Who doesn’t love pizza? That irresistible combination of savory pepperoni, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese is a universal crowd-pleaser. Now, imagine all that deliciousness packed into bite-sized, portable mini muffins! These Pepperoni Pizza Minis are an absolute game-changer for snacks, appetizers, or even a fun, kid-friendly meal. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, bake quickly, and disappear even faster. Get ready for a flavorful burst of pizza perfection in every pop-able bite!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big believer in transforming beloved classics into easy, shareable bites, and these Pepperoni Pizza Minis do just that. What I adore most about this recipe is its sheer simplicity and versatility. They come together with minimal effort, making them perfect for unexpected guests, a last-minute party contribution, or a fun afternoon activity with the kids. The combination of fluffy batter, rich marinara, spicy pepperoni, and melted mozzarella is pure comfort food bliss. Plus, they’re perfectly portioned, making them easy to grab and enjoy. They’re always a huge hit, and I guarantee they’ll be gone before you know it!
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Pepperoni Pizza Minis:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
- ½ cup marinara sauce (your favorite jarred or homemade)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni slices are perfect for these small bites, but you can chop regular-sized pepperoni if mini ones aren’t available. For extra crispiness, some people like to pre-cook the pepperoni slightly to render some fat.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix it up! A blend of mozzarella and provolone, or even a touch of Parmesan, would be delicious.
- Marinara Sauce: Use a good quality marinara or pizza sauce that you enjoy the taste of. If your sauce is very thick, you might want to thin it slightly with a teaspoon of water for easier spooning.
- Milk: Any kind of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work in this recipe.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but salted butter works too; just be mindful of the added salt from the pepperoni and cheese.
- Add-ins: Get creative! A pinch of dried oregano or garlic powder can be added to the dry ingredients for more Italian flavor. You could also add finely diced bell peppers, cooked sausage crumbles, or chopped black olives for different variations.
- Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is what you’ll need. Make sure to grease it well, even if using non-stick.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Follow these simple steps to bake your cheesy and delicious Pepperoni Pizza Minis:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another separate bowl, whisk together the milk, large egg, and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine & Fold in Cheese: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix. Then, gently fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the batter.
- Assemble the Minis: Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin (or use paper liners sprayed with non-stick spray). Spoon a layer of batter (about 1 tablespoon) into the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Add Fillings: On top of the first batter layer, add about a teaspoon of marinara sauce to the center of each muffin cup, followed by a few mini pepperoni slices.
- Top & Garnish: Spoon the remaining batter over the fillings, filling each muffin cup about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of each muffin. Place a few more mini pepperoni slices on top of the cheese for a nice presentation.
- 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 of the batter part should come out clean.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the muffins cool slightly in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten and can lead to tough muffins.
- Grease Muffin Tin Well: Even with a non-stick tin, thoroughly greasing each cup (or using paper liners) will ensure your pizza minis pop out easily.
- Don’t Overfill: Fill muffin cups about two-thirds full to prevent overflow. The batter will rise as it bakes.
- Use Mini Pepperoni: While you can chop larger pepperoni, the mini slices are perfectly sized for these small bites and cook beautifully without burning.
- Warm for Best Flavor: These are definitely best served warm, when the cheese is gooey and the flavors are vibrant.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Pepperoni Pizza Minis are fantastic on their own as a snack or appetizer. For dipping, offer a small bowl of extra warm marinara sauce. They make a great addition to a party spread, or as a fun, deconstructed pizza night meal. Pair them with a simple green salad for a lighter touch, or serve them alongside some easy-to-make Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for an ultimate casual feast.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Pepperoni Pizza Minis can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Microwaving is an option, but they might lose some of their crispness. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature then reheat.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the cheesy, savory goodness and ease of these Pizza Minis, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic comfort food and appetizer recipes:
- For another incredibly cheesy and easy party dip, check out This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- If you love classic flavors reimagined into a fun dip, you’ll adore How I Turned A Classic Sandwich Into The Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- For a comforting, hearty, and universally loved meal, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce is a timeless favorite.
- And for a fantastic sheet pan meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd quickly, don’t miss These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast.
Final Thoughts
These Pepperoni Pizza Minis are a testament to how simple ingredients and a clever presentation can create a truly delightful and satisfying treat. They’re quick, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. Give them a try, and prepare for them to become a new favorite in your snack repertoire!
What are your favorite mini-sized snacks or appetizers to make at home? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and inspiring recipes.
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