Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how many times these Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups have saved me, whether it’s last-minute game-day snacks, sleepovers with the kids, or just a lazy Friday night when no one wants to cook. They’re ridiculously easy to throw together (like, 10 minutes of prep, tops), but so much fun to eat. Every single time I make them, they disappear within minutes. My family begs me to make these little bites, and honestly, I don’t mind because they’re just that good. This recipe has been my go-to for years, tweaked and perfected in my kitchen until it’s foolproof. You’re going to love how versatile they are, too. Swap toppings, add extra cheese, or even sneak in some veggies if you’re feeling fancy. Trust me, these are the ultimate crowd-pleasers!
Why You’ll Love These Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups
Let me count the ways these little bites will steal your heart:
- Quick & easy: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes, perfect for those “I need snacks NOW” moments
- Kid-approved magic: Tiny hands love grabbing these, and picky eaters never suspect how simple they are
- Endlessly customizable: Swap toppings like a pizza bar, bell peppers for crunch, olives for zing, or extra cheese because…well, cheese
Honestly, I’ve lost track of how many parties these have saved. They’re the first appetizer to vanish every single time!
Ingredients for Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups
Here’s everything you’ll need for these irresistible bites, straight from my kitchen to yours:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count): The flaky kind works best, trust me, it puffs up so nicely in the oven
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred brand or homemade (I won’t judge!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (packed): Freshly grated melts better, but pre-shredded works in a pinch
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices: These tiny guys fit perfectly; regular slices will overwhelm the cups
- 1 tsp dried oregano: That classic pizza parlor aroma in every bite
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: The secret flavor booster that makes everyone ask, “What’s in these?”
See? Just six simple ingredients for maximum pizza happiness!
How to Make Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups
Alright, let’s get these little pizza bites going! I promise it’s so simple you’ll be tempted to make them every week (no shame, I do!). Here’s exactly how I make them:
- Heat things up: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your muffin tin a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray; trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
- Shape your cups: Pop open that biscuit can (that little “pop” never gets old, does it?). Press each biscuit evenly into the muffin cups, making sure to push the dough up the sides about halfway. You’re creating perfect little edible bowls!
- Sauce it up: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into each cup. Don’t overdo it; too much sauce makes them soggy.
- Cheese, please: Sprinkle that glorious mozzarella evenly over the sauce. I like to pack it in there, no skimping on cheese in my kitchen!
- Pepperoni party: Top each cup with 4-5 mini pepperoni slices. They’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Season to perfection: A light sprinkle of oregano and garlic powder takes these from good to “oh my gosh, give me the whole tray!”
- Bake to golden perfection: Pop them in the oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn that perfect golden brown and the cheese gets all bubbly.
- Cool slightly: Let them rest in the pan for about 2 minutes. This helps them set so they don’t fall apart when you take them out.
And there you have it, mini pizza perfection in less time than it takes to order delivery!
Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza Cups
After making these dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of times, here are my can’t-skip secrets:
- Grease well: Use non-stick spray or rub with butter; those edges love to stick!
- Don’t overfill: Sauce and cheese should stay below the dough rim to prevent messy spills.
- Timing is everything: Add toppings right before baking for maximum crispiness.
Follow these, and you’ll have pizza cups that look like they came from a fancy pizzeria!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups
One of my favorite things about these pizza cups? They’re like a blank canvas for creativity! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tested over the years:
- Cheese swaps: Dairy-free mozzarella works great, or try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor
- Meat alternatives: Turkey pepperoni keeps it lighter, or crumble some cooked sausage for heartier bites
- Veggie boost: Toss in diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, or even spinach; my kids don’t notice when I sneak it in!
- Dough options: Crescent roll dough makes a buttery alternative, or use homemade pizza dough if you’re feeling fancy
- Sauce ideas: Alfredo sauce for white pizza cups, or pesto for a fresh twist, I’ve even used buffalo sauce for a spicy kick!
Honestly, the possibilities are endless, that’s why I make these at least twice a month!
Serving & Storing Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups
Here’s how to keep these little bites tasting their absolute best! Serve them warm right out of the oven. I always put out a small bowl of extra marinara for dipping because, let’s be honest, you can never have too much pizza sauce. If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to bring back that perfect crispiness. Quick tip: Skip the microwave unless you like soggy cups, trust me on this one!
Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups FAQs
Let’s tackle those burning questions I get asked all the time about these little pizza bites!
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble the cups up to 2 hours before baking and keep them refrigerated. Just pop them in the oven when your guests arrive, the smell alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Can I freeze them?
You bet! Freeze baked cups in a single layer first, then transfer to bags for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen cups at 375°F for 8-10 minutes; they’ll taste just-baked!
Are they gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free biscuit dough (I’ve had great results with GF brands). Regular dough contains wheat flour, but the recipe adapts beautifully to dietary needs!
Nutrition Information Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups
Here’s the scoop on these tasty bites: each mini pizza cup comes in at about 120 calories, with 6g fat and 5g protein. Just remember, these numbers can change depending on the exact ingredients you use. I always say these are treats meant to be enjoyed, not stressed over. After all, happiness calories totally count too, right?
I’d love to see your mini pizza masterpieces! Nothing makes me happier than seeing these little bites in your kitchen. And hey, if you loved them as much as we do, drop a rating below!
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out Family Tastes.
20-Minute Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups That Kids Devour
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pizza cups 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups are a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional pizza. Perfect for parties, snacks, or quick meals, these savory cups are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin lightly.
- Separate the biscuit dough and press each piece into a muffin cup, forming a small dough cup.
- Spoon 1 tsp of pizza sauce into each dough cup.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Top each cup with 4-5 mini pepperoni slices.
- Sprinkle oregano and garlic powder over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a non-stick muffin tin or line with parchment paper for easier removal.
- For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or olives as toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pizza cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg