Pizza Cupcakes

These Pizza Cupcakes are a playful fusion of everything you love about pizza packaged in the convenience of a muffin. Oozing with melted cheese and layered with pepperoni, each bite gives you gooey, savory comfort. They are perfect when you want a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast at parties, or an easy weeknight dinner that makes kids and adults equally happy.

I made these for my son’s birthday party and they vanished before any other appetizer was touched. Since then my family asks for pizza cupcakes every time we have a game night.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: brings structure and holds the pizza cupcake shape Use fresh for best results and fluff it with a fork before measuring
• Baking powder: creates the light rise that makes these puffy and soft Make sure it is fresh so they do not turn out dense
• Dried oregano: gives classic pizza flavor Choose a fragrant blend for best taste
• Garlic powder: adds a savory punch Fresh garlic can be too pungent so powder works best here
• Salt and black pepper: balance and enhance all the flavors Use kosher salt for a clean taste
• Large eggs: give richness and help bind the cupcakes together Crack into a separate bowl to avoid shells
• Whole milk: keeps the crumb tender Opt for full fat for best flavor and texture
• Olive oil: brings moisture and a touch of fruity depth Use extra virgin for extra flavor
• Pizza sauce: adds tomatoey tang and keeps the cupcakes moist Choose a thick robust sauce so the batter is not watery
• Mini pepperoni: delivers classic pizza taste in every bite Look for ones with bright color and not greasy
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: gives you the gooey melt Go for whole milk mozzarella and grate it fresh if possible
• Grated Parmesan cheese: layered flavor and a bit of salty punch Buy a block and grate yourself for best results
• Cubes of mozzarella: hide a melty cheesy center inside Always cut evenly so every cupcake gets a perfect pocket

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and grease a twelve cup muffin tin so nothing sticks I find a nonstick spray is quickest but you can also use oil and a paper towel

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk your flour with baking powder oregano garlic powder salt and pepper Spend a minute whisking so the baking powder disperses evenly and your cupcakes rise properly

Prepare Wet Mix:

In another bowl beat eggs with milk olive oil and pizza sauce until fully blended The batter should look smooth and slightly orange from the sauce

Combine Batter:

Slowly pour the wet mix into your dry ingredients Use a spatula to mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour Overmixing can make the cupcakes tough so stop as soon as combined

Stir in Cheeses and Pepperoni:

Gently fold in three quarters of the shredded mozzarella the Parmesan and most of the pepperoni Save a little of both for sprinkling on top The batter will be thick

Fill Muffin Cups:

Spoon batter into the muffin tin filling each about halfway Place one mozzarella cube into the center pressing it down Then cover with the rest of the batter making sure the cheese is tucked inside

Top and Bake:

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and mini pepperoni over each cupcake so every bite is cheesy and packed with flavor Bake in the center of the oven for fifteen to eighteen minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese bubbles

Cool and Serve:

Let cupcakes cool five minutes in the pan to set the cheese I use a thin spatula to loosen them before transferring to a plate Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping

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My favorite part is dropping the mozzarella cube inside the batter It melts into the center so every bite is chewy and gooey This little surprise always makes my kids giggle when they take their first bite and find melty cheese

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days Leave a corner of the lid slightly open so the tops stay crisp To reheat place them in a toaster oven or low oven for five minutes and the cheese will melt again

Ingredient Substitutions

Try cooked sausage or sliced mushrooms instead of pepperoni for a different flavor Vegetarians can use chopped olives and roasted peppers and swap in a plant based cheese with good melting qualities

Serving Suggestions

Pizza cupcakes are delicious with a crisp green salad or classic Caesar Try serving them with bowls of warm pizza sauce ranch or garlicky yogurt dip for dunking For parties set out a platter with different dips and let everyone choose

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Cultural Context

Muffin tin pizza is an American invention loved for its ease and fun factor Turning pizza flavors into hand held bites makes it easy to serve at gatherings You get that classic pizza taste in a fresh new way

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of cheese works best for these savory cupcakes?

Shredded mozzarella creates a melty texture, and adding cubes of mozzarella inside delivers a gooey center. Grated Parmesan adds depth and savory flavor.

→ Can I use regular pepperoni instead of mini?

Yes, simply dice regular pepperoni into small pieces to evenly distribute flavor throughout each bite.

→ What’s a tip for extra flavor on top?

Brush freshly baked cupcakes with garlic butter just before serving to add a rich, aromatic finish.

→ Can these be made in advance?

Yes, store cooled cupcakes in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving for best texture.

→ What dipping sauce pairs well with these?

Classic pizza sauce or marinara works perfectly as a side for dipping, but ranch dressing is also a crowd favorite.