Ingredients
1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent roll dough)
½ cup pizza sauce or marinara
1 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (low moisture)
½ cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into quarters)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
2. **Prepare the Dough:** Unroll the pizza dough onto a cutting board. Cut the dough into 12 even squares. (If using crescent dough, pinch the seams together first).
3. **Shape:** Press one square of dough into each muffin cup, gently pushing it down to line the bottom and slightly up the sides to create a ‘cup’ shape.
4. **Fill:** Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into the bottom of each dough cup. (Don’t overfill, or the crust will get soggy!).
5. **Top:** Sprinkle a generous tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese into each cup. Top with mini pepperoni slices.
6. **Season:** In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder. Brush the exposed edges of the dough with the garlic butter. Sprinkle the tops with dried oregano.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and puffy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. **Serve:** Let the pizza cupcakes cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes (this helps them set). Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen them, then pop them out. Serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.
Notes
Dough Options: Refrigerated pizza dough works best for a chewy crust. Crescent roll dough will be flakier and buttery. You can even use puff pastry for a crispier ‘appetizer’ style cup.
Toppings: Get creative! Add finely diced bell peppers, cooked sausage crumbles, or mushrooms. Just make sure to chop veggies small so they fit.
Soggy Bottom Prevention: Use low-moisture mozzarella and don’t go overboard with the sauce inside the cup. You can always dip them in more sauce later.
Freezing: These freeze perfectly. Bake them, let them cool completely, then freeze in a zip-lock bag. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer for a quick snack.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American / Italian