Pizza Bomb Pumpkins Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive appetizer that will absolutely wow your guests, you’re going to love this Pizza Bomb Pumpkins Recipe. These little “pumpkins” are stuffed with melty mozzarella, savory Italian sausage, mini pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce all wrapped up in soft pizza dough, then tied up to look like adorable pumpkins. I promise, once you try these, they’ll become a party favorite that everyone asks for year after year!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Pizza Bomb Pumpkins Recipe come together in a way that balances gooey, savory, and just a touch of tang. These are simple pantry staples with a few tasty extras that will make your taste buds dance.

• Store Bought Pizza Dough: Saves time and gives you that perfect soft, chewy texture without the fuss.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that signature pizza cheesiness everyone loves.
• Mini Pepperoni: Bite-sized, so each bomb gets just the right meaty kick without overpowering the filling.
• Italian Sausage (cooked and drained): Adds hearty flavor—make sure it’s well-cooked and crumbly for easy stuffing.
• Pizza Sauce: A little saucy tang to keep everything moist and flavorful.
• Pretzel Twists: These are actually not for baking inside but perfect for snacking alongside or garnishing.

Variations

This Pizza Bomb Pumpkins Recipe is versatile and really lends itself to your personal twists. I love swapping out the sausage for spicy chorizo for a bit of heat, or adding some finely chopped veggies for an extra pop of color and crunch.

• Vegetarian Variation: I once made these with mushrooms and olives instead of meat—still delicious and a hit with the veggie lovers at my table.
• Spicy Kick: Adding some red pepper flakes or swapping the sausage for hot Italian sausage brings a nice heat that wakes up your taste buds.
• Different Cheeses: Trying out a mix of mozzarella and provolone or even adding some parmesan on top before baking takes these up a notch.
• Gluten-Free Dough: If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can use a high-quality gluten-free pizza dough and get nearly the same results.

How to Make Pizza Bomb Pumpkins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough and Filling

Start by unrolling your store-bought pizza dough onto a floured work surface—sprinkling a bit of flour underneath helps prevent sticking. Cut the dough into six even pieces. Then, set up your fillings (mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, and pizza sauce) so you can assemble your bombs quickly. I like having everything measured out in little bowls—it saves time and keeps the process smooth.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Bombs

On each piece of dough, layer your fillings: start with about 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese, then add 2 tablespoons of mini pepperoni, 2 tablespoons of the cooked Italian sausage, 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce, and top it off with another 2 tablespoons of mozzarella. This layering keeps it nice and cheesy on both the bottom and the top of the filling. When I first tried this, I almost forgot the second layer of cheese—definitely don’t skip it for that amazing melty goodness!

Step 3: Shape Your Pumpkin Bombs

Next, carefully gather the edges of the dough up around the filling, pinching them tightly to seal each one into a neat little ball. This step is key to keep your fillings from leaking while baking. I usually wet my fingers slightly to help seal the dough better. It helps prevent any cheesy mess and keeps these looking tidy.

Step 4: Tie the Twine “Pumpkin Ribs”

Cut 24 pieces of kitchen twine roughly 10 inches each. Wrap each pizza bomb with four pieces of twine spaced evenly around it. This creates the look of pumpkin ribs. When I first attempted this, I learned to trim off the excess twine ends well before baking—it makes removing them easier and reduces the risk of dough tearing after baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the bombs on a silicone-lined baking sheet. Brush each gently with egg wash for a glossy, golden finish. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until they’re puffed up and beautifully golden. Watch closely towards the end—everyone’s oven runs a bit differently, so you want them perfectly baked but not burnt.

Step 6: Remove Twine and Serve

Once baked, carefully cut away the kitchen twine. The twine may be slightly embedded, so take your time to avoid tearing your gorgeous little pumpkins. I like to use small scissors and go slowly—no rush!

How to Serve Pizza Bomb Pumpkins Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish my pizza bomb pumpkins with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh basil or oregano—it adds a pop of green and a fresh aroma that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy, savory inside. Sometimes a little grated Parmesan dusted on top just before serving adds a nice salty bite.

Side Dishes

For a cozy meal, I serve these with a big green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted veggies on the side. Pretzel twists included in the original recipe are great for munching alongside or dipping into extra pizza sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged these around a platter decorated with mini pumpkins and autumn leaves for a festive Halloween party table centerpiece. You can even place a small green stem craft pick on top of each bomb to make the pumpkin effect even more whimsical and fun for kids!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza bombs can be placed in an airtight container in the fridge and usually stay fantastic for up to 3 days. I find they reheat nicely, too, so no need to eat them all at once (though you might want to!).

Freezing

These freeze very well either before baking or after completely cooled. I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend placing them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes—this helps keep the crust crisp and the filling melty. Microwaving works in a pinch but might make the dough a bit chewy instead of crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pizza Bomb Pumpkins Recipe turns out—not just in flavor but how fun and festive it feels. Whether you’re making these for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or a cozy family night, they’re guaranteed to impress. Don’t be intimidated by the twine step; it’s easier than it looks and the payoff is totally worth it. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your new go-to for holiday gatherings and comfort food nights alike. Give it a try—you’ll thank me later!

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