Introduction

These easy pizza cupcakes are a fun and tasty snack perfect for kids and adults alike. Using simple ingredients and a muffin tin, you can create bite-sized pizza treats that are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside.

The image shows several mini pepperoni pizzas in a muffin shape, arranged on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. Each pizza has a golden-brown crust forming the base layer, topped by a bright red tomato sauce layer. Above the sauce is melted mozzarella cheese, which is bubbly and slightly browned around the edges. On top of the cheese are three to four glossy, round pepperoni slices that are crisped slightly on the edges, sprinkled lightly with dried herbs for garnish. The pizzas are close together, filling the white plate fully. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (8-count) cans refrigerated flaky layer biscuit dough
1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
2 cups shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
½ cup mini pepperoni slices
½ cup finely diced bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange)
¼ cup finely diced red onion
¼ cup sliced black olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or dried oregano
Optional additions: cooked & crumbled beef sausage, pre-cooked diced beef ham, sautéed mushrooms (fully cooked and drained)
Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or olive oil and place it on a large baking sheet. Organize all ingredients in separate bowls.
Step 2: Separate 16 biscuits from the two cans of biscuit dough. Flatten each biscuit into a rough 4-inch circle, about ¼ to ⅛ inch thick in the center with slightly thicker edges.
Step 3: Press each flattened biscuit carefully into a prepared muffin cup, lining the bottom and sides with a slight overhang to form a cup.
Step 4: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza or marinara sauce into the bottom of each dough-lined muffin cup. Sprinkle around 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Step 5: Evenly distribute the prepared toppings, such as mini pepperoni, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives, among all 16 cups. Ensure any high-moisture vegetables or meats are fully cooked and drained before adding.
Step 6: Top each cupcake with another generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and a tiny dusting of grated Parmesan if using.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until biscuit edges are golden and cheese is bubbly with golden spots. Rotate the muffin tin halfway if needed for even browning.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the pizza cupcakes rest in the tin for 5 minutes. Use a small spatula or butter knife to loosen edges, then carefully lift them out and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
Step 9: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh basil over the warm cupcakes and optionally add grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Substitute biscuit dough with pizza dough for a chewier crust.
Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese for extra flavor.
Try different toppings such as cooked sausage, ham, or sautéed mushrooms for variety.
Make sure to drain any cooked vegetables or meats to avoid soggy bottoms.
For a crispier crust, bake a few extra minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover pizza cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until heated through to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Four mini pepperoni pizza muffins sit close together on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each muffin has three main layers: the bottom crust is golden-brown and slightly crispy, the middle layer is melted white mozzarella cheese with a soft, stretchy texture, and the top layer has small, round, shiny red pepperoni slices evenly spaced, some curled slightly at the edges. A light sprinkle of dark green dried herbs tops the cheese and pepperoni, adding a bit of contrast. The edges of the muffins are browned and caramelized with a bubbly appearance, giving them a fresh-baked look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze pizza cupcakes?

Yes, allow them to cool completely and then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven without thawing for best results.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just keep in mind that mozzarella melts best for that classic pizza texture.