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Tiny Pizza Bites
We're totally obsessed with these adorable pizza cups at my house. I whipped them up after my children kept asking me to copy their beloved Little Caesars treat. These days they're what we munch on during our movie nights. The dough turns incredibly tender and buttery while cheese melts to golden perfection on top. When you bite into that warm sauce and those crunchy pepperoni edges, it's like a mini pizza paradise.
Delightful Pizza Bliss
These small treats vanish quickly around here. My teen boy can demolish half the batch all by himself. They're so simple to adapt and everyone picks what they want on top. I made a batch for my daughter when her friends stayed over and they couldn't believe we didn't buy them from a store.
What You'll Need
- Pizza Dough: 24 ounces with some extra if you've got big eaters
- Butter: Unsalted that's melted and cooled down a bit
- Fresh Garlic: Cut it up yourself it tastes way better than pre-minced
- Parmesan: Buy it whole and grate at home
- Marinara: Any store sauce you love will do
- Mozzarella: The low moisture kind you can shred melts wonderfully
- Turkey Pepperoni: Standard pepperoni is fine too
- Italian Seasoning: Just a dash brings out amazing flavor
- Fresh Parsley: Snip some to sprinkle on top for that fancy touch
Cooking Fun Steps
- First Things First
- Warm your oven to 375°F and find your muffin tin. Coat it with the tasty garlic butter mixture you'll make soon.
- Dough Prep
- Break your dough into 12 equal balls and let them rise. I always enjoy watching them puff up to twice their size.
- Butter Magic
- Combine your melted butter with crushed garlic fresh parmesan and chopped parsley. You'll start drooling just from the aroma.
- Creating Your Cups
- Push each dough ball into the tin then add sauce cheese pepperoni and a touch of herbs.
- Oven Time
- Bake them for around 15 minutes until they're golden and the cheese bubbles. Your house will smell incredible.
- Cool Down
- Let them sit briefly so they keep their shape and don't burn anyone's mouth.
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Tips For Success
Always give your dough enough time to rise properly. Don't skimp on the mozzarella because it makes those amazing crunchy edges everyone wants. I sometimes put extra cheese at the bottom of each cup before the dough and it's a game changer.
About The Dough
I normally create my own dough but when I'm running behind Trader Joe's ready-made dough works great. You can also use frozen dinner rolls just remember they'll need extra time to thaw and rise.
Different Versions
My veggie-loving niece prefers hers topped with peppers and mushrooms. I often throw in whatever cheese blend I've got handy. My husband loads his with extra pepperoni while my daughter wants pineapple on hers yep we're that kind of family.
Other Tasty Options
If these hit the spot you should check out our other family hits. The cheese-stuffed garlic bread goes just as quickly. Those pizza rolls work great for school lunches too. And grab your fave dipping sauce my kids love ranch while I stick with extra marinara.
Common Cooking Questions
You can get the dough ready ahead of time just warm it up before using. If your cups fall flat they probably needed to cool longer. Any toppings work but stay away from really wet ones or you'll end up with soggy bottoms. They're done when the edges turn golden and the cheese gets all bubbly. They freeze really well just warm them in the oven when you want them.
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Conclusion
Cheesy, buttery puffed bites made with marinara, garlic butter, pepperoni, and melted cheese. Perfect for parties or quick snacks.
Recipe FAQs
- → How far ahead can I prep these?
You can shape the dough balls early and let them rise. Add toppings and pop them in the oven when you're ready to serve.
- → What other ingredients can I try?
Add sausage, bacon, or veggies like peppers and mushrooms. Just be careful not to overfill each cup.
- → How do I know the dough is ready?
The dough will double its size and feel soft and airy. This usually happens within 30-45 minutes in a warm area.
- → Can I freeze these bites?
Definitely! Bake them first, then freeze. To reheat, warm them in the oven—they’ll stay fresh for two months.
- → Why should I let them cool first?
The insides will be very hot, especially the cheese. Cool them for around 5 minutes so they’re safe to eat and less messy.