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Mini Pizza Muffins

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Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 mini muffins
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: Low effort, high reward. Perfect for beginners, kids, and last-minute gatherings.

Introduction

Say goodbye to delivery and hello to these adorable, customizable Mini Pizza Muffins! Combining the irresistible flavors of a pepperoni pizza with the fun, grab-and-go convenience of a muffin, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re incredibly easy to make, require no yeast or dough-rising, and are perfect for parties, game days, after-school snacks, or a quick family dinner. The recipe is forgiving and flexible—swap in your favorite toppings to make them your own.

Ingredients

For the Muffin Base:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk

  • 1 large egg

  • ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil or olive oil

For the Filling & Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

  • 1 cup (120g) mini pepperoni slices (or finely chopped regular pepperoni), divided

  • ½ cup (130g) pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus extra for serving

  • ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Optional additions: finely diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, cooked Italian sausage crumbles, chopped mushrooms.

Equipment Needed

  • Standard 24-cup mini muffin tin

  • Non-stick cooking spray or extra oil for greasing

  • Two mixing bowls (one large, one medium)

  • Whisk

  • Spatula

  • Tablespoon or cookie scoop

  • Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease all 24 cups of your mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or a brush of oil. This is crucial for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Savory Muffin Batter

In the large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
In the medium bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: milk, egg, and oil until fully combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing will lead to dense muffins.

Step 3: Fold in the Goodies

To the batter, add 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and ¾ cup of the mini pepperoni. Gently fold them in until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick.

Step 4: Fill and Top

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each to just below the rim.
Now, create the classic pizza look: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of pizza sauce onto the center of each muffin. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, a few pieces of the reserved pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the muffins are puffed, the edges are golden brown, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This allows them to set. Then, carefully run a small knife around the edges of each muffin and transfer them to a cooling rack.
Serve warm with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Chef’s Notes & Customization Ideas

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the batter (without mixing in fillings) and chop toppings up to a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge and combine just before baking.

  • Storage & Reheating: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes until crispy and hot. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

  • Dietary Swaps: Use gluten-free 1:1 flour blend and dairy-free cheese/milk for dietary restrictions. For a veggie-packed version, add a handful of finely chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the batter.

Nutrition Information (Per 1 Mini Pizza Muffin)

Note: Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with specific ingredients and toppings used.

  • Calories: ~85 kcal

  • Total Fat: 5g

  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g

  • Cholesterol: 15mg

  • Sodium: 180mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5g

  • Sugars: 1g

  • Protein: 3g

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