
- Portobello Mushroom Pizzas
- Quick and Easy Homemade Pizza in One Hour
- Easy Chicken Chili Pizza
- Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Pizza Dough Balls
Equipment
- large skillet or deep fryer if frying
Ingredients
- 2 tubes refreigerated crescent roll dough
- ½ lb ground beef
- 4 cups canola oil
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup marinara sauce +¼ cup for dip
- 16 slices pepperoni
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- Cook and drain ground beef. Add to a medium bowl with marinara sauce. Stir to combine.
- Unroll crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured cutting board. Separate into sections. Each section should consist of two pre cut triangle pieces (forming a rectangle). Pinch the seams together to seal then, cut each rectangle in half.
- Place a piece of pepperoni in the center of each section.
- Add about 4 mozzarella pearls on top of the pepperoni, then a spoonful (about 2 tbsp) of the meat mixture.
- Followed by another slice of pepperoni.
- Fold each corner of the dough over the center of the peperoni. Pinch the seams to seal and roll into a ball shape.
- Sprinkle each ball with garlic salt.
Fry
- Add canola oil to a sauce pan, an inch or two deep and heat to 325 degrees. Very carefully place each ball into the hot oil. Be sure to leave plenty of room in between as these will grow as they cook, you may have to fry in two batches to be safe. Fry 2 minutes per side. Remove from oil and place onto a paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake for 25 minutes, or until crust is golden brown on a rimmed baking sheet covered in parchment paper.
- Serve with marinara sauce to dip and enjoy!
Nutrition
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