Easy Pepperoni Pizza Puffs Recipe [Perfect for Hosting!]
These Pepperoni Pizza Puffs are cheesy, packed with mini pepperoni, and baked to crispy, gooey perfection. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a quick dinner idea, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and will leave your guests asking for more. They make the perfect game day snacks and party food appetizers!
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Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Puffs
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can turn a plain muffin tin into a party-ready platter of deliciousness. Let’s dive into what you need.
Main Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Bites
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough – A 13.8 oz tube (Pillsbury works great!).
- Mozzarella Cheese – 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella for stretchy, gooey goodness.
- Pizza Sauce – About ⅔ cup. The tangy base that ties all the flavors together.
- Mini Pepperoni – ½ cup for that unmistakable pizza flavor.
- Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning – A teaspoon of each, bringing that extra punch of flavor to every bite.
Optional Ingredients
Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious add-ons:
- Vegetables: Try small diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Alternative Cheeses: Shredded cheddar or provolone can add a unique twist.
- Spicy Kick: A sprinkle of chili flakes or a touch of jalapeño slices.
Feel free to experiment—you never know what delicious new favorite you might discover.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Puffs
The best part about Pepperoni Pizza Puffs? They’re almost as easy to make as they are to eat. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be munching on cheesy goodness in no time.
Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin. Then, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a flat surface and cut it into 12 square pieces. These little squares will act as the foundation of your puffs.
Filling the Muffin Tin
Place each square of dough into a muffin cavity, gently pressing it down to create a cup shape. Don’t worry if the edges stick out a bit—it all adds to the charm!
Add a small handful of shredded mozzarella at the bottom of each dough cup.
Follow with a dollop of pizza sauce, a sprinkle of mini pepperoni, and a smidge more cheese on top.
For the final flourish, sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a few extra pepperoni slices over each puff.
Baking Instructions
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 14-15 minutes (keep an eye on them after 12 minutes).
You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese has melted and turned golden, and the dough is lightly browned.
Let them cool for 5 minutes before carefully popping them out of the muffin tin.
Serving Suggestions
While these Pepperoni Pizza Puffs are pretty spectacular on their own, you can elevate your presentation with these fun serving ideas.
Dipping Sauces
There’s nothing like dipping to take these puffs up a notch:
- Classic Marinara
- Creamy Ranch
- Spicy Garlic Butter
- Tangy BBQ Sauce
- Even a touch of Sriracha for heat fans
A variety of dip bowls will give your guests plenty of options.
Perfect Pairings
Planning to make these part of a bigger spread? Pair them with a refreshing salad or perhaps a hearty bowl of soup. You could also team them up with Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Pinwheels for a colorful, appetizer duo that’ll absolutely wow your guests.
Why These Pizza Puffs Are Perfect for Hosting
If you’re looking for a recipe that checks all the right boxes for entertaining, here’s why Pepperoni Pizza Puffs are a must for your next gathering.
Crowd-Pleaser
Who doesn’t love pizza? Kids and adults love these pepperoni pizza puffs. Each puff is like a hug for your taste buds—comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
Easy Preparation
Hosting can be overwhelming, but these puffs take the stress out of the kitchen. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip these up even amidst the hustle and bustle of party planning. I love recipes like this don’t you?
Add Variety to Your Spread
Need more options? Check out these Cheesy Mexican Pinwheels for another crowd-favorite appetizer. The creamy, zesty goodness of the pinwheels is so good and will give variety to your appetizer spread, keeping everyone at your party reaching for more.
Final Thoughts
Pepperoni Pizza Puffs put the fun back in finger food. With their savory flavors and easy-to-make process, they’re are likely to become your go-to appetizer for every party, game night, or even cozy family dinner. Gather your ingredients, get your muffin tin ready, and try this recipe out. Trust me, one batch won’t be enough. Let me know how much you (and your guests) loved them in the comments below!
Pepperoni Pizza Puffs
Ingredients
- 13.8 oz tube refrigerated pizza dough I used Pillsbury
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ⅔ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup mini pepperoni
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease the cavities of a muffin tin.
- Until the dough and cut into 12 pieces (see process image 1 of how to cut)
- Place a dough square into each cavity of the muffin pan, and push up the sides.
- Add some cheese at the bottom of each dough cup, then top with sauce and some mini pepperoni. Top with more cheese, then sprinkle seasonings. Top with a few additional mini pepperoni.
- Transfer the muffin pan to the oven, and bake for 14-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and dough is done.
