Have you ever wished you could enjoy the bold flavors of pizza in a fun, portable, bite-sized form? That’s exactly what Pizza Cupcakes deliver. They’re soft, cheesy, and customizable—perfect for parties, family dinners, or quick snacks. Unlike traditional pizza, these cupcakes are easy to make, portion-controlled, and kid-friendly, making them a new favorite for both weeknights and gatherings.
Ingredients and Tools
Here’s everything you’ll need to create delicious Pizza Cupcakes at home:
Ingredients:
-
1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
-
1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut small)
-
½ cup cooked sausage crumbles (optional)
-
½ cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
-
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon dried basil
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Tools:
-
Standard muffin or cupcake tin (12-count)
-
Non-stick cooking spray or muffin liners
-
Rolling pin (if using homemade dough)
-
Mixing bowls
-
Spoon or ladle
-
Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to make the perfect Pizza Cupcakes:
Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin
-
Lightly coat each muffin cup with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment cupcake liners.
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
-
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
-
Cut into 12 even squares (large enough to fit into the muffin tin cups with a slight overhang).
-
Press each dough square into the muffin tin, making a small dough “cup.”
Tip: If the dough shrinks, let it rest for 5 minutes before stretching again.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasoning
-
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce into each dough cup.
-
Sprinkle a pinch of oregano, basil, and garlic powder over the sauce for extra flavor.
Step 4: Add Fillings
-
Add a small handful of mozzarella cheese, then layer your toppings (pepperoni, sausage, veggies, olives).
-
Top with another light sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Inline Tip: Don’t overfill—this prevents cheese overflow during baking.
Step 5: Bake
-
Bake for 15–18 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
-
Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before removing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
-
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce or ranch for dipping.
-
Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Pizza Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cupcakes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the fridge covered with plastic wrap, then bake when ready to serve.
2. How do I store leftover Pizza Cupcakes?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
3. Can I freeze Pizza Cupcakes?
Absolutely. Once cooled, wrap individually in foil and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.
4. What substitutions can I make?
-
Use whole wheat dough for a healthier option.
-
Replace pepperoni with turkey pepperoni or grilled chicken.
-
Make them vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more veggies.
5. Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pizza dough (store-bought or homemade). The rest of the recipe remains the same.
6. Can I use biscuit dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Biscuit dough creates a slightly fluffier cupcake but works wonderfully as a substitute.
Conclusion
Pizza Cupcakes are the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, a party snack, or a kid-approved lunch, this recipe is sure to impress. Their customizable nature makes them versatile—you can go classic with pepperoni or create gourmet versions with sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and spinach.
Print
PIZZA CUPCAKES
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 Pizza Cupcakes 1x
Description
Pizza Cupcakes are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, family dinners, or quick snacks. They’re cheesy, customizable, and kid-friendly
Ingredients
Ingredients:
-
1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
-
1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut small)
-
½ cup cooked sausage crumbles (optional)
-
½ cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
-
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon dried basil
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Pizza Cupcake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg