Description
These Pizza Cupcakes are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza, perfect for parties or a kid-friendly snack. Each cupcake is packed with classic pizza flavors including mozzarella, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, and savory seasonings, all baked inside a soft pizza crust for an easy-to-eat handheld treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- Cooking spray (to grease muffin tin)
- 1 (11 ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust
Filling & Toppings
- 8 medium cherry tomatoes, finely chopped and drained
- 8 teaspoons shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 tablespoons pizza sauce (such as Classico)
- 8 teaspoons finely chopped red onion
- 8 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese (additional for topping)
- 8 slices pepperoni, quartered
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the necessary ingredients listed above to ensure you have everything ready before starting the preparation.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray 8 cups of a muffin tin liberally with cooking spray to ensure the pizza cupcakes will release easily after baking.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Finely chop the cherry tomatoes and drain any excess liquid from them to prevent soggy cupcakes. Set the prepared tomatoes aside.
- Prepare Pizza Crust: Roll out the refrigerated pizza crust on a clean surface. Cut the dough into 8 equal squares large enough to line the muffin tin cups, forming a base and sides for each cupcake.
- Assemble Pizza Cupcakes: Line each greased muffin tin cup with a dough square, pressing it gently to form a little cup shape. Add 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce into each dough cup, followed by 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella cheese, some chopped cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, quartered pepperoni pieces, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and garlic salt as per your taste.
- Top and Fill: Add an additional teaspoon of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each assembled pizza cupcake to create a cheesy topping.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the pizza crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the pizza cupcakes to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm as a delightful finger food or snack.
Notes
- You can customize toppings to personal preferences, adding vegetables or different meats.
- Ensure tomatoes are well drained to avoid soggy crusts.
- If you don’t have a muffin tin, the dough and toppings can be baked on a baking sheet as mini pizzas but won’t have the cupcake shape.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
