Savory Pepperoni Pizza Sausage Bites for Game Day

Name: Savory Pepperoni Pizza Sausage Bites for Game Day
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 5 Italian sausage links; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 4 -6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese; 9 -12 pepperoni slices; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Wooden or metal skewers

Watch Me Make It

Why This Recipe Works

What I love about these sausage bites is how simple they are. You only need a few ingredients, and they come together in no time. The Italian sausage brings a ton of flavor, and when you grill them, they get that perfect char. Topping them with marinara and cheese just makes it feel like you’re eating pizza without the fuss of making dough. Plus, you can customize these bites however you like, whether you're a pepperoni fan or want to throw in some veggies.

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A piece of raw steak topped with shredded cheese and pepperoni slices is placed on a mesh tray inside a barbecue grill, with the grill lid open and sunlight shining on the food.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

5 Italian sausage links
½ cup marinara sauce
4-6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
9-12 pepperoni slices
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Wooden or metal skewers

A smoked meat dish shaped like a turtle, covered with melted cheese and pepperoni slices, is cooking on a grill rack above <a href=

That’s it! Pretty straightforward, right? If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add whatever other pizza toppings you love - mushrooms, olives, even some fresh basil if you want to fancy it up.

Raw sausage links are arranged side by side with toothpicks holding them together on a wire rack. A person wearing a T-shirt with grill and beer graphics stands behind the sausages.

How to Make It

First, preheat your smoker or oven to 375°F. If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a soak in water for about 30 minutes. This step is important because it keeps them from burning.

Now, lay your Italian sausage links side by side so they’re touching. Grab those skewers and insert them across the sausages to hold them together. Think of it like making a sausage plank. This will help keep everything intact while it cooks.

A person wearing a Cooking in the Yard shirt holds a clear plastic container partially filled with water and a few uncooked spaghetti strands inside.

Next, spread that marinara sauce evenly over the sausage. Don’t be shy with it! Then, sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella cheese. I like to go a little heavier on the cheese because who doesn’t love gooey goodness? At this point, add your pepperoni slices and sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top. If you’re going for extra toppings, toss them on now too.

A person sprinkles shredded cheese over raw ground meat shaped like a turtle, topped with sauce, on a wire rack. The person is wearing a dark t-shirt with white designs.

Now, it’s time to cook! Place your sausage bites in the smoker or oven and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes. I always check the internal temperature to make sure they hit at least 165°F. If you want that cheese to be a little crispier, feel free to leave them in for a few extra minutes.

Once they’re done, pull them out and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This is crucial because it keeps the juices in and makes them easier to slice. Carefully remove the skewers, slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces, and serve them hot.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way that might help:

Feel free to mix up the cheese. A blend of mozzarella and provolone is delicious, or even some sharp cheddar for a kick.
If you’re feeling spicy, consider using hot Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
You can experiment with sauces too. If you’re a fan of BBQ, try swapping marinara for your favorite BBQ sauce.
Don’t skip on the Italian seasoning. It really ties the flavors together and gives that classic pizza taste.

A person wearing a Cooking in the Yard t-shirt stands behind a sausage split open and topped with cheese and pepperoni slices, prepared on a wire grill rack.

Serving Ideas

These sausage bites are fantastic as an appetizer or even as a main dish. Pair them with a side salad, some garlic bread, or even a nice antipasto platter. They’re perfect for game day, backyard cookouts, or just a fun family dinner. I also like to set out some extra marinara for dipping. It’s a nice touch that everyone seems to appreciate.

Raw sausages topped with shredded cheese and pepperoni slices are being grilled on a metal mesh rack over open flames. The sausages and toppings are starting to cook, with grill marks visible.

Closing

So there you have it - pepperoni pizza sausage bites that are easy to make and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re grilling for friends or just treating yourself, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I hope you give them a try and enjoy making them as much as I do! Happy grilling!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover Pepperoni Pizza Sausage Bites?

Store leftover Pepperoni Pizza Sausage Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I reheat the Pepperoni Pizza Sausage Bites?

Yes, you can reheat them in the oven at 350F for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

What are some good substitutions for the ingredients?

You can use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage, any type of cheese you prefer, and slices of salami or ham instead of pepperoni.

Can I make the Pepperoni Pizza Sausage Bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bites ahead of time, assemble them, and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake.

What can I do to make the texture more crispy?

For a crispier texture, bake the sausage bites on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet, allowing heat to circulate around them.

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