12 Easy Pizza Appetizer Recipes
If you’re looking for easy pizza appetizer recipes, this post is perfect for you! I’ve collected a variety of appetizer recipes here, not only to share with you but also for my own quick reference when I need fast appetizer ideas.
With these recipes, you can make incredibly simple appetizers using pizza dough.
These appetizer ideas are easy to make, great for kids, and perfect for gatherings or large crowds. You’ll find themed appetizers here as well, like Christmas-themed options and others suited for events.
Many can be customized to be completely vegetarian, even if they originally include ingredients like pepperoni or chicken.
These appetizers make great evening snacks and take just 15 minutes or less to prepare. Most of the recipes are on my blog, and I’ll still share the details for any that aren’t!
My favorite is the pizza pinwheels, but I’d love to know which one you enjoy the most—let me know in the comments. The best part?
You can make all these recipes with just pizza dough, so no need to gather a bunch of different ingredients!
Easy Pizza Appetizer Recipes
1. Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
First up, we have the Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels! This super easy recipe uses just a few simple ingredients: pizza sauce, pepperoni, and cheese.
These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a cheesy or buffalo ranch dip, making them a fun, crowd-pleasing snack. They’re also a great way to keep kids entertained and satisfied with a healthy snack during events.
I love these pinwheels—not only do they look appealing, but they also taste incredible.
2. Garlic Parmesan Bites
These Garlic Parmesan Bites are incredibly easy to make. They are made with pizza dough and a simple buttery garlic mixture.
Inspired by Domino’s Parmesan Bread Bites, these bites are buttery, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
They’re perfect for popping in your mouth during casual gatherings, family game nights, or cozy evenings at home. My family loves these, and I think you will too—they’re a crowd favorite and a must-try!
3. Pizza Toast
Pizza Toast is a fantastic, kid-friendly appetizer that’s easy to make and quite filling.
This recipe comes together in about 5–10 minutes, and using an air fryer makes the process even quicker.
While it might not be the best choice for a large gathering, it’s ideal for kids and serves as a delicious, satisfying snack.
I like to add extra veggies on top when making it for my niece to sneak in a bit of nutrition—she loves the cheesy, pizza-like flavors, and it’s like having a mini pizza on toast!
4. Christmas Tree Pizza Bites
Christmas Tree Pizza Bites are a fantastic crowd-pleasing appetizer, especially for holiday gatherings!
These pizza bites are made with pizza dough, pizza sauce, and cheese, giving them a gooey, delicious filling when you take a bite.
Shaped like a Christmas tree, they make an adorable and seasonal addition to any holiday table.
I love this recipe for its simplicity and how perfect it is for sharing. The melty cheese and warm pizza sauce make each bite irresistible, and they’re bound to be a hit with family and friends.
Make these for your next holiday party; they’ll quickly become a favorite tradition!
5. Cheese and Pepperoni Stromboli with Pizza Dough
This Cheese and Pepperoni Stromboli is a heartier appetizer, but it’s perfect for both kids and adults if you slice it up into bite-sized pieces.
The classic cheese and pepperoni filling is always a hit, but you can easily customize it by swapping in ham, veggies, or even chicken for extra protein.
My favorite variation combines a veggie and cheese mix—it’s light, flavorful, and offers something different!
For gatherings, consider making a long stromboli roll and slicing it up—it looks impressive on a platter and is a delicious, shareable snack.
The crispy outside and melty, cheesy inside are sure to be a hit, and this stromboli is as good for holiday parties as it is for casual gatherings. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser!
6. Pizza Bombs
Pizza Bombs are one of my all-time favorite appetizers! They’re easy to make; you only need pizza dough, cheese, and pizza sauce.
You can customize the filling by adding pepperoni, ham, veggies, or even a mix of cheeses, but I love keeping it simple with just cheese and sauce.
These little pizza bites are perfect for gatherings—they’re small, snackable, and definitely a crowd-pleaser
Just pop them in the oven, and within minutes, you have warm, cheesy Pizza Bombs that everyone will love.
Perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch, they will surely be a hit at your next get-together!
7. Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Platter
Another one of my favorite appetizers is the classic Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Platter. It’s easy, affordable, and perfect for parties. You can make fresh mozzarella at home or buy it, then slice it up and pair it with juicy tomato slices.
This appetizer looks beautiful on a platter, and the combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is unbeatable!
If you’re hosting guests, this makes a great addition to a cheese board or can stand alone as a refreshing option.
It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for those who enjoy fresh, light bites at gatherings. Just keep in mind to have an alternative for guests who are lactose intolerant.
8. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls are one of my favorite variations of the classic pepperoni pinwheels, but with a spicy twist!
I love making these for family get-togethers—they’re stuffed with buffalo chicken, cheese, and a little extra buffalo sauce for that perfect balance of heat and flavor.
These rolls are fantastic for dipping too, and I always serve them with ranch or blue cheese on the side.
You can easily swap out the buffalo chicken for a vegetarian option with just cheese and veggies, or even try BBQ chicken.
I’m always experimenting with new variations, and no matter what, they’re always a hit with my family.
9. Calzone – The Perfect Appetizer
Calzones are one of my go-to appetizers. They’re like a folded pizza, and they look gorgeous when served.
Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also incredibly versatile.
If you’re hosting a gathering, a large calzone can make a beautiful centerpiece for the table, but if you’re just in the mood for a quick snack, you can easily whip up a personal-sized calzone in under 15 minutes!
What I love about making calzones is that you don’t need anything fancy.
You can use a frozen pizza dough ball and fill it with whatever you have on hand—cheese, leftover meats, veggies, or even just pizza sauce.
It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something easy and satisfying but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
I like making them for my family, even when there’s no party—it’s just a quick, delicious snack everyone loves. Give this recipe a try; I’m sure it will become a favorite in your house too!
10. Pizza Sliders
Pizza sliders are a simple yet amazing appetizer, especially if you’re hosting a party or even a kids’ gathering.
They’re super easy to make with just a few basic ingredients: slider rolls, mozzarella cheese, shredded cheese, pizza sauce, and pepperoni.
You can easily swap out the pepperoni for healthier or vegetarian options like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms. This makes them versatile, so everyone can enjoy their favorite toppings!
What I love about pizza sliders is that while they’re incredibly simple to prepare, they taste like you’ve put a lot of effort into making them.
They’re perfect for serving in large batches for a big crowd, and they come together so quickly.
I also love keeping leftovers in the fridge for a quick bite later—whether it’s for a snack or a late-night craving, they’re perfect anytime.
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite appetizers, and I’m sure it’ll become a go-to in your house too!
11. Pizza Hut Breadsticks
Cheese breadsticks are one of the easiest and quickest appetizers you can make, especially if you have leftover pizza dough!
You only need about 5 minutes of prep time to prepare them, which makes this recipe perfect for a last-minute snack or family fun.
If you’re making homemade pizza dough, it will take a bit more time, but don’t worry! I’ve got a couple of pizza dough recipes that can be whipped up in just 2 hours—yes, that’s how quick and easy this can be.
These cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dipping into various sauces, adding a fun and interactive element to the meal.
You can even get creative with the types of dips and make the experience a little more exciting for your family or guests.
Whether you’re serving them at a party or just enjoying a cozy family time, these breadsticks are guaranteed to be a hit.
They’re one of my favorite go-to appetizers, and they never fail to impress!
12. Chicago Tavern Style Pizza
Even though I originally didn’t want to include pizza in the list of pizza appetizers, I had to make an exception for this Chicago-style pizza because it is just that good.
This pizza has a thin, crispy crust and uses minimal ingredients, yet the taste is absolutely incredible. It’s one of those recipes that will have your family asking you to make it again and again!
Perfect for family nights and gatherings, Chicago-style pizza is versatile because it’s so easy to make a large pizza to share.
I usually bake two pizzas at a time, and with my oven, they come out as large, hearty pieces that everyone enjoys.
It’s great to serve with sides and pairs wonderfully with mocktails or cocktails if you’re hosting a party.
This pizza is an absolute crowd-pleaser, and trust me, you’ll want to add it to your list of go-to appetizers. Try this one, and it might just become your new favorite!
