Name: Unbelievable Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks in 15 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pizza dough; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, quartered; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Jump to Recipe

Okay, so you know those days when you’re STARVING, but you also kinda wanna just chill on the couch? Yeah, me too. That’s where these Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks come in, and trust me, they are a total game-changer. Think pizza, but like, way easier and more fun to eat! Seriously, they’re perfect for everything. I first made these for a Super Bowl party, and they were GONE in minutes. Now, my kids beg me to make them every week. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Seriously, what’s *not* to love? These things are ridiculously easy and always a hit. I mean, who can resist pizza in stick form? Here’s why you’ll be making these all the time:

Quick and Easy Snack

We’re talking minimal prep time here, folks. Just a few minutes to assemble, and then the oven does all the work. Perfect for when those cravings hit *hard*.

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like pepperoni? No problem! Swap it out for sausage, ham, veggies – whatever your heart desires. These sticks are your blank canvas, so get creative!

Kid-Friendly and Fun

My kids go absolutely bonkers for these. They love helping me make them, and they disappear faster than I can say “pizza night.” They’re just so fun to eat!

Perfect for Parties and Gatherings

Need a crowd-pleasing appetizer? Look no further. These stuffed pepperoni pizza sticks are always a hit at parties, game nights, or any get-together. Trust me, they’ll be gone in minutes!

Ingredients for Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need anything fancy here, just good ol’ pizza staples. My secret is to get the *good* pepperoni – you know, the kind that gets all crispy around the edges? Yum! Here’s what you’ll need:

One package (14.1 oz) of refrigerated pizza dough – the kind in the tube is perfect!
About a half cup of your favorite pizza sauce. I usually just grab a jar of whatever’s on sale!
One cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pre-shredded is fine, but fresh is always better, right?
Half a cup of pepperoni slices, quartered. This makes them easier to stuff!
Two tablespoons of melted butter. Salted or unsalted, doesn’t really matter!
And finally, one teaspoon of garlic powder. Because everything’s better with garlic!

How to Make Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Even if you’re not a star baker, you can totally nail these. Just follow along, and you’ll be munching on warm, cheesy goodness in no time!

Preparing the Dough and Filling

First things first, crank that oven up to 400°F (200°C). You’ll want it nice and hot! While it’s heating, unroll your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. This helps stop it from sticking. Then, grab your pizza sauce and spread it evenly over the dough. Don’t go too crazy, or they’ll get soggy! Next, sprinkle on that mozzarella cheese and scatter those quartered pepperoni slices all over. My favorite part is adding *extra* pepperoni, but hey, that’s just me!

Cutting and Folding the Pizza Sticks

Now comes the fun part! Use a pizza cutter or a knife to slice the dough into strips. I usually aim for about 1-inch wide strips, but honestly, just eyeball it! Then, carefully fold each strip in half, making sure to encase all that yummy filling inside. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; rustic is charming, right?

Baking Your Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Alright, time to bake! Gently place your stuffed pepperoni pizza sticks on a baking sheet. Before they go in, brush them with that melted butter – this is key for that golden-brown goodness! Then, sprinkle with garlic powder. Pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and the cheese is all melty and bubbly. Take them out, let them cool for a minute (if you can wait!), and serve ’em up!

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Want to take your pizza sticks from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way to make sure they turn out perfect every single time.

Preventing Sticking

Nobody wants a pizza stick casualty! To avoid them sticking to the pan, either use parchment paper (my go-to!) or lightly grease your baking sheet. A little bit of cooking spray goes a long way!

Ensuring Even Cooking

To get that golden-brown perfection on all sides, make sure your sticks are evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan! If you have too many, bake them in batches.

Maximizing the Pepperoni Flavor

Okay, this is where things get serious. Use *good* pepperoni! The cheap stuff just doesn’t cut it. And if you really wanna kick it up a notch, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. Trust me on this one!

Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! These pizza sticks are begging for you to experiment, so don’t be shy!

Cheesy Variations

Mozzarella’s great and all, but why stop there? Try swapping it out for some provolone for a slightly sharper flavor, or even cheddar for a little zing! A sprinkle of Parmesan is always a good call, too.

Veggie-Packed Sticks

Wanna sneak some veggies into your snack? I won’t tell! Diced bell peppers and onions are amazing in these. Just saute them a little bit before adding them to the filling, so they’re nice and tender. You could even throw in some spinach!

Serving Suggestions for Your Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Alright, so you’ve got a batch of these warm, cheesy sticks ready to go. But what do you serve with them? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! These are great on their own, but a little something extra never hurts, right?

Dipping Sauces

Okay, dipping sauces are a MUST! Marinara sauce is the classic choice, of course. But ranch dressing? Don’t knock it ’til you try it! Or, if you’re feeling fancy, whip up some garlic butter. Seriously, yum!

Complementary Sides

Need a little something green on the side? A simple salad is always a good idea. Or, if you’re making these for a party, throw in some other appetizers like mozzarella sticks or some chips and dip. Boom! Party perfect!

Storing & Reheating Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Made too many (is that even possible?) and have some leftovers? No problem! These sticks are just as good the next day, if you store and reheat them right, that is!

Proper Storage

Once they’ve cooled down, pop those leftover pizza sticks into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days, but let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long!

Reheating Instructions

Okay, so you’re ready for round two? You can reheat these bad boys in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they’re warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Or, if you’re in a hurry (and who isn’t?), just nuke ’em in the microwave for a few seconds. Just be careful – they can get a little soggy that way!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, so I know you’re probably not making these for a health food kick, BUT! It’s always good to know what you’re putting in your body, right? So, here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for these Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate – it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (especially the brand of pizza dough!).

Per serving (2 sticks, if you can stop there!):

Calories: Around 250 (give or take!)
Fat: About 12 grams
Protein: Roughly 10 grams
Carbs: In the neighborhood of 25 grams

Just remember, it’s an *estimate*! So, enjoy those pizza sticks, but maybe don’t eat the whole batch in one sitting (even though I totally get the temptation!).

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Got questions? I’ve got answers! I’ve been making these Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks for ages, and I’ve heard it all. So, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get asked – hopefully, this’ll help you nail these on your first try!

Can I use a different type of dough?

Absolutely! I usually go for the refrigerated pizza dough because it’s just so easy, but you can totally use other doughs. Try using crescent roll dough for a flakier texture, or even homemade pizza dough if you’re feeling ambitious. Just adjust the baking time as needed!

Can I freeze these pizza sticks?

Yep! These are super freezer-friendly. Just bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can store them in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven or microwave to reheat!

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Ah, the dreaded cheese leak! The key is to not overfill the pizza sticks. A little cheese goes a long way! Also, make sure you seal the edges of the dough really well when you fold them over. Pinch those seams tight!

Enjoy Your Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Alright, there you have it! My super-easy, super-delicious Stuffed Pepperoni Pizza Sticks! I really hope you love them as much as my family does. If you make ’em, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to share your creations on social media – I wanna see those cheesy masterpieces!