Description
Bite-sized, cheesy Pizza Cupcakes made with tender dough cups filled with tangy pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a fun weeknight twist on classic pizza.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough, 1 pound (homemade or store-bought, enough to line 12 muffin cups)
- Pizza Sauce, 1 cup (marinara or your favorite pizza sauce)
- Mozzarella Cheese, 2 cups shredded (fresh preferred for best melt)
- Parmesan Cheese, 1/4 cup grated (for a salty, nutty finish)
- Mini Pepperoni or Vegetarian Pepperoni, 1/2 cup (or 1/2 cup cooked mushrooms or olives for a vegetarian option)
- Bell Peppers, 1/2 cup diced (adds sweetness and color)
- Olive Oil, 1 tablespoon (for brushing the crust)
- Italian Seasoning, 1 teaspoon (herby depth)
- Fresh Basil, a handful chopped (for finishing)
- Cooking spray or butter, as needed (to grease the muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare Sauce and Toppings: In a small bowl, stir pizza sauce with Italian seasoning. Shred mozzarella and grate Parmesan. Dice bell peppers and prepare pepperoni or chosen toppings.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough to an even thickness. Cut into 12 rounds large enough to line each muffin cup.
- Line Muffin Cups: Press each dough round into the prepared muffin wells, forming a cup with edges slightly overlapping the sides.
- Fill Cups: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of seasoned pizza sauce into each dough cup. Add a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella, a few pieces of pepperoni or veggies, then a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Finish: Remove from oven, brush the crusts lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the warm cupcakes. Let rest 2 to 3 minutes so they set.
- Serve: Carefully lift the pizza cupcakes from the tin, arrange on a serving platter, and serve warm with optional dipping sauces.
Notes
- Lightly grease the muffin tin to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- For crisper bottoms, prebake the dough cups for 3 to 4 minutes before filling.
- Mix cheeses for a deeper flavor profile, for example mozzarella with provolone or fontina.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: pizza cupcakes, mini pizzas, party snacks, appetizer, kid-friendly, pizza bites