Craving a cheesy, savory snack but short on prep time? These Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs are about to become your new go-to treat. Imagine a golden, fluffy puff, packed with melty cheese, pops of spicy pepperoni, and crumbles of hearty sausage, all finished with Italian herbs for that classic pizza flavor. Baked in miniature muffin tins, these little gems are endlessly poppable and perfect for parties, game nights, or just satisfying a pizza craving in a snap. With a quick dunk in warm pizza sauce, they deliver all the comfort of your favorite pie, no rolling or slicing required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s always a thrill when a recipe this tasty comes together with such familiar ingredients. Each element of these Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs has a delicious job to do: helping the batter puff up, delivering gooey cheese pulls, and providing those classic pizza flavors we all adore.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that helps the puffs hold their shape and create a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: The not-so-secret leavening agent responsible for their lift and airy texture.
- Garlic powder: Adds a whisper of savory warmth that makes every bite irresistible.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses these puffs with signature pizza aroma.
- Salt: Just enough to wake up and balance all the flavors.
- Whole milk: Provides richness and moisture, so the puffs stay soft inside.
- Large egg: Binds everything together while keeping the texture light.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For melty, stretchy goodness in every puff.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch that deepens the overall flavor.
- Mini pepperoni slices: Sweet and spicy, these nestle perfectly into the mini muffins.
- Cooked sausage, crumbled: Offers a hearty, meaty counterpoint to the cheese and pepperoni.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Brightens the whole batch with fresh, herby notes.
- Warm pizza sauce, for dipping: Dipping is highly encouraged—don’t skip it!
How to Make Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when you are. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin—this little bit of oil ensures your Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs pop out perfectly golden and intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. This dry mixture is the backbone of your puffs, creating the structure and ensuring each bite is delightfully fluffy and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the whole milk and crack in the egg. Gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix or your puffs will be dense. The batter should be thick, smooth, and ready to welcome those tasty mix-ins.
Step 4: Fold in the Pizza Goodness
Fold in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, mini pepperoni, crumbled cooked sausage, and herbs if you’re using them. Every scoop will be bursting with pizza goodness, making these puffs irresistible from the inside out.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the mixture into your prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. This gives the batter space to puff up without spilling over. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until they’re golden on top and perfectly puffed. Let them cool just slightly before removing so they keep their shape.
How to Serve Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley does wonders here, adding color and a pop of freshness that really elevates the presentation. For an extra cheesy touch, dust with extra grated Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
Balance out these savory gems with a simple green salad, or pair with crisp veggie sticks for a little crunch. They’re also fantastic alongside a big bowl of warm pizza sauce or ranch dip for dunking—snacking heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs onto a cute platter with small dipping bowls nestled in the center. Skewer them onto toothpicks for grab-and-go party bites or tuck them into lunchboxes for a fun surprise. They even make a great topper for a big salad or bowl of soup!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (don’t count on it!), simply pop any extra puffs into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them a fabulous snack for busy weekdays.
Freezing
These Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs freeze like a dream. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—perfect for last-minute entertaining or after-school snacks.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked feeling, reheat the pizza puffs in a 350°F oven or an air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the puffs a bit chewy, but if you’re in a rush, a quick zap will work in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I swap out the sausage or pepperoni for other toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cooked mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, black olives, or even cooked bacon bits. The beauty of these Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs is how easily they adapt to your tastes or what you have on hand.
Do I have to use a mini muffin tin?
Mini muffin tins give you that irresistible bite-sized shape, but you can use a regular muffin tin for bigger puffs—just adjust the bake time a little longer until they’re set and golden.
Are these pizza puffs kid-friendly?
They absolutely are! Kids love their handheld size and familiar flavors. Plus, you can hide some extra veggies in the mix if you need to sneak in a little nutrition.
Can I make them ahead for a party?
Yes! Make them a day or two in advance, and just reheat in the oven before serving. Arrange in a basket with dipping sauces and watch them disappear.
What’s the best way to serve the dipping sauce?
Warm your pizza sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until steamy, then present it in shallow bowls for dipping. If you want more variety, offer ranch or even a garlicky aioli alongside.
Final Thoughts
If you love everything about pizza but want a bite-sized, party-ready twist, you have to try these Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs. They’re quick to prep, fun to eat, and guaranteed to please a crowd (or just yourself!). Give them a whirl and watch them disappear—one irresistible puff at a time.
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Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini puffs
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs are a delicious mini version of pizza in a muffin form. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun twist on traditional pizza night.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/3 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- warm pizza sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk and egg until just combined.
- Add Cheese and Meats: Fold in the mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, sausage, and herbs if using.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then remove from the muffin tin. Serve warm with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- These freeze well—just reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 puffs
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
