Description
Delightfully cheesy and savory mini pizza puffs perfect as appetizers, snacks, or party bites. These golden, fluffy bites combine classic pizza flavors like mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning baked to perfection in a mini muffin tin. Served warm with marinara sauce, they’re easy to customize and great for all occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni or diced regular pepperoni
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked sausage or mushrooms (optional)
For Serving
- Warm marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper cups to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the whole milk and large egg until well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the milk and egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the puffs light.
- Fold in Cheese and Toppings: Carefully fold in shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, pepperoni, and any optional additions like bell pepper or cooked sausage or mushrooms to the batter.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin cups, filling each nearly to the top for puffed results.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and have risen nicely.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the pizza puffs to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing to prevent breaking.
- Serve: Serve these warm with marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Perfect as appetizers, lunchbox snacks, or party bites.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Easily customizable with your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or different cheeses.
- For a spicier bite, increase crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
