A Quick Fix for a Busy Night
My Favorite is Mini Muffin Tin Pizzas and I remember one particularly hectic evening when the kids were buzzing with energy, and I had barely a moment to think about dinner. With only a short window before bedtime, I needed something quick, easy, and guaranteed to please. That’s when the idea of Mini Muffin Tin Pizzas popped into my head. It was a stroke of genius! These little pizzas were a perfect solution—simple to make and just the right size for little hands.
A Fun Cooking Adventure with the Kids
As I rolled out the pie crust on the counter, my kids gathered around, eager to help. There’s something about cooking together that brings a certain joy to the kitchen. We used a cookie cutter to create little dough circles, and they carefully pressed each one into the muffin tin. The excitement in their eyes as they spooned pizza sauce and sprinkled mozzarella cheese was contagious. It wasn’t just dinner; it was a fun, creative adventure for all of us.
The Smell of Success
As the pizzas baked in the oven, the aroma of bubbling cheese and pepperoni filled the kitchen. The kids kept peeking into the oven, watching their creations rise and turn golden brown. When the timer finally beeped, they could hardly wait to dig in. After a short cooling period, we gently popped each mini pizza out of the muffin tin, the cheese stretching with every pull. The first bite was pure bliss—crispy crust, gooey cheese, and a burst of flavor from the pepperoni.
A New Family Favorite
That night, Mini Muffin Tin Pizzas became an instant family favorite. The best part? They’re not just for dinner. We’ve made them for lunches, snacks, and even game-day treats. Plus, the kids love experimenting with different toppings, turning this simple recipe into an ongoing family tradition. It’s a dish that’s not only quick and easy but also a delicious way to bring everyone together, one mini pizza at a time.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Mini Muffin Tin Pizzas
- Ensure your muffin tin is well-coated with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. If using a different type of dough (like crescent roll dough), follow package instructions for baking times and temperatures.
- For a burst of extra flavor, sprinkle Italian seasoning or garlic powder on top of the cheese before baking. This can enhance the overall taste of your mini pizzas.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings based on your family’s preferences. For a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives instead of pepperoni.
- Pair these mini pizzas with a fresh side salad or some fruit to create a well-rounded meal. They also make great snacks or lunchbox additions.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for the best texture, or microwave for a quicker option.
Mini Muffin Tin Pizzas
12
mini pizzas15
minutes14
minutes120
kcal5
minutes34
minutesThese Mini Muffin Tin Pizzas are a delightful and speedy dinner option that kids will adore! Perfect for busy weeknights, these mini deep-dish pizzas come together in under 30 minutes using ready-made pie crust, pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. They’re not only fun to make but also great for leftovers. Just reheat and enjoy!
Ingredients
Refrigerated Pie Crust (11 oz), rolled out
1/4 cup pizza sauce
12 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
4 slices pepperoni, cut into small pieces to fit mini muffin tins
Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
- Unroll the pie crust and use a rolling pin to flatten it slightly until it’s about 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out 12 circles of dough. Re-roll the scraps if needed.
- Place each dough circle into a muffin tin cavity and gently press up the sides to form mini crusts. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before taking them out of the muffin tin.
Equipment
- muffin tin
- Rolling Pin
- cookie cutter
- nonstick spray
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 120kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 100IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
FAQ-Mini Muffin Tin Pizzas
Can I use a different type of dough instead of pie crust?
Yes, you can use crescent roll dough or puff pastry as a substitute. Adjust baking times as needed based on the dough type used.
What can I use as a cheese alternative?
Cheddar cheese or dairy-free cheese alternatives work well if you’re looking for a different flavor or have dietary restrictions.
Can I freeze these mini pizzas?
Yes, you can freeze them. Place cooled mini pizzas in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Pricking the crust with a fork before adding the toppings helps prevent it from becoming soggy. Ensure the oven is preheated for even baking.
Can I make these mini pizzas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time. Assemble the pizzas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. For the best results, bake just before serving.
