These Sourdough Pizza Bombs are fun little pockets of joy filled with cheese, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!
Who knew pizza could get any better? I love making these for movie nights. Just pop them in the oven and get ready for some cheesy goodness. Delicious and oh-so-satisfying! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise. If you don’t have a starter, you can use store-bought pizza dough as a quick substitute.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but for a chewier texture, consider using bread flour. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, gluten-free flour blends can be used, but be sure to check the brand’s instructions.
Olive Oil: I love the richness that olive oil adds, but you can also use melted butter or a neutral oil like canola. For a twist, try using garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor.
Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar, provolone, or a blend can add different flavors. Vegan cheese can also work for a dairy-free option.
Pepperoni or Bacon: If you want to keep it lighter, use chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead. You could even make it a Mediterranean style with feta and olives!
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Elastic Dough?
Kneading the dough is essential for that perfect texture. It helps develop the gluten, giving the dough its structure. If you hand knead, aim for around 8-10 minutes of pushing, folding, and turning until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Mix your ingredients until combined, then transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead by pressing the dough with the heel of your hand, folding it over, and repeating. Don’t rush; take your time!
- If you’re using a stand mixer, let the dough go for about 5 minutes until it pulls away from the sides.
Cover the dough while it rises, as it helps retain moisture and warmth, which are key for a good rise. Patience is key here, so let it rise until it’s doubled in size!
How to Make Sourdough Pizza Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp instant yeast (optional for quicker rise)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked pepperoni or bacon, chopped
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
For Seasoning:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh or dried parsley, chopped (optional)
For Brushing:
- Olive oil or butter for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and the dough will need to rise for about 4-6 hours. Once you assemble the pizza bombs, baking them will take another 15-20 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 4-6 hours and 35 minutes, including baking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, salt, sugar, olive oil, and instant yeast (if you’re using it for a faster rise). Mix everything together until it forms a rough dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes by hand or about 5 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it around so it gets coated with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to keep it warm. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This will take about 4-6 hours unless you used instant yeast, in which case it might rise faster.
3. Preheat the Oven:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the pizza bombs don’t stick.
4. Shape the Pizza Bombs:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to remove excess air. Divide the dough into 10-12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a 4-inch round disc. This is where the magic starts!
5. Add the Fillings:
In the center of each disc, place about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce, sprinkle on a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella, and add some chopped pepperoni or bacon. Don’t overfill them; you want them to seal nicely!
6. Form the Bombs:
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching the seams tightly to create a sealed ball. This will keep all that cheesy goodness inside while they bake.
7. Bake the Pizza Bombs:
Arrange your dough balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion. Brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle with garlic powder, dried oregano, and parsley for extra flavor. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, until they are golden brown and puffed up.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the pizza bombs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy your gooey, cheesy, and flavorful sourdough pizza bombs!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for These Pizza Bombs?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s designed for baking, as it will help achieve a similar texture. Follow the package instructions for any unique ratios or additional ingredients needed.
Can I Freeze the Pizza Bombs?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) pizza bombs. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Pizza Sauce?
If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara or pesto can make a delicious replacement. You could also use a simple blend of crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning for a quick homemade sauce.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
The possibilities are endless! Consider vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a vegetarian option. You could also try adding cooked chicken, sausage, or different cheeses to mix up the flavors!