How to Make the Perfect Cheesy Mini Pizza Muffins
Italian-American · Easy · 15 min · 2 servings
These bite-sized pizza muffins are made using English muffin halves topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. They are easy to bake ahead of time and pack well in a lunchbox for a warm or room temperature treat kids will devour.
Why this recipe works
This Cheesy Mini Pizza Muffins recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 whole English muffins split in half
- 4 tablespoons marinara sauce
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 pieces mini pepperoni
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper then arrange the four English muffin halves cut side up on the sheet.
Step 2: Add the Sauce and Toppings
Spoon one tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each muffin half and spread it to the edges then sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the sauce.
Step 3: Top with Cheese and Pepperoni
Divide the shredded mozzarella evenly among the four muffin halves and place three mini pepperoni pieces on top of each one.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly then remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely before packing in a lunchbox.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pepperoni → diced bell peppers for a vegetarian version
- mozzarella cheese → dairy-free shredded cheese for a lactose-free option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Packing the pizza muffins while still warm which creates steam and makes them soggy
- Adding too much marinara sauce which causes the muffin base to become wet and fall apart
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 14g protein, 38g carbs, 11g fat, 2g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →