Perfectly portable and irresistibly cheesy, these Garlic Butter Pizza Cupcakes are bite-sized pizza rolls baked in muffin tins—loaded with marinara, mozzarella, and mini pepperoni, all wrapped in soft dough and brushed with savory garlic butter. Ideal for parties, game day, or picnic snacking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Pizza Cupcakes are everything you love about classic pizza in a fun, bite-sized format. They’re easy to assemble, kid-friendly, and perfectly portable—making them ideal for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep. The golden, flaky crust cradles layers of melty mozzarella, zesty sauce, and crispy pepperoni, all finished with a rich garlic butter glaze and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or packing a lunchbox, these savory mini pizzas offer the flavor and comfort of pizza in a convenient handheld form.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 12 equal squares.
- Press each dough square into the muffin cups, covering the bottom and sides to form a well.
- Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce into each dough cup.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and mini pepperoni slices.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Brush the tops of the dough cups with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle each with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the pan. Serve warm or pack to go.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 mini pizza cupcakes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per pizza cupcake
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace pepperoni with diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Extra Cheesy: Add a cube of mozzarella or sprinkle more cheese inside for a gooey center.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices for heat.
- BBQ Style: Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and use chicken and red onion as the filling.
- Italian Herb Blend: Mix Italian seasoning into the dough or butter glaze for added depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for 8–10 minutes until warm and crisp. These cupcakes also freeze well. Wrap each in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of canned?
Yes, homemade dough works just as well—just roll it out and cut into 12 squares as directed.
What’s the best way to prevent sticking?
Use nonstick spray generously or line muffin cups with parchment paper liners.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough available at most grocery stores.
What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend also melt well and taste great.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the cupcakes and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
Are these good for kids?
Absolutely—they’re the perfect size and flavor for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Can I make larger versions in jumbo muffin tins?
Yes, just increase the amount of dough and filling per cup and bake a few minutes longer.
How do I make them crispier on the bottom?
Pre-bake the dough cups for 3 minutes before adding fillings to help crisp the base.
Can I serve these at room temperature?
Yes, though they’re best warm, they’re still tasty at room temp—perfect for picnics or potlucks.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or even spicy aioli make great accompaniments.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Pizza Cupcakes are the perfect combination of convenience and comfort, capturing the essence of pizza in a snackable, muffin-sized package. With crispy dough, melty cheese, savory sauce, and a garlic-butter finish, these mini bites are ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests, prepping meals, or just craving a quick savory treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to in your kitchen.
PrintGarlic Butter Pizza Cupcakes
Perfectly portable and irresistibly cheesy, these Garlic Butter Pizza Cupcakes are bite-sized pizza rolls baked in muffin tins—loaded with marinara, mozzarella, and mini pepperoni, all wrapped in soft dough and brushed with savory garlic butter. Ideal for parties, game day, or picnic snacking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pizza cupcakes 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut into 12 equal squares.
- Press each square into the bottom and sides of the muffin cups to form little cups.
- Spoon a bit of marinara sauce into each dough cup, then top with shredded mozzarella and mini pepperoni.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush tops of cupcakes with the garlic butter mixture.
- Sprinkle each with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before removing from pan. Serve warm or pack for a picnic!
Notes
- Substitute mini pepperoni with cooked sausage or veggies for a meatless version.
- Great for make-ahead snacks—store in the fridge and reheat as needed.
- Serve with extra marinara for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza cupcake
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg