Pizza Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of pizza, you’ll love these Pizza Cupcakes! They are easy to make, customizable, and a perfect option for meal prepping, parties, or even as a fun weeknight dinner. With the combination of dough, melted cheese, and savory pizza toppings, these cupcakes give you all the delicious flavors of pizza in a bite-sized form. Plus, you can customize them with any toppings you love!

Ingredients

• 1 can pizza dough (or homemade dough)

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup pepperoni slices (or other toppings like sausage, mushrooms, olives, etc.)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with muffin liners.

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 12 equal squares (about 3x3 inches).

3. Press each square of dough into the muffin tin, creating a crust that lines the bottom and sides of each muffin cup.

4. Spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce into each dough-lined muffin cup.

5. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

6. Top with your choice of pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, etc.), followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

7. Sprinkle the tops with dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 mini Pizza Cupcakes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Pizza Cupcakes: Skip the meat toppings and opt for veggies like bell peppers, onions, spinach, and mushrooms.

• BBQ Chicken Pizza Cupcakes: Use BBQ sauce in place of marinara and top with cooked chicken, red onions, and cilantro.

• Buffalo Chicken Pizza Cupcakes: Swap marinara for buffalo sauce and top with shredded chicken, blue cheese, and celery.

• Gluten-Free Pizza Cupcakes: Use a gluten-free pizza dough or a pre-made gluten-free crust.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Pizza Cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough! Just make sure it's enough to line 12 muffin cups, and roll it out to the right thickness.

2. Can I freeze Pizza Cupcakes?

Yes, Pizza Cupcakes freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.

3. How do I make these Pizza Cupcakes vegetarian?

You can make them vegetarian by using just veggies as toppings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, olives, and onions.

4. Can I make these Pizza Cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time. Assemble the Pizza Cupcakes, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. Can I use different cheeses for the filling?

Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even ricotta for a different flavor.

6. Can I use a different sauce other than marinara?

Absolutely! You can use BBQ sauce, Alfredo sauce, or even pesto if you prefer.

7. What other toppings can I add to my Pizza Cupcakes?

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add mushrooms, sausage, onions, olives, green peppers, or even pineapple if you're into Hawaiian pizza.

8. How can I make my Pizza Cupcakes spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy sausage to give your Pizza Cupcakes an extra kick.

9. Can I use mini muffin tins for this recipe?

Yes, you can use mini muffin tins to make smaller versions of these Pizza Cupcakes. Just reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overcooking them.

10. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?

Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly for these Pizza Cupcakes. You can also use pesto for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Pizza Cupcakes are a creative, fun, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a convenient, bite-sized form. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick dinner, or simply craving pizza, these little treats will be a hit. Plus, they’re super customizable, so you can make them exactly to your taste. Enjoy!