Pizza Muffins are a fun and delicious snack that are packed with two types of cheese, seasoning, and pepperoni. They’re perfect for school lunches or as an after-school snack. Ready in under 30 minutes, these muffins are sure to be a new family favorite. With a soft and cheesy inside and a slightly crispy outside, they can even be frozen for later use. Serve them with pizza sauce for dipping to make them even more irresistible!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

• Pinch of salt

• ¾ cup whole milk

• 1 egg

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup mini pepperoni (or regular-sized pepperoni cut into quarters)

• ⅔ cup pizza sauce for dipping

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.

4. Add in the milk and egg, then stir until combined.

5. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and mini pepperoni.

6. Let the batter sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Portion the batter into the mini muffin cups.

8. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are puffed up and golden.

9. Remove from the oven and serve with warmed pizza sauce.

Nutrients

• Calories: 145 per muffin

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 35mg

• Sodium: 420mg

• Potassium: 105mg

• Fiber: 0.5g

• Sugar: 1g

• Calcium: 118mg

Why Choose Pizza Muffins?

Pizza muffins combine all the best elements of pizza into a bite-sized treat. The fluffy texture of the muffin is complemented by the gooey melted mozzarella cheese and the savory flavor of the pepperoni, giving you that familiar pizza taste in a fun and portable form. The Italian seasoning adds an aromatic depth that enhances the flavor profile, making each bite feel like you’re eating a slice of pizza.

In addition to their great taste, pizza muffins are incredibly versatile. You can easily modify the ingredients to suit different tastes. For example, you can swap out pepperoni for other toppings such as cooked sausage, olives, or bell peppers. The recipe can also be adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions—use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version or make them gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative.

What’s more, pizza muffins are quick to prepare. They are perfect for those times when you need a fast meal or snack. With just a little prep work, you can have these golden, cheesy muffins fresh out of the oven in less than 30 minutes. Their simplicity and speed make them a go-to option when you need something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to cook.

Perfect for School Lunches and Snacks

Pizza muffins are a fantastic option for school lunches. Kids will love the fun, mini muffin format, and they make an excellent addition to any lunchbox. The muffins are portable and easy to eat, making them a great choice for young children. You can pack a side of pizza sauce for dipping, adding extra flavor to the snack and making it even more enjoyable.

Since these muffins are made with real cheese and pepperoni, they provide a good balance of protein and fat, helping to keep hunger at bay. Their filling nature ensures that kids won’t be left feeling hungry after their lunch, giving them the energy to power through the afternoon.

For after-school snacks, pizza muffins are a great option to keep your kids satisfied until dinner. Their cheesy, savory flavor will appeal to most children, and they can be enjoyed warm or cold. You can even make a batch ahead of time, freeze them, and heat them up as needed. This makes pizza muffins not only a quick snack but also a convenient one.

Freezing and Storing Pizza Muffins

One of the best things about pizza muffins is that they can be made in advance and stored for later use. After baking, simply allow the muffins to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Store the muffins in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat them in the microwave or in the oven for a few minutes.

Freezing pizza muffins is a great way to ensure that you always have a quick and easy snack on hand. Whether you’re looking for something to throw into a lunchbox, serve as a last-minute appetizer, or enjoy as a snack during the day, these frozen muffins can be reheated in no time, providing a hot and satisfying treat.

Nutritional Value of Pizza Muffins

While pizza muffins are a fun, indulgent snack, they also offer some nutritional benefits. Each muffin contains approximately 145 calories, with 12 grams of carbohydrates and 7 grams of protein. The protein content comes primarily from the cheese and pepperoni, which helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer. The muffins also provide 9 grams of fat, with 4 grams of saturated fat.

Although pizza muffins are rich in flavor, they are still relatively balanced in terms of nutrition. The fat content is primarily from the cheeses and the pepperoni, which offer a good source of calcium and other essential nutrients. While they are not particularly high in fiber, the combination of cheese and protein makes these muffins a satisfying choice.

It’s important to note that pizza muffins are higher in sodium, with each muffin containing 420 mg of sodium. If you’re looking to reduce sodium intake, you can use lower-sodium pepperoni or substitute the pepperoni with a healthier option, such as lean turkey or chicken sausage.

Making Pizza Muffins Your Own

The beauty of pizza muffins is their versatility. While the basic recipe calls for mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mini pepperoni, you can experiment with a variety of other ingredients. For example, you can swap out the mini pepperoni for cooked sausage, chopped vegetables, or even diced ham. You can also use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, to customize the flavor to your liking.

If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can reduce the fat content by using low-fat cheese or eliminating the pepperoni. Alternatively, you can add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value. The addition of these vegetables will enhance the flavor and make the muffins even more filling.

For a fun twist, you could also add a drizzle of pesto or marinara sauce on top before serving, making the pizza muffins even more flavorful. The options are endless, and the flexibility of the recipe allows you to adapt it to your family’s tastes and dietary preferences.

Perfect for Parties and Gatherings

Pizza muffins aren’t just for everyday meals—they also make a great addition to any party or gathering. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and eat, and they are a hit with both kids and adults. You can serve them as an appetizer at a birthday party, game day gathering, or family dinner. Pair them with some pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, and you have a snack that’s sure to please a crowd.

Additionally, because pizza muffins are so easy to make and transport, they are a great dish to bring to potlucks or other casual events. Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, these muffins are always a crowd-pleaser and are guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pizza muffins are a fun, easy, and delicious snack that everyone in the family will enjoy. They offer the classic pizza flavors of cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning in a convenient muffin form. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-school snack, a lunchbox treat, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, pizza muffins are a fantastic choice. Their versatility and ability to be frozen for later use make them an excellent addition to your meal planning routine. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something cheesy and savory, give these pizza muffins a try—they’re sure to become a family favorite!