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.

Pin this recipe for later!
Pin ItPizza Cups
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.
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.