Cheesy Muffin Tin Pizza Puffs are the perfect bite-sized snack when you're craving something warm, cheesy, and comforting. These are crisp on the outside, gooey in the center, and so simple to make at home. Whether you're serving them for game day, movie night, or an after-school treat, they'll disappear fast! Try this fan-favorite and see why these little puffs are a total crowd-pleaser.
These cheesy pizza puffs are especially popular for casual get-togethers, holiday parties, and after-school snacks. Because they're baked in a muffin tin, they're easy to serve and just as easy to devour. You can customize the toppings or keep them simple with the classic pepperoni and cheese combo.
This recipe was inspired by my love for fun, shareable snacks and easy comfort food that kids and adults both enjoy. Looking for the perfect pair? These pizza puffs go great with my Cream Cheese Pepperoni Snack or Tortellini Skewers with Pepperoni and Olives-both are easy, crowd-pleasing bites you'll find right on the blog.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough forms the soft and chewy base for each puff
- Melted butter adds rich flavor and helps the edges crisp up
- Minced garlic gives the filling a bold, savory taste
- Italian seasoning brings in classic herb flavor
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty kick
- Shredded mozzarella melts into a gooey, cheesy center
- Pepperoni adds a meaty, slightly spicy bite in each puff
- Pizza sauce ties everything together with rich tomato flavor
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cheesy Muffin Tin Pizza Puffs
In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and set aside.
Tear off nine golf ball-sized pieces of pizza dough. Roll each piece into a ball and place into a greased muffin tin.
Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, until slightly puffy.
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, until slightly puffy.
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Once the dough is ready, brush the garlic butter mixture into each muffin cup, then place a dough ball in each one.
Lightly oil your hands and press down in the center of each dough ball to form a deep well. Brush a little more garlic butter into the wells.
Add one slice of pepperoni and a spoonful of pizza sauce into each well.
Top each with a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella. Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Right after baking, brush the tops with more garlic butter and sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Hint: Let the dough rise fully before baking to get that light, fluffy center. You can also prep the garlic butter in advance and store it in the fridge.
Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian - Leave out the pepperoni or use your favorite plant-based version.
- Kid-friendly - Use mini pepperoni or add extra cheese only.
- Deluxe - Add cooked sausage, chopped mushrooms, or olives to make them extra hearty.
- Kid friendly - add crushed potato chips (ketchup chips!)
💭Crucial Success Tips
Don't overfill the dough wells with sauce or cheese-this helps them bake evenly and keeps the cheese from overflowing. And make sure to generously brush garlic butter on top for extra flavor and that golden finish.
FAQ
Yes! Once cooled, store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crisp texture.
Absolutely! They're fun to eat, customizable, and perfectly portioned for small hands. Just go light on the seasoning if your kids prefer milder flavors.
Yes, you can prep the dough and garlic butter mixture ahead. Assemble right before baking for best results.
📖 Recipe
Cheesy Muffin Tin Pizza Puffs
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and set aside.
- Tear off nine golf ball-sized pieces of pizza dough. Roll each piece into a ball and place into a greased muffin tin. Cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, until slightly puffy. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Once the dough is ready, brush the garlic butter mixture into each muffin cup, then place a dough ball in each one. Lightly oil your hands and press down in the center of each dough ball to form a deep well. Brush a little more garlic butter into the wells.
- Add one slice of pepperoni and a spoonful of pizza sauce into each well.
- Top each with a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Right after baking, brush the tops with more garlic butter and sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
How to Store Cheesy Muffin Tin Pizza Puffs
Let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
These also freeze well. Freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Best within 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
St. Patrick's Day
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- Saint Patrick's Green Matcha Truffles
- Saint Patrick's Day Green Pancakes
- St. Patrick's Day Green Matcha Cupcakes
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