If you’re a fan of pizza (and who isn’t?), you’re going to love these Pepperoni Pizza Muffins. They’re soft, cheesy, packed with classic pizza flavor, and baked into convenient, handheld muffin form. Whether you’re prepping for a game day party, looking for a quick after-school snack, or just craving something savory and fun, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe
These pizza muffins check all the boxes: they’re easy to make, kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. You get the comforting taste of pepperoni pizza in a warm, fluffy muffin with gooey cheese and marinara tucked inside. Plus, they’re portable and mess-free—perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or munching during movie night.
Ingredients
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 100 ml milk
- 1 large egg
- 50g melted butter
- 100g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50g mini pepperoni slices
- 100g marinara sauce
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Cheese: Try sharp cheddar or a pizza blend instead of mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Pepperoni Substitute: Swap with diced ham, cooked bacon, or go vegetarian with chopped mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based cheese and butter alternatives.
- Add-ins: Black olives, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning go great in the batter.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Muffins
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Make the Batter
Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
5. Add the Pizza Goodness
Fold in the shredded mozzarella and mini pepperoni slices until evenly distributed.
6. Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling about ¾ full. Top each with a small dollop of marinara sauce.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Let muffins cool slightly in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack. Garnish with chopped basil and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the muffins fluffy.
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save time (or shred fresh for maximum melt).
- Mini muffin tins work great for party-friendly bites—just reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These muffins are great on their own, but they also shine with dips and sides:
- Dip in extra marinara or ranch for extra flavor.
- Pair with a side of Beer Cheese Dip for a cheesy, savory snack spread.
- Serve with a big salad or Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a casual family dinner.
- Hosting a party? Add these to a platter alongside Crockpot Nacho Dip and Dorito Casserole.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Pop in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more bite-sized or cheesy snacks? Try these:
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
- Dorito Casserole
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Crockpot Nacho Dip
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Final Thoughts
These Pepperoni Pizza Muffins are an easy win for both casual snacking and impressive entertaining. They’re cheesy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re meal prepping, party hosting, or just craving comfort food, these muffins deliver every time.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes.
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