Looking for a fun, unique twist on traditional pizza? Try these deep dish pizza cupcakes—miniature versions of the classic deep-dish pizza, packed with all the flavors you love but in a convenient cupcake form! This recipe offers a fun, hands-on way to enjoy pizza that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or even just a cozy dinner with family. The savory combination of pizza dough, cheese, and savory fillings baked in muffin tins is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your pizza cravings.
This recipe is easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or simply want to enjoy an individual portion of your favorite deep-dish pizza, these cupcakes are the way to go. With the right balance of sauce, cheese, and toppings, you can create a bite-sized pizza that delivers all the deliciousness of the original but in an adorable, portable form.
You can even prepare these deep dish pizza cupcakes ahead of time and bake them just before serving, making them a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of a buttery, crisp crust and melty cheese filling is a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters. So, gather your ingredients, grab your muffin tin, and let’s dive into this recipe that will make your taste buds sing!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll absolutely love making deep dish pizza cupcakes. First and foremost, they offer a fun, interactive way to enjoy pizza! Instead of serving pizza by the slice, these individual servings allow for easy customization—each person can choose their favorite toppings and fillings. Plus, kids love the idea of pizza in cupcake form, making it a great meal option for families.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can switch up the ingredients depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re a fan of classic cheese, pepperoni, sausage, or even veggies, these cupcakes can be tailored to suit any taste. You can even make them vegetarian or gluten-free with simple ingredient swaps, allowing everyone to enjoy these little pizzas.
Additionally, the preparation of deep dish pizza cupcakes is quick and simple. You don’t need to worry about dough stretching or complicated pizza-making techniques. The use of muffin tins means that baking is more even, and the small portions make for an easier cleanup process. Whether you’re making these for a casual dinner or preparing them for a larger crowd, they are convenient and efficient.
Finally, there’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into these mini pizzas and discovering the delicious layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings tucked inside. It’s a great way to enjoy pizza with a fun twist, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next pizza party!
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil for greasing the muffin tin
Equipment Used
- Muffin Tin: The key tool for creating the cupcake shape. A standard 12-cup muffin tin will work best, but you can use a mini muffin tin for even smaller servings.
- Rolling Pin: You’ll need a rolling pin to flatten out the pizza dough before cutting it into circles that fit the muffin tin.
- Cookie Cutter or Glass: Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut the dough into circles that will fit into the muffin cups.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients, such as the cheese, sauce, and seasonings.
- Basting Brush: Optional, but useful for greasing the muffin tin with olive oil, ensuring the dough doesn’t stick during baking.
- Small Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop: Helps in evenly distributing the sauce and toppings into each muffin cup.
- Oven Mitts: To safely remove the muffin tin from the oven once your deep dish pizza cupcakes are done baking.
Directions & Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the pizza dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut the dough into circles that are slightly larger than the muffin tin cups. You’ll need one dough circle for each muffin cup.
- Assemble the cupcakes: Place one dough circle into each muffin cup, gently pressing it down to form a small crust along the sides.
- Layer the ingredients: Start by spooning a small amount of pizza sauce into each dough-lined muffin cup. Then add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by your desired toppings (sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.).
- Add the final layer: Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top and sprinkle some dried oregano and garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Bake the cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious deep dish pizza cupcakes!
Nutritional Information
These deep dish pizza cupcakes are a satisfying and flavorful treat, though they do contain a good amount of cheese and pizza dough, which means they are rich in calories. The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cupcake):
- Calories: 250–300
- Fat: 15–18g
- Carbohydrates: 25–30g
- Protein: 8–10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 400–500mg
- Sugars: 3–4g
To make the cupcakes lighter, you can substitute the dough with a lower-calorie pizza dough or reduce the cheese content. For a more balanced option, consider adding additional vegetables as toppings for extra fiber and nutrients. If you’re watching your calorie intake, this can easily be a flexible recipe to adjust to your specific dietary preferences.
Variations
- Vegetarian Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes: Skip the meat and load up on veggies like spinach, onions, and zucchini for a tasty vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pizza dough if you’re following a gluten-free diet. Many grocery stores offer pre-made gluten-free dough options that work perfectly for this recipe.
- Meat Lover’s Pizza Cupcakes: Add extra layers of cooked sausage, bacon, and pepperoni to make a meat lover’s dream come true.
- Spicy Pizza Cupcakes: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for an added kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare these deep dish pizza cupcakes ahead of time. Simply assemble them and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. You can also freeze the assembled cupcakes for up to 2 months and bake them straight from the freezer—just allow a few extra minutes in the oven.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce? Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza sauce is a great time-saver. You can also make your own sauce if you prefer a homemade touch.
Can I make these without cheese? While cheese is a key component of a deep dish pizza, you can make a dairy-free version by using dairy-free cheese alternatives or just skip the cheese for a lighter version.
Can I use a different dough for the crust? Yes! Feel free to use biscuit dough, crescent roll dough, or even puff pastry for a different twist on the crust. Each will give a unique texture to the final cupcakes.
Pro Tips by Emma
- Don’t Overstuff: Be mindful not to overstuff the cupcakes with too many toppings. A small amount of ingredients is enough for the flavors to shine and allows the dough to bake properly.
- Pre-Cook Toppings: If you’re using meats or vegetables that release moisture while baking, it’s a good idea to pre-cook them to avoid soggy cupcakes.
- Allow to Cool Slightly: Let the cupcakes cool for a few minutes before serving so they set up properly and are easier to remove from the muffin tin.
Serving Suggestions
These deep dish pizza cupcakes make an excellent appetizer or main course. Pair them with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They’re also perfect for game days, birthday parties, or casual gatherings with friends and family. For a fun twist, serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping!
Easy Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes Recipe
Equipment
- Muffin Tin: The key tool for creating the cupcake shape. A standard 12-cup muffin tin will work best, but you can use a mini muffin tin for even smaller servings.
- Rolling Pin: You'll need a rolling pin to flatten out the pizza dough before cutting it into circles that fit the muffin tin.
- Cookie Cutter or Glass: Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut the dough into circles that will fit into the muffin cups.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients, such as the cheese, sauce, and seasonings.
- Basting Brush: Optional, but useful for greasing the muffin tin with olive oil, ensuring the dough doesn’t stick during baking.
- Small Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop: Helps in evenly distributing the sauce and toppings into each muffin cup.
- Oven Mitts: To safely remove the muffin tin from the oven once your deep dish pizza cupcakes are done baking.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage optional
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices optional
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers optional
- 1/2 cup mushrooms sliced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil for greasing the muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the pizza dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut the dough into circles that are slightly larger than the muffin tin cups. You’ll need one dough circle for each muffin cup.
- Assemble the cupcakes: Place one dough circle into each muffin cup, gently pressing it down to form a small crust along the sides.
- Layer the ingredients: Start by spooning a small amount of pizza sauce into each dough-lined muffin cup. Then add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by your desired toppings (sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.).
- Add the final layer: Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top and sprinkle some dried oregano and garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Bake the cupcakes: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious deep dish pizza cupcakes!