Updated
Pizza Cupcakes are easy to make appetizers, perfect for game day or any other party. Store-bought dinner rolls are filled with marinara sauce, topped with cheese and pepperoni, then baked to perfection in just 15 minutes.
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These handheld Pizza Cups might just be the best party food recipe! What I love best about making these is that I only need 4 inexpensive ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time to whip them up. I can easily make a batch of these right before guests arrive, and they’ll be ready to serve warm straight from the oven.
I also like to serve these as an after-school snack. My kids even like helping me make them. Whether you serve these as a special after-school snack, at a game day party, or just because you’re craving them, I guarantee they’ll be a huge hit with friends of all ages!
Pizza Cupcakes Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Cupcake Tin
Ingredients
- 12 frozen unbaked dinner rolls 456 grams, thawed; Rhodes recommended, any bake and serve rolls or pizza dough also works
- ½ cup marinara sauce 114 grams, store-bought or homemade; plus more for serving, pizza sauce works well too
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 113 grams, mozzarella balls are also an option
- 12 slices pepperoni 24 grams
Instructions
- Thaw the rolls and allow to rise for approximately 2 hours. To hurry the process, you can heat the oven to 175°F, then turn off the heat. Spray a cupcake tin with nonstick spray and place a roll in each tin.12 frozen unbaked dinner rolls
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Once the rolls have risen, press in the middle and press the rolls open.
- Add a large spoon of sauce, a couple tablespoons of cheese, and top with a pepperoni.½ cup marinara sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 12 slices pepperoni
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Lift a roll to check that the bottom is lightly browned before removing.
- Serve pizza cupcakes with more marinara sauce for dipping.
Becky’s Tips
- Use any of your favorite pizza toppings, such as diced bacon or ham, crumbled sausage, black olives, mushrooms, or diced veggies.
- These rolls are easy to scale up. Double the recipe to make 24 cupcakes. I always make a double batch and freeze half for later.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Pizza Cupcakes Step by Step
Prepare the rolls: Thaw 12 frozen unbaked dinner rolls and allow to rise for approximately 2 hours. To hurry the process, you can heat the oven to 175°F, then turn off the heat. Spray a cupcake tin with nonstick spray and place a roll in each tin. Preheat oven to 375°F.
Prepare the rolls: Once the rolls have risen, press in the middle and press the rolls open.
Add the filling and bake: Add a large spoonful of sauce, a couple of tablespoons of cheese, then top with a pepperoni.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Lift a roll to check that the bottom is lightly browned before removing.
Serve and enjoy: Serve pizza cupcakes with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. They’d also be great with a side of our homemade ranch dressing.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy cold or warmed in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through.
Freeze in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the final bake time.
Serving Suggestions
These pizza cupcakes make a great addition to any party appetizer table. If I want to prepare other kid-friendly options, I’ll whip up a batch of easy pinwheel tortillas or cheeseburger sliders. It’s also a good idea to have a bowl of crockpot Chex mix on hand so everyone can munch on something as soon as they arrive.
