Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious twist on the classic mozzarella stick, wrapped in pizza dough with pepperoni and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a kid-friendly appetizer or snack, they’re crispy on the outside with gooey, melty cheese inside, complemented by Italian seasonings and a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 1 sheet refrigerated or homemade pizza dough
Seasonings & Coating
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a thin rectangle to make it easier to wrap around the cheese and pepperoni.
- Cut Strips: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal strips, about 1 inch wide each, so each mozzarella stick will be individually wrapped.
- Assemble Sticks: Place one slice of pepperoni on each strip, then add one mozzarella string cheese stick. Roll the dough strip tightly around the cheese and pepperoni, pinching the edges well to seal the cheese inside and prevent leakage while baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the rolled sticks seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush each stick with the beaten egg wash to help the toppings stick and encourage browning.
- Season: Sprinkle the sticks evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and a nice crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside begins to melt, indicating they are hot and ready.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sticks cool for 2–3 minutes after baking to avoid burning, then serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispy sticks, bake them on a preheated baking stone or alternatively air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
- You can substitute mini pepperoni or turkey pepperoni for a variation in flavor and size.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
