Get ready for a fun, bite-sized burst of pizza goodness with these incredible Pepperoni Pizza Mini’s! These savory muffins take all the beloved flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza – zesty marinara, spicy pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella – and bake them into convenient, fluffy muffin cups. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick snack, a kid-friendly lunch, or a delightful party appetizer that will disappear in minutes!
Why I Love This Recipe
These Pepperoni Pizza Mini’s are an absolute hit in my kitchen, and I absolutely adore them for their ultimate convenience and irresistible flavor! What’s not to love about taking familiar pizza ingredients and baking them into perfectly portioned muffins? The basic muffin batter bakes up wonderfully fluffy, creating a tender base for the savory marinara sauce, spicy mini pepperoni slices, and generous amounts of melty mozzarella cheese. They’re quick to mix, bake beautifully, and are fantastic for on-the-go snacking or a fun twist on pizza night. Plus, the minimal cleanup is always a win!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Pepperoni Pizza Mini’s:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter (unsalted recommended)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Mini Pepperoni Slices: Mini pepperoni are ideal as they fit well into the muffin cups and distribute evenly. If you only have regular pepperoni, you can chop them finely.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is best for meltiness. You can use a pizza blend or a mix of mozzarella and provolone.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce for convenience.
- Milk: Whole or 2% milk will provide the best moisture.
- Melted Butter: Unsalted melted butter is recommended.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic finish. If you don’t have fresh basil, a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning can be mixed into the batter.
- Optional Additions: A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder in the dry ingredients, or a tiny sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Pepperoni Pizza Mini’s baking!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin well with cooking spray or butter, or line it with paper muffin liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another separate bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup melted butter until smooth.
- Combine & Add Cheese: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in half (1/4 cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Assemble Muffins (Layering): Spoon a layer of batter into the bottom of each muffin cup, filling it about one-third full. Add a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of marinara sauce into the center of the batter in each cup, followed by a few mini pepperoni slices. Top with more batter, filling the muffin cups about two-thirds full.
- Final Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few more mini pepperoni slices on top of each muffin.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown around the edges and cooked through (a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean).
- Garnish and Serve: Let the muffins cool slightly in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix Batter: This is key for tender muffins. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
- Grease Well: Ensure your muffin tin is well greased (or use liners) to prevent sticking, especially with the cheese.
- Layering: Layering the ingredients ensures every bite has sauce, pepperoni, and cheese.
- Mini Pepperoni: Using mini pepperoni makes them easier to distribute and less likely to weigh down the batter.
- Serve Warm: These are definitely best served warm when the cheese is gooey and the muffin is soft.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Pepperoni Pizza Mini’s are incredibly versatile and perfect for:
- Quick Lunch or Snack: Grab a few for an easy meal on the go.
- After-School Treat: A fun and satisfying snack for kids.
- Party Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter for game nights, birthdays, or any casual gathering.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing cheesy bites, consider our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or our This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These pizza mini’s are great for meal prep and store well!
- Room Temperature: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, or in warm climates, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual muffins in the microwave until warmed through. For best results (to re-crisp the tops), reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300-350°F (150-175°C) until warm and the cheese is re-melted.
- Freezing: Pizza Mini’s freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave or toaster oven.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of these pizza mini’s, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that are perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings:
- For another easy cheesy chicken bite, check out our Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
- If you’re a fan of easy one-pan dinners, our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit is a fantastic option.
- And for an easy weeknight shortcut that’s packed with flavor, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
Final Thoughts
These Pepperoni Pizza Mini’s are a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying treat to your table with ease. They’re perfect for a quick snack, a fun meal, or anytime you crave pure, cheesy, pizza goodness in a convenient bite!
Give this recipe a try and let these delicious mini’s become a new family favorite! What’s your go-to fun food that’s perfect for both kids and adults? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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