Mini Deep Dish Pizza Muffins

Mini Deep Dish Pizza Muffins are everything you love about classic pizza—gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and crispy pepperoni—all tucked into a golden, handheld crust. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and even easier to devour, making them a fantastic option for kid-friendly snacks, party appetizers, or fun weeknight bites. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick, savory indulgence, these pizza muffins bring big flavor in a small package.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mini pizza muffins combine the charm of deep dish pizza with the convenience of muffin-tin baking. Using refrigerated biscuit dough means they’re ready in under 30 minutes, and the customizable filling makes them perfect for picky eaters and pizza lovers alike. Their size makes them ideal for entertaining or meal prepping, and they deliver the comforting, cheesy satisfaction of pizza in a creative new form.

ingredients

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

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
16 slices pepperoni
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Olive oil spray (optional, for crisping edges)

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin or spray with olive oil.
2. Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each round slightly with your hands or a rolling pin.
3. Press each piece of dough into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared muffin cups to form a crust.
4. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce into each dough cup.
5. Sprinkle each with shredded mozzarella cheese, then top with 1–2 slices of pepperoni.
6. Dust the tops with Italian seasoning for added flavor. Optionally, lightly spray with olive oil to enhance browning and crispness.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Allow to cool slightly in the pan before removing. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 mini muffins
Calories: 180 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives.
• Supreme Style: Add chopped sausage, onions, and green peppers for a more complex filling.
• Mini Margherita: Replace pepperoni with a slice of fresh tomato and a small basil leaf.
• Spicy Twist: Use hot pepperoni or sprinkle with red pepper flakes before baking.
• Cheesy Explosion: Mix cheddar or provolone with mozzarella for extra richness.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover pizza muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or warm in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds. For the crispiest results, use a toaster oven or air fryer. These muffins can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for 10–12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and reheat before serving. They’re perfect for meal prep or party planning.

What kind of dough works best?

Refrigerated biscuit dough is ideal for its texture and convenience, but pizza dough or crescent rolls also work well.

Can I freeze pizza muffins?

Absolutely. Freeze once fully baked and cooled. Reheat in the oven for best results.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Avoid overfilling with sauce and consider lightly pre-baking the crust for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings.

Are these good for kids?

Yes, kids love their fun size and familiar flavors, and the recipe is easy for them to help with too.

Can I make them without a muffin tin?

A muffin tin helps hold the shape, but you could use ramekins or bake freeform in mini tart pans if needed.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic, but a blend of cheeses like provolone, parmesan, or cheddar adds extra flavor.

How do I remove them from the tin without sticking?

Use a greased muffin tin and let them cool slightly before running a butter knife around the edges.

Can I use marinara sauce instead of pizza sauce?

Yes, marinara or any thick tomato-based sauce will work as a substitute.

Are they good cold?

They are best served warm, but they can be eaten cold or at room temperature, making them great for lunchboxes.

Conclusion

Mini Deep Dish Pizza Muffins are a fun, delicious twist on classic pizza, offering all the flavor in a compact, crowd-pleasing format. With a crisp golden crust, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings, they’re ideal for game day snacks, kids’ lunches, or casual entertaining. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, these bite-sized muffins are sure to become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation.

Mini Deep Dish Pizza Muffins

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Perfectly bite-sized and packed with pizza flavor, these Mini Deep Dish Pizza Muffins feature golden biscuit dough cups filled with zesty sauce, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni. Ideal as a kid-friendly snack, game day treat, or fun party appetizer, they’re quick to make and irresistibly delicious!

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 mini muffins
• Category: Snack, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 16 slices pepperoni

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Olive oil spray (optional, for crisping edges)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or spray with olive oil.

2. Separate the biscuit dough and slightly flatten each piece. Press into the muffin cups, forming a small well.

3. Spoon 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce into each biscuit cup.

4. Top with shredded mozzarella and 1–2 slices of pepperoni per muffin.

5. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil if desired for a crispier finish.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the dough is golden and cheese is bubbly.

7. Let cool a few minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm.

Notes

Customize with your favorite toppings—try mini mushrooms, olives, or diced bell peppers. These also reheat well in a toaster oven or air fryer.