If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy pizza in a fun, portable form, Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes are the answer. These savory mini pizzas combine everything you love about classic deep-dish pizza — gooey cheese, flavorful sauce, and crispy dough — baked into a convenient cupcake shape.
Perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners, these bite-sized wonders pack all the flavor of a traditional pizza with half the mess. They’re also easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Makes 12 pizza cupcakes
- 1 can (about 13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slices pepperoni or mini pepperoni (optional)
- ½ cup cooked Italian sausage or chopped veggies (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Olive oil spray or melted butter for greasing
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with olive oil spray or melted butter.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into 12 equal squares.
- Gently press each square into the muffin cups, ensuring the dough reaches the edges to form a deep “cup.”
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce into each dough cup.
- Add desired fillings such as cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or pepperoni.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the pan.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Party appetizer: Arrange on a platter with different dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy garlic butter.
- Lunchbox treat: Pack one or two pizza cupcakes for a fun, mess-free meal.
- Family dinner: Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Pizza Cupcake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 340 mg |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
Nutritional Notes:
- Using whole wheat dough boosts fiber content and adds a nutty flavor.
- Opt for turkey pepperoni or plant-based sausage to reduce saturated fat.
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra vitamins and color.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overfill the cups — leave room for the cheese to melt and bubble.
- For crispier crusts, pre-bake the dough cups for 3 minutes before adding toppings.
- Freeze extras after baking — they reheat perfectly in an air fryer or oven.
- Try mini versions in a mini-muffin tin for bite-sized appetizers.
Variations
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Cupcakes: Use BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, and red onions.
- Vegetarian Delight: Layer roasted vegetables, olives, and feta cheese.
- Meat Lovers: Combine sausage, bacon, and pepperoni for a hearty version.
- Hawaiian Twist: Add ham, pineapple, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
These Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes are a delicious and creative twist on a classic comfort food. With their gooey cheese centers, golden crusts, and endless topping options, they’re guaranteed to please both kids and adults.
Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving pizza in a fun form, these mini deep-dish wonders will hit the spot every time.