These pizza puffs are like little bites of pizza heaven! With a crispy outer layer and a cheesy, flavorful filling, they’re perfect for snacking or a quick meal.
It’s hard to eat just one; they disappear fast at my place! 😂 I love dipping them in marinara sauce for an extra tasty treat. Give them a try, and you might find yourself making them again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is super easy and convenient. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own dough or use puff pastry for a flakier puff. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will change slightly!
Pizza Sauce: I love the convenience of jarred pizza sauce, but homemade sauce with crushed tomatoes, herbs, and spices works wonderfully too. If you’re short on time, you can even use marinara or spaghetti sauce—just add a dash of Italian seasoning for a pizza feel.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for its meltiness. If you’re out, try provolone or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor. Vegan cheese can work as a substitute if you’re avoiding dairy—look for one that melts well!
Toppings: Pepperoni is a favorite, but you can get creative! Bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or cooked sausage all work great. If you have leftover vegetables, toss them in! Remember to keep moisture in check to avoid soggy puffs.
Seasonings: The Italian seasoning and garlic powder add a kick. If you really like garlic, fresh minced garlic can be a nice touch. Don’t have Italian seasoning? Just mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme for a quick substitute.
How Do I Create the Perfect Biscuit Cup?
Forming the biscuit cup properly is key. You want to ensure it holds all the yummy filling without falling apart. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by flattening each biscuit to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your hands or a rolling pin—make sure it’s even!
- Carefully press the biscuit into the muffin tin. Make sure the edges go up the sides for a good cup shape.
- Don’t worry if the dough cracks a little; just press it back together. It will hold during baking!
Taking time with this step will make your pizza puffs look great and hold all the delicious fillings inside. Enjoy!
How to Make Pizza Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza Puffs:
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (about 8 biscuits)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any preferred toppings such as bell peppers, olives, etc.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, making a total time of around 30 minutes. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for snack time or a party!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a muffin tin and grease it well with olive oil or cooking spray so your pizza puffs don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Take the package of refrigerated biscuit dough and carefully open it. Separate the biscuits and lay them out. Now, flatten each biscuit into a circle about 1/4 inch thick. This makes them easier to shape in the muffin tin.
3. Shape the Cups:
Once you have your biscuits flattened, press each one into the prepared muffin tin. Make sure to cover the bottom and sides well to create little cups that can hold all the yummy fillings.
4. Add the Sauce and Cheese:
Now it’s time to get creative! Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce into each biscuit cup. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. You can be as generous as you like!
5. Load Up with Toppings:
Place a few slices of pepperoni (or your choice of toppings) on top of the cheese. Don’t be shy—add what you love!
6. Season and Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the filled cups. Then finish it off with the grated Parmesan cheese for that extra flavor kick.
7. Bake Your Pizza Puffs:
Carefully place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and delicious.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Use a spoon or a knife to help remove the pizza puffs from the muffin tin. They might be a little hot, so be careful!
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside more pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy your tasty pizza puffs—you’ve earned it!
Can I Use Other Types of Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute refrigerated crescent roll dough or even homemade pizza dough if you have it on hand. If using pizza dough, roll it out to fit the muffin tin. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Pizza Sauce?
If you don’t have pizza sauce, you can easily use marinara sauce or any tomato-based pasta sauce instead. For a quick alternative, you can combine tomato paste with a few herbs like oregano, basil, and a bit of olive oil to make a quick pizza sauce substitute.
How to Store Leftover Pizza Puffs?
Store any leftover pizza puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the oven keeps them crispier!
Can I Make Pizza Puffs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza puffs up to the baking step and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. When ready to bake, add a couple more minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through, as they’ll be colder from the fridge.
