The Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes are the perfect fusion of comfort food and bite-sized convenience. These little pizza pockets are baked to golden perfection with a crispy, flaky crust and a gooey, cheesy center. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a kid-friendly snack, or just want a quick and satisfying treat, these mini pizzas deliver big on flavor.
Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re also endlessly customizable! Swap the pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage, and experiment with different cheese blends for a unique twist. Serve them fresh out of the oven with a side of marinara for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time. These pizza cupcakes are sure to become a new favorite in your home!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (mini or chopped)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Flatten each biscuit dough piece and press it into each muffin cup, forming a small crust.
- Spoon a teaspoon of pizza sauce into each cup, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then add pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil for a golden crust.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, then remove from the muffin tin and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per cupcake | Servings: 12 cupcakes
Everything You Need to Know About Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes
If you’re looking for a fun, creative twist on classic pizza, Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes are the perfect answer! These bite-sized, cheesy delights bring the flavors of deep-dish pizza into a convenient, handheld form. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick weeknight dinner, these mini pizzas are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy: Only 10 minutes of prep time!
✅ Customizable: Use your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, sausage, or olives.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: A great option for game nights, family gatherings, or school lunchboxes.
✅ Kid-Friendly: A fun way for kids to enjoy pizza without the mess.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The base of each pizza cupcake, providing a fluffy and crispy crust.
- Pizza Sauce: A rich tomato base that brings the classic pizza flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that iconic cheesy pull in every bite.
- Pepperoni Slices: Adds a savory, slightly spicy taste (swap with mushrooms, sausage, or even pineapple!).
- Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the cheesiness with a nutty, salty kick.
- Oregano & Garlic Powder: Essential for an authentic Italian pizza taste.
- Olive Oil: Brushed on the dough to get a golden, crispy crust.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat & Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a muffin tin.
- Form the Cups: Flatten each piece of biscuit dough and press it into the muffin tin to create a cup shape.
- Layer the Goodness: Spoon pizza sauce inside, add cheese, and top with pepperoni or your favorite toppings.
- Season & Bake: Sprinkle with Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder. Brush edges with olive oil.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop them in the oven for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let them cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Serving Ideas & Variations
🍕 Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic butter for dipping.
🍕 Make it Vegetarian: Swap pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
🍕 Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
🍕 Cheese Lovers: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a cheesier bite.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked or baked cupcakes for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutes
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: This creates a light and flaky crust. You can also use pizza dough, crescent roll dough, or even puff pastry for variation.
- Pizza Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce. For a twist, try barbecue sauce or Alfredo sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The classic choice for gooey, melty goodness. Mix with cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
- Pepperoni Slices: The go-to topping! You can also use cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or any toppings you love.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory kick to enhance the cheesy flavor.
- Oregano & Garlic Powder: Essential for that authentic pizza taste.
- Olive Oil: Helps the crust turn golden brown and crispy in the oven.
- Fresh Basil (Optional): A great garnish that adds freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
2️⃣ Prepare the dough: Flatten each biscuit dough piece and press it into the muffin cups, forming a small pizza crust.
3️⃣ Add the sauce: Spoon about a teaspoon of pizza sauce into each cup.
4️⃣ Layer the toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by pepperoni slices (or your favorite toppings).
5️⃣ Season & finish: Top with Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder. Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil for a crispy golden crust.
6️⃣ Bake to perfection: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7️⃣ Cool & Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes, then remove from the muffin tin and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips for the Best Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes
✔ Don’t Overfill: Too much sauce can make the dough soggy. A teaspoon per cup is just right!
✔ Use Pre-Cooked Toppings: If adding vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, sauté them first to prevent excess moisture.
✔ Try Different Cheeses: Mix mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique cheesy blend.
✔ Let Them Cool Before Serving: The cheese will be extremely hot right out of the oven—let them sit for a few minutes before biting in!
Conclusion
Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes are the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and delicious! Whether you’re making them for a party, a quick snack, or a fun dinner, they’ll be a guaranteed hit. Their customizable nature means you can switch up the ingredients to match your favorite pizza flavors.
Would you add any unique toppings to make them your own? Let us know in the comments! 🍕🔥