Who doesn’t love pizza and muffins? Now imagine combining both into one irresistible bite — Cheesy Pizza Muffins! These savory, cheesy, and fluffy muffins are packed with your favorite pizza flavors and are perfect for busy weeknights, kids’ lunches, or party appetizers. Whether you’re looking for an easy grab-and-go snack or a crowd-pleasing game day treat, cheesy pizza muffins deliver big flavor in a small, handheld package. Best of all? You only need simple pantry ingredients to whip them up in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pizza Muffins Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: One bowl, no mixer, and ready in under 30 minutes!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike devour these mini pizza muffins.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or sausage.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These muffins store well and reheat beautifully.
- Great for On-the-Go: A savory snack you can pack in lunchboxes or enjoy on the run.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Cheesy Pizza Muffins
Here are the key ingredients that make these muffins so cheesy, fluffy, and flavorful:
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of the muffin that holds everything together.
- Baking Powder & Soda – Helps the muffins rise and stay soft inside.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
- Mini Pepperoni – Gives these muffins classic pizza flavor in every bite.
- Italian Seasoning – Brings in the authentic pizza aroma and taste.
- Buttermilk (or Milk + Vinegar) – Keeps the muffins tender and moist.
- Egg – Binds all the ingredients into a perfect muffin batter.
- Pizza Sauce (optional) – Adds extra richness and flavor to the mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Pizza Muffins
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Add the flavor: Gently fold in mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, and optional pizza sauce. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fill the muffin pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with a side of marinara or pizza sauce for dipping!
Expert Tip: For extra cheesy tops, sprinkle a little mozzarella on each muffin before baking.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add Veggies: Finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms add extra flavor and texture.
- Make it Spicy: Toss in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Use Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use almond milk.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze muffins in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re craving more creative twists on pizza, check out these mouthwatering recipes that are just as easy and delicious:
- Pepperoni Pizza Sloppy Joes Dinner – A bold and cheesy mashup of two comfort food classics.
- Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas – Crispy, gooey, and ready in minutes for the ultimate pizza night shortcut.
- BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas – A smoky, tangy take on pizza with melty cheese and tender chicken.
These easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying pizza cravings anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use regular-sized muffin tins?
Yes! Just increase the baking time to 20–22 minutes. Be sure to check doneness with a toothpick.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
Feel free to use cooked sausage, chopped ham, or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. These muffins are perfect for meal prep and freeze well.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Classic marinara, ranch, or even garlic butter work wonderfully for dipping!
Cheesy Pizza Muffins are the fun, flavorful snack you didn’t know you needed. Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with that crave-worthy pizza taste, they’re a hit every time. Try them for your next snack craving or lunchbox filler, and let us know how you topped yours! Don’t forget to share this recipe and follow us for more cheesy, delicious creations.
Cheesy Pizza Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk or milk + 1/2 tsp vinegar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce optional
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg with buttermilk.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, and pizza sauce.
- Spoon the batter into muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Cool slightly, then serve with dipping sauce.