Pizza Buns are easy, cheesy handheld bites made with pizza dough, pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and pepperoni. They’re kid-friendly, portable, customizable, and great for lunches, snacks, or quick dinners!
Still craving pizza? Check out my Pizza Toast, Pizza Rolls, and French Bread Pizza for more easy ways to get your fix!
When that pizza craving hits, and I do not feel like ordering takeout, these Pizza Buns are one of my favorite things to make.
They are essentially mini pizzas, reminiscent of those grocery store pizza buns I was unable to resist on my lunch breaks in high school! (Okay, even now).
My kids love them because they’re easy to hold, easy to pack into lunches, and perfect for an after-school snack, pizza party, or simple dinners! I love keeping a batch in the freezer since they make busy days so much easier.
Ingredients for Pizza Buns:
- Pizza dough: Use one batch of homemade pizza dough or pre-made pizza dough!
- Pizza sauce: Homemade Roasted Tomato Sauce is a great option here, but honestly, any store-bought tomato-based sauce you like will work just fine too.
- Shredded cheese: Use mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a pizza blend, depending on what you have in the fridge!
- Pepperoni: Totally optional, but it adds that classic pizza flavor!
How to make easy Pizza Buns:
I love these for easy lunches because they’re cheesy, portable, and so easy to customize! Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredient amounts and instructions.
- Roll dough into small, flat circles.
- Spread sauce thinly to the edges.
- Add cheese and pepperoni, if using.
- Bake until melted and lightly golden.
Tips for the perfect Pizza Buns:
- Get the sauce and cheese right to the edge! The cheesier, the better in our books.
- Let the dough rest if needed: If your dough is springing back while you roll it, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes and try again.
- Make extra for the freezer: I love making a bigger batch when I can, because these freeze perfectly and are so handy for quick lunches and snacks!
- Make the dough ahead of time: If making homemade pizza dough, you can prep this a day before to cut down on prep time.
How to store Pizza Buns:
Store leftover Pizza Buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm them in the microwave for a quick snack, or pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again. The oven gives the best texture if you have the extra time!
To freeze, let the buns cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer so they aren’t touching, then freeze for 1 hour until firm. Transfer to a large freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat from frozen in the microwave for convenience, or warm in the oven for a slightly crispier finish!
Serving suggestions:
Pizza Buns are great on their own, but I love serving them with a simple side to make them feel a little more complete.
For something fresh and hearty, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Homemade Coleslaw or Greek Pasta Salad are both easy wins and pair really well with all that cheesy, saucy goodness.
For hungrier eaters, you can add Air Fryer Meatballs on the side, or serve the buns alongside Baked Chicken Breast for a little extra protein.
They also work well with extra warm pizza sauce for dipping if you want to lean even harder into the pizza night vibe!
Pizza Buns
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 recipe pizza dough
- ¼ cup pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni, (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pizza dough recipe. Optional: let rise for 30-60 minutes — this is not necessary but results in fluffier buns and makes it a bit easier to roll out.
- Take a small portion of dough and roll out into a flat circle. The thicker you leave the dough, the more puffed your pizza buns will be. I get about 10 3-4" rounds from one pizza dough recipe.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on your dough, all the way to the edges.
- Top with cheese and pepperoni if using.
- Preheat oven to 425℉
- Bake 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool 5-10 minutes before serving.
Prepare for the freezer:
- Let cool to room temperature. Fill a baking sheet with pizza buns, making sure they are not touching. Freeze for 1 hour until firm, then place in large freezer bags. Return to the freezer for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Tag @thereciperebelVariations and Substitutions
- Veggie Pizza Buns: Add finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Just be sure any vegetables are cooked or very finely chopped so they don’t release too much moisture.
- Meat lovers version: Add cooked air fryer bacon, ham, or crumbled sausage along with or instead of pepperoni!
- Sauce swap: Try pesto, Alfredo, or even barbecue sauce for a fun twist on the classic flavor.
- Kid-friendly customization: Make a few different kinds on the same tray so everyone gets their favorite pizza toppings!
Debbie says
These would be grea tfor a potluck, can they be kept out at room temperature?
Ashley says
You could leave them at room temp for a few hours maybe (I know I have before), but you do have to be careful because of the meat.
Rachel G says
These look seriously good. I’m the kind of person who never gets tired of pizza, either. By the way, I love your title for yourself “Recipe improviser”. I’m the same kind of person.
Ashley says
Thanks Rachel! Recipes must never be taken too seriously 🙂
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says
I never get sick of pizza! How could I, after years of looking forward to pizza day in the lunch line at school and Elio’s Pizzas or Pizza rolls? (I seriously love pizza). These pizza buns are so cute, I’ll have to try them out ASAP! 😀
Ashley says
Thanks Jess! I don’t know anyone who gets sick of pizza!
Shinee says
Love this recipe, Ashley! I, too, love pizza so much! I especially like the idea of freezing them to have them on demand later. Have a great day.
Ashley says
Thanks Shinee! I love to stock up my freezer!
Matt Robinson says
I can’t even describe to you how great these look. My first thought – my boys would love these. My second thought – I would love these even more!
Ashley says
Thanks Matt! It’s hard to go wrong with dough and cheese in any shape! I’m sure I’ll be sneaking some of them into my own lunch 😉