Easy Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes Recipe
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!
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!
Notes
To make these deep dish pizza cupcakes extra delicious, focus on high-quality ingredients like fresh mozzarella and savory pizza sauce. Don’t skimp on the cheese—add a generous amount for that melty, gooey goodness. Try using a mix of cheeses, like Parmesan and cheddar, for added flavor complexity. Experiment with flavorful toppings like seasoned sausage, caramelized onions, or fresh basil. For an extra crispy crust, brush the dough with a little olive oil before baking. These small tweaks will elevate the flavor and texture, making them irresistible!