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Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Create playful pizza cupcakes by forming dough in muffin tins, filling with sauce, cheese, and preferred toppings, then baking until golden. Enjoy gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty sauce layered in crisp mini crusts. These are perfect for party snacks or family dinners and can easily be customized with your favorite veggies or meats. For extra flavor, brush the warm edges with olive oil or butter and serve with dipping sauces like marinara or ranch for a fun twist on classic pizza.

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Casey
Updated on Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:27:31 GMT
A tray of pizza cupcakes. Pin it
A tray of pizza cupcakes. | cookingwithcasey.com

Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes are the ultimate party food and kid-friendly dinner I lean on when everyone seems tired of the usual pizza night. Each bite is a cheesy hand-held treat with warm tomato sauce and your favorite toppings tucked inside a golden biscuit crust. Whether you are feeding a crowd or packing lunches these always disappear fast in my house.

Ingredients

  • Refrigerated biscuit dough: lets you skip making dough and still get tender crust Choose a brand that bakes up flaky for best results
  • Pizza sauce: offers that classic tang and you can use your favorite jarred or homemade batch Check the label for sugar and herbs you love
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: for melty gooey texture Always shred fresh from a block for best melt
  • Mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni: brings that pizza shop flavor Try turkey pepperoni for a lighter option
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: adds a sharp nutty finish Look for the real stuff not the shelf-stable kind
  • Italian seasoning: boosts the savory flavor with herbs like basil and oregano Choose one with visible green herbs
  • Toppings like mushrooms green peppers olives or sausage: let you create custom combinations Pick your favorites and chop small so they bake evenly
  • Olive oil or melted butter for brushing: gives a glossy golden finish and extra flavor Use extra virgin olive oil for a rich taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Dough:
If working with biscuit dough gently split each biscuit in half with your fingers so you have thinner rounds that bake up tender If using pizza dough cut your dough into twelve pieces and roll each into a loose circle about the size of your muffin tin wells so the crust forms up the sides perfectly
Shape the Crusts:
Press each dough round into the bottom and up the sides of a greased muffin tin well Make sure there are no holes so sauce stays inside
Load with Sauce and Toppings:
Drop about a teaspoon of pizza sauce in each dough cup then pile in a generous spoonful of your favorite toppings Add enough for flavor but not so much that the cup overflows
Add the Cheeses and Seasoning:
Scatter mozzarella over the toppings then finish each cupcake with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning right on top
Bake until Golden and Bubbly:
Slide the muffin tin into a 375 degree oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes Watch for a deeply golden crust and bubbling cheese on top
Cool and Finish:
When fully baked let the cupcakes cool in the tin a couple of minutes Use a knife tip to gently pop each out Brush edges with a little olive oil or melted butter for irresistible shine and flavor if you like
A person holding a slice of pizza. Pin it
A person holding a slice of pizza. | cookingwithcasey.com

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to three days They reheat well in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness and melty cheese Avoid microwaving if you want the crust to stay firm

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap biscuit dough for any store bought pizza dough or even crescent roll dough For dairy free options use your favorite vegan mozzarella or leave off the cheese entirely Leftover cooked chicken or crumbled bacon are delicious instead of pepperoni

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main dish with a green salad for a complete meal Or set out as a party snack with bowls of warm marinara ranch or garlic butter for dipping They are also perfect in lunchboxes with fruit and crunchy veggies on the side

History and Tips

Deep dish pizza in a cupcake form takes inspiration from both Chicago style pies and the American love of anything mini I love these for their built in portion control and the opportunity for everyone at the table to customize their own

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works well. Just divide and shape it as you would with biscuit or canned dough.

→ How can I make these vegetarian?

Substitute the meat toppings with vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, olives, or spinach for a veggie-packed bite.

→ What sauces pair well for dipping?

Marinara, ranch, and garlic butter all make tasty accompaniments for extra flavor and fun dipping.

→ How do I prevent sticking in the muffin tin?

Grease the muffin tin well with oil or nonstick spray to help the dough release easily after baking.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate before baking or bake ahead and reheat in the oven just before serving.

Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes

Bite-sized deep dish pizzas layered with cheese, sauce, and toppings baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 pizza cupcakes)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Dough Base

01 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough or pizza dough

→ Sauce & Cheese

02 120 ml pizza sauce
03 115 g shredded mozzarella cheese
04 30 g grated Parmesan cheese

→ Main Toppings

05 60 g mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni

→ Seasoning

06 1 tsp Italian seasoning

→ Optional Toppings

07 Sautéed mushrooms
08 Chopped green peppers
09 Sliced olives
10 Cooked sausage
11 Additional favorite toppings as desired

→ Finishing

12 Olive oil or melted butter for brushing

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with oil or butter.

Step 02

If using biscuit dough, split each biscuit horizontally to create thinner layers. If using pizza dough, divide into 12 equal portions and roll each into a circle large enough to line a muffin cup.

Step 03

Gently press each dough round into the bottom and up the sides of each prepared muffin cup, ensuring an even, deep-dish shape.

Step 04

Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into each dough cup. Add a layer of desired toppings, such as pepperoni, vegetables, and meats. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

Step 05

Add a pinch of Italian seasoning atop each cupcake. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until crusts turn golden brown and cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

Step 06

Allow cupcakes to cool for several minutes before releasing gently with a knife. For added richness, brush the crust edges with olive oil or melted butter, if preferred.

Notes

  1. Let children customize individual cupcakes with their own choice of toppings for an interactive experience.
  2. Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for serving.
  3. For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms, peppers, olives, and spinach instead of meat.

Tools You'll Need

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Oven
  • Knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • Contains milk and dairy products

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 185
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 7 g