Ingredients:
- 1 package of Aldi pizza dough (or your preferred dough)
- 1 pack of Aldi string cheese (cut into chunks)
- Pepperoni slices (enough to wrap around each cheese stick)
- 2-3 tablespoons melted garlic ghee (for brushing)
- Italian seasoning (to sprinkle on top)
- 1 jar of Aldi pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Unroll the pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into small squares or strips (about 3×3 inches, depending on the size of your cheese).
- Assemble the Bites:
- Take a chunk of Aldi string cheese and wrap a slice or two of pepperoni around it.
- Then, wrap the pizza dough around the cheese and pepperoni, sealing the ends so the filling doesn’t escape during baking.
- Brush with Garlic Ghee:
- Brush the top of each dough-wrapped bite generously with the melted garlic ghee. This will give them a golden, crispy finish and a wonderful garlic flavor.
- Season the Bites:
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top of the dough-wrapped bites to add extra flavor.
- Bake:
- Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve your pepperoni-stuffed pizza bites warm with a side of Aldi pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Q&A
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for these pizza bites? A: Absolutely! While string cheese works great for this recipe, you can try using mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well. Just make sure it’s cut into small enough pieces to wrap in the dough.
Q: Can I add other fillings to the pizza bites? A: Yes, feel free to customize your bites! You could add cooked sausage, olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a more hearty, veggie-packed version. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces to fit inside the dough.
Q: Is garlic ghee essential, or can I use butter? A: Garlic ghee adds a rich, buttery, and garlicky flavor to the dough, but you can substitute it with regular butter or olive oil if you prefer. The garlic ghee does add a unique taste that enhances the overall flavor of the pizza bites!
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes! You can assemble the pizza bites ahead of time and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven and bake as usual. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time if they’re chilled.
Benefits:
- High in Protein: With string cheese and pepperoni, this recipe is packed with protein, which helps in muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Customizable: You can swap out ingredients (like the cheese or toppings) based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand, making it a versatile option.
- Low-Carb Friendly (if using keto pizza dough): If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, using a low-carb pizza dough will make this snack suitable for you.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner or snack because it’s easy to put together, and baking only takes about 20-25 minutes!
- Rich in Flavor: Garlic ghee and Italian seasoning elevate the taste, offering a savory, herby, and buttery experience with each bite.
This is such a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza flavors! Would you like me to suggest any variations to suit different tastes or dietary needs? 😊