Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks: Your New Favorite Cheesy Bite

Who doesn’t love the irresistible pull of a cheesy, doughy pizza? And what if you could capture that magic in a bite-sized, easy-to-make snack with a surprise cheesy crust? That’s exactly what these Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks deliver! Perfect for a quick appetizer, a fun movie night treat, or a crowd-pleasing party food, these little bites are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why This Recipe is a Favorite

These Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks are a true winner because they take everything you love about pizza and condense it into a convenient, dippable form. The golden, seasoned dough wrapped around gooey melted string cheese is pure genius. They’re incredibly customizable, making them fun to prepare with kids, and they bake up quickly, meaning less waiting and more snacking! Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a savory bite, these snacks hit all the right notes for flavor, fun, and ease.

Ingredients

Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to create these incredibly addictive Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks, expanding on your provided partial list:

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza crust dough (such as Pillsbury Classic Crust)
  • 8 string cheese sticks
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, as cheese and sauce can be salty)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Your favorite marinara or pizza sauce, for dipping

Swaps and Notes

  • Pizza Dough: A standard refrigerated pizza crust works best for ease of rolling and wrapping. You could try puff pastry for a flakier version, but adjust baking time accordingly.
  • String Cheese: Mozzarella string cheese is ideal for its meltiness. Any brand will work.
  • Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amounts of oregano and garlic powder to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat if you prefer. Onion powder or dried basil would also be good additions.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, allowing you to control the salt content.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkling Parmesan on top before baking adds a nice salty, cheesy crust, but it’s optional.
  • Dipping Sauce: Don’t forget your favorite marinara, pizza sauce, or even ranch dressing for dipping!

Steps for the Recipe

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Unroll and Cut Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough onto a clean surface. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles (you might need to trim the edges slightly to get even pieces).
  3. Assemble the Snacks: Place one string cheese stick along one short edge of each dough rectangle. Carefully roll the dough up tightly around the string cheese, creating a log. Pinch the ends of the dough firmly to seal the cheese inside and prevent it from oozing out during baking.
  4. Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, dried oregano, garlic powder, and optional salt. Stir well.
  5. Brush and Bake: Place the rolled-up pizza snacks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops and sides of each snack generously with the garlic butter mixture. If using, sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pizza snacks are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbrowning.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.

Tips for Success

  • Pinch Those Ends: Sealing the ends of the dough tightly around the string cheese is crucial to keep the cheese from escaping during baking.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Give the snacks enough space on the baking sheet so they can brown evenly.
  • Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your snacks. They should be golden brown and the cheese visibly melted inside.
  • Serve Warm: These are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is at its gooest!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks are fantastic on their own as an appetizer, but they’re also a great addition to a casual meal or snack spread. Serve them with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, or get creative with other dipping options like ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce.

If you’re hosting a party or looking for other crowd-pleasing bites, consider adding:

Storage and Leftover Tips

While these Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks are definitely best fresh from the oven, you can store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy again. A toaster oven or air fryer also works well for reheating to restore some crispness. Microwaving is an option, but the texture won’t be as good.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of cheesy, easy, and crowd-pleasing dishes, you’ll find plenty more to love on ChefManiac.com:

Final Thoughts

These Stuffed Crust Pizza Snacks are pure fun in food form. They’re simple to assemble, bake up quickly, and deliver that satisfying cheesy goodness everyone craves. Get ready for these to become a new favorite in your snack rotation!

What are your go-to easy party appetizers? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!