Name: Pepperoni Pizza Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491379H25M1S
Total time: PT-491379H25M1S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose or gluten-free flour; ½ cup yellow cornmeal; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon fine salt; 4 oz pepperoni slices, finely chopped (reserve a few whole slices for topping); ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or “pizza blend” cheese; ¼ cup sliced black olives, optional; 2 eggs; 1 ½ cups milk (2% dairy recommended); ¼ cup pizza sauce, plus additional sauce for topping; Additional pizza sauce; Pepperoni slices; Mozzarella cheese; Black olives

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 4 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a handheld, bite-sized delight that packs all the classic flavors of a pizza into a convenient, portable treat, this Pepperoni Pizza Muffins Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, cheesy muffins bursting with savory pepperoni, melty mozzarella, and a hint of oregano, all enhanced by a subtle kick of garlic and onion. These muffins are a crowd-pleaser that can transform any snack time or party into a flavorful celebration. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy days yet special enough to impress guests. Let me walk you through this delicious, easy-to-make Pepperoni Pizza Muffins Recipe that will quickly become your new favorite go-to for pizza cravings with a fun twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a mixture of ingredients layered inside. The bottom layer is a light beige flour mix, with shredded pale yellow cheese piled in one section on top. Next to the cheese are slices of black olives, glossy and round, sitting in the middle. To the left of the olives are small pieces of reddish pepperoni. A silver whisk rests inside the bowl, partially buried in the ingredients. Around the bowl on the marbled surface, there are small white dishes with more pepperoni slices and black olive pieces scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, seasoning, and that unmistakable pizza flavor in every muffin.

All-purpose or gluten-free flour (1 ½ cups): The base that gives your muffins structure and a tender crumb.
Yellow cornmeal (½ cup): Adds a subtle crunch and a golden color, making the muffins visually appealing and delightfully textured.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): The leavening agent that ensures your muffins rise beautifully and remain light.
Dried oregano (1 ½ teaspoons): Infuses that signature herbaceous note found in classic pizza seasoning.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, savory undertone that pairs perfectly with pepperoni.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a touch of sweetness to the overall flavor.
Fine salt (½ teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and enhances the seasoning.
Finely chopped pepperoni slices (4 oz): This is the star ingredient, delivering that iconic, spicy-meaty taste with every bite.
Shredded mozzarella or pizza blend cheese (½ cup): Makes the muffins irresistibly gooey and cheesy.
Sliced black olives (¼ cup, optional): Offers a briny contrast that brightens the flavor profile.
Eggs (2): Bind everything together while keeping the muffins moist.
Milk (1 ½ cups): Adds richness and helps blend all the ingredients smoothly; 2% dairy works perfectly here.
Pizza sauce (¼ cup plus extra for topping): Imparts that tangy, savory sauce flavor that completes the pizza experience in muffin form.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your batter is mixed—this ensures the muffins bake evenly and develop a lovely golden top.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients lays the foundation for the muffin’s texture and flavor, so get the seasoning just right.

Step 3: Add Pepperoni, Cheese, and Olives

Stir in the finely chopped pepperoni, shredded cheese, and sliced black olives to the dry mix. Tossing these ingredients here helps distribute that melty, savory goodness throughout each muffin.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk and the pizza sauce. This mixture adds moisture and infuses the batter with a rich tomato flavor, essential for that homemade pizza taste.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix — a few lumps are okay. Over-mixing can make your muffins tough, and that’s definitely not what we want! Your batter should be thick and just blended.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups

Divide the batter evenly among 12 muffin cups. Don’t rush this part; even distribution helps all muffins bake consistently. You can use a scoop or spoon for easy and neat portioning.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Now comes the fun part: use a knife to swirl 1-2 teaspoons of extra pizza sauce on top of each muffin. Then sprinkle with more shredded cheese, and place a whole pepperoni slice or a few olive slices on top if you like. This gives a beautiful, appetizing look and an extra flavor boost right on top.

Step 8: Bake Until Set

Bake your muffins for about 20-25 minutes, or until the centers are fully set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. They should have a golden, slightly crispy top. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan to avoid breakage.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Muffins Recipe

A tray shows twelve small round pizza muffins on a metal cooling rack. Each muffin is golden yellow with slightly browned spots and topped with red pepperoni slices, black olive rings, and little melted white cheese bits. One muffin is cut in half, revealing a soft, orange inside with pieces of pepperoni and olives. Next to the muffins, there is a white bowl filled with red tomato sauce and a wooden spoon with sauce on it. Scattered fresh green basil leaves and small bowls of olives and chili flakes surround the tray on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serve your Pepperoni Pizza Muffins with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or a light dusting of parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance. A tiny drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving elevates their richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These muffins are hearty enough to enjoy on their own but pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a homemade Caesar salad to balance the richness with fresh, crunchy greens. A small bowl of marinara sauce also makes an ideal dipping side that complements the pizza vibe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family dinners, arrange the Pepperoni Pizza Muffins on a rustic wooden board alongside colorful veggies and dips. You can even turn them into mini sliders by slicing them horizontally and adding extra toppings like fresh spinach or roasted peppers if you want to mix things up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pepperoni Pizza Muffins keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes them a fantastic grab-and-go snack or quick lunch for busy days. The flavors actually meld beautifully when stored.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, freeze the muffins by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy pizza muffins anytime you like with minimal effort.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the muffins in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This helps restore the melty cheese texture and keeps the pepperoni delightfully crispy around the edges.

FAQs

Can I make these Pepperoni Pizza Muffins gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour. The texture and flavor remain just as delicious, making the recipe accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I substitute the pepperoni with another protein?

Yes! Cooked Italian sausage, chopped ham, or even crispy bacon bits work well if you want to switch up the protein. Just make sure the meat is pre-cooked before adding to the dry ingredients.

Are these muffins good served cold?

Definitely! These Pepperoni Pizza Muffins are tasty warm, at room temperature, or chilled. That makes them perfect for picnics or packed lunches when heating isn’t an option.

Can I add vegetables to the batter?

Yes, finely diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be folded into the batter for an extra veggie boost. Just be sure to keep the pieces small so they cook evenly inside the muffins.

What’s the best way to avoid dry muffins?

Avoid over-mixing your batter and make sure not to over-bake. Also, using the right amount of milk and eggs helps maintain moisture. Checking with a toothpick a few minutes before the end of baking time ensures you catch the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

This Pepperoni Pizza Muffins Recipe is such a joyful way to enjoy all the flavors of a beloved classic pizza in a new, fun form. They’re perfect for snacking, lunches, or entertaining guests who will rave over their cheesy, spicy goodness. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these little muffins disappear from the plate — you might just want to double the batch next time!