Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Muffins are a delicious and convenient twist on classic pizza flavors, baked into easy-to-eat muffin form. Perfect for snacks, lunches, or parties, they combine a savory blend of pepperoni, mozzarella, olives, and pizza sauce baked with a lightly seasoned cornmeal and flour batter. Enjoy them warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Dry 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
Pizza Mix-ins
- 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)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (2% dairy recommended)
- ¼ cup pizza sauce, plus additional sauce for topping
Topping
- Additional pizza sauce
- Pepperoni slices
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Black olives slices (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the muffins evenly and thoroughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and fine salt. Stir in the finely chopped pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese, and optionally sliced black olives to the dry mixture to evenly distribute the flavorings.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and pizza sauce until well combined.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until everything is moistened and incorporated; avoid over-mixing to prevent dense, rubbery muffins.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the batter into 12 standard-size muffin cups, filling them almost to the top.
- Add Toppings: Use a knife or skewer to swirl 1-2 teaspoons of additional pizza sauce on the surface of each muffin. Sprinkle with extra shredded mozzarella cheese and optionally place a whole pepperoni slice and a few black olive slices on top for garnish.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the centers are fully set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffins from the pan and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature according to preference.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.
- Do not over-mix the batter to avoid tough muffins.
- Additional toppings can be customized, including different cheeses or vegetables.
- These muffins can be enjoyed as a quick snack, party appetizer, or packed lunch item.
- Freezing and reheating in the oven or microwave works well to enjoy them later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
