Name: Mini Garlic Butter Pizza Cupcakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/3 cup mini pepperoni; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or parsley; Optional: grated Parmesan for garnish

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Mini Garlic Butter Pizza Cupcakes are a fun, handheld twist on classic pizza, perfect for snacking or entertaining. Baked in muffin tins with a flaky crust, savory sauce, melted mozzarella, and mini pepperoni, each bite is packed with cheesy, garlicky flavor and golden buttery goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and portable pizza alternative
Quick and easy to prepare
Kid-friendly and perfect for lunchboxes
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Great for parties, game days, or appetizers
Crispy edges and gooey centers
Healthier when made with whole wheat dough and part-skim cheese
Minimal cleanup with muffin tin baking
Ideal for batch prep and freezing
Comfort food made convenient

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup mini pepperoni
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or parsley
Optional: grated Parmesan for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Roll out the dough and cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each square into a muffin cup, shaping it up the sides to form a shell.
Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of pizza sauce into each dough cup, followed by shredded mozzarella and a few mini pepperoni slices.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian herbs or parsley. Brush this mixture onto the edges of the dough.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and top with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 pizza cupcakes. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and baking time is 12–15 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 25 minutes.

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace pepperoni with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
Lighter version: Use turkey pepperoni, whole wheat dough, and part-skim mozzarella.
Extra cheesy: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for added flavor.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle on top.
Mini calzones: Fold dough over the filling and seal for a stuffed version.
Breakfast version: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon in place of pizza toppings.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispness, or microwave briefly (30–45 seconds). To freeze, allow to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat frozen cupcakes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use crescent dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes, crescent roll dough works well and adds a slightly buttery, flaky texture to the crust.

How do I keep the dough from shrinking in the muffin tin?

Press the dough firmly into the cups and slightly up the sides to hold its shape during baking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cupcakes a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for best results.

What kind of sauce should I use?

Use a classic pizza sauce or marinara. A thicker sauce works best to avoid soggy dough.

Can I freeze these pizza cupcakes?

Absolutely. Cool completely before freezing. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best texture.

How do I make them vegetarian?

Skip the pepperoni and add vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or spinach.

Can I use shredded cheese blends?

Yes, blends like Italian mix or mozzarella-provolone work well and melt beautifully.

Are these suitable for kids?

Yes, they’re a fun, kid-friendly snack or lunchbox item. You can also customize toppings to suit your child’s taste.

Can I add toppings inside the dough instead of on top?

Yes, you can layer toppings between sauce and cheese or even fold the dough over for a stuffed version.

What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

Serve warm on a platter with a side of extra marinara or garlic butter for dipping.

Conclusion

Mini Garlic Butter Pizza Cupcakes are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that delivers the beloved flavors of pizza in a fun, bite-sized form. With endless topping options and minimal prep time, they’re the perfect solution for entertaining, meal prepping, or simply enjoying pizza in a fresh new way.

Mini Garlic Butter Pizza Cupcakes

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These Garlic Butter Pizza Cupcakes are cheesy, saucy, and garlicky mini bites made in muffin tins. With a buttery crust, melty mozzarella, and mini pepperoni, they’re perfect for snacking or party appetizers.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 pizza cupcakes 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup mini pepperoni
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or parsley
Optional: grated Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Cut the dough into 12 squares and press each into the muffin cups, pressing up the sides.
Fill each cup with 1–2 teaspoons of pizza sauce, then add mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian herbs or parsley. Brush this mixture onto the tops and edges of the dough.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Top with grated Parmesan if desired and serve warm.