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Pizza Muffins Recipe

Pizza Muffins Recipe

Pizza Muffins are savory, cheesy muffins loaded with classic pizza flavors like pepperoni, mozzarella, herbs, and pizza sauce. These easy grab-and-go bites are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, parties, or a quick family meal that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American, italian-american
Servings 12 people
Calories 235 kcal

Equipment

  • Standard 12-cup muffin pan
  • Paper muffin liners or nonstick cooking spray
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Cookie scoop or large spoon
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Small saucepan, optional

Ingredients
  

For the Pizza Muffin Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup chopped pepperoni
  • 1/3 cup finely diced green bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional

For Filling and Topping

  • 1/2 cup thick pizza sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 12 small pepperoni slices
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Serving

  • Warm pizza sauce
  • Ranch dressing optional
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the oven and muffin pan

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan or line it with paper liners.
  • If using paper liners, spray them lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Savory cheese muffins can stick more than sweet muffins.
  • Set the prepared pan aside.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Whisk until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  • Breaking up any lumps now helps the batter mix more evenly later.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and olive oil until smooth.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.
  • Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to stir gently until the flour is almost incorporated.
  • A few small dry streaks are fine at this stage.

Step 4: Add the cheese and fillings

  • Fold in the mozzarella, cheddar or provolone, Parmesan, chopped pepperoni, diced bell pepper, and parsley.
  • Mix only until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Do not overmix the batter. Too much stirring can make the muffins dense or tough.

Step 5: Fill the muffin cups

  • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup.
  • Add about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce to the center of each portion.
  • Cover the sauce with the remaining batter, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
  • Try to keep the sauce in the center rather than spreading it to the edges.

Step 6: Add the toppings and bake

  • Top each muffin with a little shredded mozzarella, one pepperoni slice, Parmesan, and a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
  • Bake for 18 to 22 minutes.
  • The muffins are ready when the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the bread portion comes out clean.
  • Avoid inserting the toothpick directly into the sauce pocket.

Step 7: Cool and serve

  • Let the Pizza Muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
  • Run a thin knife around the edges if needed, then transfer them to a wire rack.
  • Serve warm with extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
Keyword Pizza Muffins Recipe