Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes

Featured in Perfect Party Bites and Snack Recipes.

Spread crescent dough in muffin pans, toss on toppings, sauce, and cheese. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes. Makes 8 muffins.
Haya
Updated on Sat, 14 Jun 2025 01:18:04 GMT
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Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes | recipeown.com

Turn regular pizza into cute handheld treats that'll make everyone grin. Flaky crescent dough wraps around gooey cheese and flavorful sauce for perfect, snackable bites of pizza. They taste like your favorite pie, only smaller and way more fun for all ages.

I whipped these up for my nephew’s birthday last weekend and they vanished in no time. Even picky eaters kept reaching for another. The kids loved making them and by the end, grownups wanted to know how to make them too.

Tasty Pizza Essentials

  • Garlic powder: Brings boldness to the flavor. Go for one that’s just garlic, without extra salt
  • Toppings: Chop 'em up small, otherwise big pieces can rip the dough
  • Mozzarella cheese: Grab a block and shred it yourself so it melts super smooth
  • Pizza sauce: Pick one that’s thick enough to stay on a spoon without running off
  • Crescent roll dough: Keep it cool in the fridge until you’re ready, and double-check the use-by date
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Cheesy Deep Dish Pizza Muffins | recipeown.com

Playful Pizza Building

Final Assembly:
Toss on a big handful of cheese to cover the top and let it melt into a golden lid while baking.
Layering Flavors:
Stack each part with care—start by adding cheese so it shields the crust, and keep going so every layer works together.
Dough Preparation:
Be gentle with the dough and let it sit a bit so it’s easier to press into muffin tins, making cozy nests for the yummy fillings.

My Italian grandma thought making pizza in muffin cups was odd, but after tasting one, she was totally hooked. She always said real food brings people together, and these little ones totally nail that.

Top Pizza Party Friends

Bump up your party by serving these with bowls of fresh marinara for dipping and sticky honey garlic wings. Add a bright Mediterranean salad on the side to balance all the cheesy flavor. On game days, set 'em up on a fancy tray with multiple sauces—people won’t stop coming back for more. For the kids, line up some veggie sticks with ranch dip next to them.

Fun Pizza Experiments

Switch up the flavors any way you want. Add buffalo chicken and blue cheese for some heat—grownups love it. Come fall, I throw in roasted butternut squash plus sage for an autumn vibe. Got a brunch crew? Crack in some scrambled eggs with bacon and it’s a breakfast hit. Sometimes a swipe of garlic butter and Italian herbs on top before baking makes them extra special.

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Mini Deep Dish Pizza Cups | recipeown.com

Making Pizza Last

Keep leftovers sealed up tight so they stay fresh. They'll taste great for about three days in the fridge, but honestly, they never last that long around here. Warm them in the oven again and you'll get a crispy crust. The microwave works but the outside won’t crunch up as much.

Back when I first cooked up these pizza cupcakes, they were just a kitchen experiment. Now, everyone begs for them. Their playful shape and cozy flavors make them at home just as much at a fancy cocktail night as on a chilled movie Sunday.

What’s really awesome about these tiny pizzas? They make people happy and turn any meal into a fun time. Whether you’ve got a table full of hungry kids or a house of fancy guests, these never let anybody down. Turns out, sometimes a little fun is the best thing to add to your go-to food.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?
They taste best hot from the oven, but you can prep toppings early. Put together and bake right before eating.
→ What other toppings work well?
Use whatever you like on pizza—bacon, olives, pineapple, different cheeses. Skip really wet stuff so they aren't mushy.
→ Can I use pizza dough instead?
Sure, just stretch it out so it’s not too thick. Crescent dough is just easier and comes out flakier.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in a tight container in the fridge for up to two days. Toast or bake till hot when you want to eat.
→ Why aren't mine crispy?
Spray the muffin pan really well. And go easy on sauce—too much makes them soggy.

Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes

Fast muffin-tin pizzas everyone can grab for celebrations, snack cravings, or chill nights in with the family.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
28 Minutes
By: Haya


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 pizza cupcakes)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Optional Toppings

01 Pick from: mushrooms, peppers, sausage, ham, pepperoni, or onions

→ Pizza Essentials

02 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 ½ cup pizza sauce

→ Base

05 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough, preferably seamless

Instructions

Step 01

Scatter garlic powder over the top. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes till they're golden. Enjoy while they're warm.

Step 02

For each dough cup, toss in a spoonful of cheese, then add a dollop of sauce. Pile on the rest of the cheese and any toppings you like.

Step 03

Slice the dough into 8 pieces. Drop a piece into each muffin tin, letting it go up the sides.

Step 04

Crank the oven up to 375°F. Give 8 muffin cups a quick spray with oil.

Notes

  1. Bite into these handheld pizza cups for an easy dinner or serve them for a laid-back get-together.

Tools You'll Need

  • Measuring spoons
  • Cooking spray
  • Regular muffin tin

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (mozzarella cheese)
  • Wheat (crescent rolls)