Secrets from the Cookie Princess: Pepproni Pizza Puffs

Bite size treats are always a hit, whether for football games, parties, or just an appetizer for dinner. I've made these a couple times now, once when I had a group of girlfriends over and again when Dave and I had a friend over for dinner. I love that they are simple to make as well as delicious. They are a hearty little bit with pepperoni and cheese mixed throughout, all in a pizza dough flavored nugget, perfect for dipping in sauce. I like to add these to a appetizer buffet that needs something a little more substantial.

A while back I pinned this recipe from Lick the Bowl Good, and that's certainly a blog I go back to. See, not only does Monica's banner picture include her adorable baby, but she makes some tasty treats, beautiful photos and basically just makes me what to lick my computer screen. This is a great recipe that only altered slightly and then decided to double. I froze the leftovers so that Dave and I could enjoy these for subsequent football watching, but really, they are so easy to make you could through them in the oven after reading the Sunday paper and they'll be done before kick-off. I served my pizza puffs with homemade pizza sauce (using the recipe from Pocket Change Gourmet that I made for the Pepperoni Pizza Ring) but you can certainly use store bought or your own marinara sauce. I used a 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and red pepper flakes, and used skim milk rather than whole. I also used sliced turkey pepperoni and just quartered the slices, which worked out fine. Make, eat, share or hoard. These are a perfect snack for cozy weekend afternoons on the couch or a big party with friends and family. (They'd also be perfect for a sleepover or kid's birthday, too!)

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups cubed pepperoni or pepperoni slices, quartered
1/2 cup pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning salt and crushed red pepper.