If you’ve never made Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes before, get ready for your new obsession! This delightful mashup of classic pizza flavor, ooey-gooey cheese, golden edges, and a perfectly poppable form is destined to become a household favorite. Imagine everything you adore about deep dish pizza – melty mozzarella, savory sauce, and flavorful pepperoni – baked into mini, handheld bites with the ideal ratio of crust to toppings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, spicing up lunchboxes, or just looking for a fun family dinner, Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes are the kind of recipe everyone cheers for (and requests on repeat).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly amazing how just a handful of kitchen staples can yield such crave-worthy results – each ingredient in Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes adds something special. This is where gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and soft pizza dough all come together for one seriously satisfying snack.
- Refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz can): This store-bought shortcut guarantees a tender-yet-sturdy crust every time, making prep a breeze.
- Pizza sauce (1/2 cup): Choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for the zingy, tomatoey base that ties it all together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey perfection, wrapping every bite in stretchy, cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a savory, nutty punch and gorgeous golden color on top.
- Mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni (1/2 cup): Packs classic pizzeria flavor into every cupcake – or swap for veggies if that’s more your style.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): This dash of herbs brings a fragrant finishing touch that makes these pizza cupcakes sing.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Absolutely essential for easy release from the muffin tin and perfectly crisp bottoms.
- Optional toppings: Try chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to customize your Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes exactly how you like them.
How to Make Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep the Muffin Tin
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray. This not only ensures your Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes come out with golden, crispy edges but also saves you from any stuck-cheese disasters. Trust me, this step makes cleanup a total breeze later on!
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Unroll the pizza dough onto a floured surface or right on your countertop. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice it into 12 equal squares – no need for perfection here, a little rustic charm is welcome. Gently press each square of dough into the muffin cups, pushing up the sides to create a mini pizza crust. The dough may try to shrink down, so use your fingers to nudge it up and form a sturdy little cup.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Spoon about 2 teaspoons of pizza sauce into each dough cup. Spread it evenly so every bite is loaded with that gorgeous tomato flavor. Don’t be tempted to overfill – the sauce will bubble happily as these bake and you want to avoid any pizza lava spillage!
Step 4: Layer the Cheese and Toppings
Now for the fun: sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella in each cup. Add your pepperoni slices or any combo of veggies your crew loves. Feel free to mix things up – mushrooms, peppers, or olives all tuck beautifully into these little pizza pouches. Just remember to keep the toppings bite-sized so you get a perfect mix in every mouthful.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Sprinkle each cupcake with a little bit of grated Parmesan and a pinch of Italian seasoning. This not only boosts flavor but also makes your Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes look irresistibly golden and aromatic when they come out of the oven.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before running a thin spatula around the edges and lifting the cupcakes out. Now, you’re ready to serve up pizza magic!
How to Serve Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes
Garnishes
Give your Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes a chef’s kiss finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil, chopped parsley, or extra Parmesan right when they come out of the oven. These simple touches not only add color but also a burst of fresh flavor that takes these mini pizzas to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza cupcakes with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted veggies for a balanced meal. For party spreads, garlic knots or a platter of fresh fruit add crowd-pleasing variety. And don’t forget a little ramekin of extra warm pizza sauce for dipping!
Creative Ways to Present
Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes shine on a colorful platter for game day, piled high for birthday parties, or even tucked into lunchboxes for a midday surprise. Use cupcake liners in team colors for a festive tailgate touch or arrange each cupcake on a mini pedestal to make everyone feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before storing to ensure the crust stays as crisp as possible. You’ll thank yourself later when those pizza cravings hit!
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, these pizza cupcakes freeze like a dream. Once completely cooled, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and stash them away for up to 2 months. They make for the ultimate emergency snack or lunchbox treat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. The oven is key for keeping that perfect crust texture. In a pinch, a minute or two in the microwave works, but the crust will be a little softer.
FAQs
Can I make Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the pepperoni and load them up with your favorite chopped vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and even spinach all work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Homemade dough lends a lovely flavor and texture to your Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes. Just roll it out to about 1/4-inch thick before cutting it into squares to fit your muffin tin.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Don’t overdo the sauce and make sure your vegetables aren’t too watery (pat them dry if needed). Baking until golden ensures a crisp, sturdy crust every time.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, this recipe scales up with no issues. Simply use two muffin tins or bake in batches, and you’re ready to feed a crowd.
Are Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes good for kids’ lunches?
They’re perfect! These cupcakes fit right into lunchboxes and taste great warm or at room temperature. Just be sure to let them cool to avoid soggy bottoms before packing them up.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a pizza lover through and through or just want a fun new dish to share with family and friends, Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes are a surefire hit. Go ahead, gather your favorite pizza toppings and dive in – this is one recipe you’ll be proud to share again and again!
Print
Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pizzas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes are a fun twist on traditional pizza, baked in a muffin tin for individual servings. They are easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Pizza Cupcakes:
- 1 (13.8 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Optional toppings: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the pizza dough and cut into 12 equal squares. Press each square into the muffin cups, ensuring the dough comes up the sides.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Add about 2 teaspoons of pizza sauce to each cup. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and desired toppings like pepperoni or vegetables.
- Season and Bake: Top with Parmesan cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Bake for 15–18 minutes until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm.
Notes
- These are perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or keep them vegetarian with your favorite veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza cupcake
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
