Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Muffins Recipe

If you’re looking for a playful, crowd-pleasing snack that’s every bit as satisfying as a slice of pizza, you’re going to love these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes. With golden, pillowy muffin bases, gooey mozzarella centers, and a crown of pepperoni and bubbling cheese, each bite packs the bold flavor of pizza night into a perfect, hand-held treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes such a knock-out is how you can transform simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Each one adds its own special magic to create the ultimate snack.

• All-purpose flour: The base that forms our sturdy-yet-soft cupcake crumb, perfectly holding all the saucy, cheesy fillings.
• Baking powder: This provides the lift—ensuring a light, tender muffin that still stays satisfyingly hearty.
• Dried oregano & garlic powder: The essential combo that brings big, classic pizza flavor into every bite.
• Salt & black pepper: Seasoning basics for rounding out and amplifying all the savory goodness.
• Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving these cupcakes their rich, tender texture.
• Whole milk: Lends moisture, richness, and helps the cupcakes stay fluffy and soft.
• Olive oil: A little goes a long way—making the crumb extra moist and infusing a hint of Mediterranean flair.
• Pizza sauce: Adds tang, moisture, and unmistakable pizzeria aroma straight into the batter (plus extra for dipping is a must!)
• Mini pepperoni: Every bite gets a savory little pop—just the right amount of cured, spicy flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to cheesiest perfection both inside and on top, creating irresistible cheese pulls.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For extra umami and that classic Italian finishing touch.
• Mozzarella cubes: Hide these in the center for a gooey, melty middle that takes these pizza cupcakes over the top!

Variations

One of the best things about Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes is how endlessly customizable they are. Whether you need to accommodate dietary needs, use up what’s in your fridge, or just play around with your favorite pizza flavors, the options are wide open!

• Veggie Pizza Cupcakes: Swap the pepperoni for chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for a colorful and flavorful vegetarian twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend will work beautifully if you’re baking for any gluten-sensitive friends or family.
• Spicy Supreme: Kick it up with sliced jalapeños, extra red pepper flakes, or even a pinch of chili powder mixed into the batter for added heat.
• Meat Lovers’ Delight: Add in bits of cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or diced ham along with—or instead of—the pepperoni.
• Cheese Bombs: Try using smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, or even a little ricotta for a gooey surprise in the cupcake’s center.

How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and generously greasing a standard 12-cup muffin tin. This helps the cupcakes release perfectly and ensures those gorgeous golden edges. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper—this sets the foundation for savory flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, whole milk, olive oil, and ½ cup of pizza sauce until everything is blended and smooth. This combination infuses the batter with rich flavor and keeps the cupcakes tender and light.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix—the dough should be slightly lumpy, which helps keep your cupcakes soft and moist.

Step 4: Fold in the Good Stuff

Gently fold in ¾ cup of the shredded mozzarella, all the grated Parmesan cheese, and ¾ cup of mini pepperoni. This ensures every cupcake gets a burst of cheesy, savory filling—and a little pepperoni in every bite.

Step 5: Fill, Stuff & Top

Spoon the batter halfway into each prepared muffin cup. Press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each, then cover with enough batter to seal in the cheesy surprise. Finish by generously sprinkling the tops with your remaining shredded mozzarella and mini pepperoni—don’t hold back!

Step 6: Bake, Cool, and Enjoy

Bake your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes for 15–18 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let them cool in the pan for five minutes—this makes them easier to remove and helps all that gooey cheese set just a little. Serve warm (ideally with extra pizza sauce for dipping!) and watch them disappear.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes

Garnishes

For an Instagram-worthy finish, sprinkle your Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes with a shower of fresh basil, a pinch of extra Parmesan, or even a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat. A drizzle of garlic butter just before serving is always a show-stopper too!

Side Dishes

Pair these pizza cupcakes with a crisp Caesar salad, classic garlic knots, or a vibrant antipasto platter for a well-rounded meal. And don’t forget the extra pizza sauce or ranch for dipping—little cups make them perfect for sharing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces, or nestle them in parchment paper cones for easy grab-and-go snacking at parties. For kids, tuck one into a lunchbox with carrot sticks and grapes for a special surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover cupcakes cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They keep beautifully and are just as satisfying warmed up the next day.

Freezing

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes are freezer-friendly too! Pop the cooled cupcakes into a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cupcakes on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and bubbly. In a pinch, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds (though the texture will be softer).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a snack or party food that’s equal parts fun, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast, Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cupcakes are your answer. I hope you’ll give them a try and let them bring the joy of pizza—and a little surprise in every bite—to your table!

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