Pepperoni pizza puffs are a soft, savory muffin with all the flavors of pizza. Perfect for a kid-friendly snack, packed lunch, or for meal prep.
When I want to feel like a kid again, I turn to pizza. This English Muffin Mini Pizza Recipe is an easy favorite, and when I want to keep things lower carb, I make these Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Pizza puffs are another delicious pizza-ey snack option!
Pizza puffs are soft and fluffy, and loaded up with pizza toppings: pepperoni slices, herbs, pizza sauce, and (of course), cheese!
Not only are they absolutely delicious, but so easy to prep. Just one bowl and 15 minutes and you can have these baking up in the oven.
Reasons you’ll ♡ these pepperoni pizza puffs
Recipe video
Want to see just how fluffy these puffs are? Watch this 1-minute video to see! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!
Let's talk ingredients!
These puffs are made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry:
- flour- they can be made with all purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, or a mixture of 50% whole wheat and 50% all purpose flour. They have not been tested with gluten-free or any alternative flours
- milk- swap for your fave unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond milk)
- herbs- basil and oregano for that authentic pizza flavor
- eggs- are necessary. This has not been tested with egg alternatives.
- pizza sauce- is swirled into the muffin tops. It's also great as a dip with these muffins!
- pepperoni slices- you want nice, small slices. I took a pepperoni stick and sliced it thinly. If you have regular-sized pepperoni slices, you will need to chop them up.
- cheese- I used mozzarella but cheddar, gouda or monterey jack would all work really well in this recipe!
This pizza puff recipe works amazingly well for meal prep. Here are some tips to get you cooking: Find my favorite cookie scoop, muffin pans, and other kitchen equipment in my shop!Meal prep tips
Add ins for this pizza puff recipe
Treat this recipe like you would a pizza: fully customizable based on what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
- bbq sauce- swap the pizza sauce for bbq sauce
- pesto- swap the pizza sauce for pesto
- pineapple- stir in some pineapple for a Hawaiian twist
- finely chopped bell peppers + onions or cauliflower- I would sautee them for a few minutes and blot out extra liquid with a paper towel.
- grated zucchini- press out any liquid
- olives- chopped
More kid-friendly snack ideas:
- No Bake Energy Bites 7 Ways
- Instant Pot Applesauce
- Foolproof Crispy Baked Kale Chips
- Crispy Baked Falafel Recipe
- Morning Glory Breakfast Cookies
This post was originally published in 2015. It has been tweaked, rephotographed and republished in 2020.
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
![overhead shot of many cheesy pepperoni pizza puffs](https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pizza-puffs-5-600x600.jpg)
Soft + Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Puffs
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white whole wheat flour (188 g; spooned, fluffed + levelled. See note *)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups milk (or unsweetened non-dairy milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup pepperoni (thinly sliced; reserve some for muffin tops)
- 12 teaspoons pizza sauce
To serve (optional)
- additional pizza sauce
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375°F. Spray a 12-count muffin tray with oil and rub with a paper towel. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, herbs and salt.
- Add the milk, then the eggs. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until *just* combined.
- Fold in 1½ cups of cheese (reserving ½ a cup for tops) and the pepperoni.
- Spoon mixture into the prepared muffin tins.
- Place a teaspoon of pizza sauce on the tops of the muffins, gently swirl in with a knife.
- Sprinkle tops with reserved cheese, and press a few extra pieces of pepperoni in, if desired.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick tester comes out clean. Mine were perfect at 21 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before running a knife around edges of pan and popping the muffins out.
Storage
- Pizza puffs may be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or the freezer for up to 1 month.
Video
Nutrition Information
© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Adapted from Rachel Ray
Rachel says
I made these just now - they smell like heaven! These were super easy to make, and they are delicious 😋!
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Rachel, we're glad to hear that you found this recipe easy and delicious! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a rating and review!
Celene says
Can you double this batch?
Denise Bustard says
Hi Celene! Yes, you can double it. You may need to work in batches unless you have multiple muffin trays. Hope you enjoy!
Christina Contri says
I'm always looking for cold lunch options for my picky daughter, so when I came across your recipe this morning, I jumped right on it. I modified the batter slightly (used pre-mix Italian seasoning and added 1/4 tsp garlic powder & 1/4 cup Parmesan) and did the sauce swirl twice (once when tins were half full and again as you showed). She loved them cold for her lunch, but I came away feeling like they still needed a bigger sauce presence. I could send her to school with a dip cup of sauce, but plain cold sauce kinda skeeves me out. I thought about incorporating some into the batter, replacing a bit of the milk, but I think that's gonna turn the whole thing into a weird pinky/salmony color that won't look super appetizing. Any suggestions?
Denise Bustard says
Hi Christina! I definitely think they'd be good served with pizza or marinara sauce as a dip. Maybe you could play around by adding some spices to make the dip more appetizing?
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
How awesome do these look!? I love the pizza muffin idea! And those mini little pepperonis are probably the cutest thing ever. 😉
Denise says
Thanks, Jessica! It's always nice to have something to look forward to at coffee break 😉
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
Oooh! I've not a breakfast person at all, but I would look forward to it if I had one (or three) of these to grab every morning!
Love this idea, Denise!
Denise says
Thanks, Helen!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
These pizza muffins are so adorable! Such a great grab and go lunch or snack! Perfect for the kiddos and adults 🙂 Hope you had a chance to relax on the weekend after a hectic week.
Denise says
Thanks, Kelly! I managed to find a bit of much needed down-time!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
I am such a BIG fan of savory muffins, Denise!!! <3 These look like so much fun and the perfect end to a busy week!!
Denise says
Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever made savory muffins before! I'm sure there will be more in my life 😉
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says
pizza muffins! no way these are soooo cute!
Denise says
Ha ha, thanks, Kelsey!
Michelle { A Latte Food } says
These muffins look absolutely glorious! Especially after such a hectic week (I hope the weekend was relaxing 🙂 ). I have such a thing for portable, simple meals, so this is a total win!
Denise says
Thanks, Michelle! I had a tiny bit of down-time, just what I needed 😉
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
These muffins look amazing and really delicious! Pepperoni pizza is one of my food weaknesses - definitely need to give the recipe a go! Thanks for sharing, Denise! 😀
Denise says
Ahh me too! I always liked pepperoni way more than ham or any other meat. Thanks, Jess!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I love these little pizza muffins! What a great idea and the small portion size is perfect!
Denise says
Thanks, Ashley!
Sarah@ Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Gahhhh I love these so much! I will eat pizza pretty much anyway and that definitely includes muffins! Love how ultra-cheesy and adorably-mini these babies look! Pinned. 🙂
Denise says
Ha ha, thanks, Sarah! I'm down with anything pizza, too 🙂
marcie says
I love that you've pretty much made pizza healthy here, Denise! My kids would flip over these...pinned! 🙂
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
LOVE grab and go lunches and snacks! These would be a total win around here!
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says
"Herbed up"...lol. Love that 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Sounds like you had a crazy, busy week lady! Definitely time for you to relax with some wine, and pizza muffins! These are just too cute! And a great grab and go snack or lunch. Love those baby pepperonis : )
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I am so glad it's Friday! This was one long week! And these muffins are just the cutest, Denise! I've made something similar for parties before, but never using whole wheat flour. Love this!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
I want all of these. I don't eat regular pepperoni, but I do like that new turkey pepperoni! These are the perfect on-the-go snack. Pizza is such a nice treat after a long week. I hope you have a wonderful weekend full of health and relaxation!