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Easy Mini Pizza Muffins Recipe Perfect for Kids Lunch Boxes

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These easy mini pizza muffins are bite-sized pockets of comfort packed with melted cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs, perfect for kids’ lunch boxes and quick snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) milk, room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (optional) or diced ham
  • ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • A few fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your muffin tin lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk ¾ cup milk, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 large egg until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  5. Gently fold in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup mini pepperoni slices or chosen topping.
  6. Spoon batter into each muffin cup, filling about ¾ full.
  7. Drop about 1 teaspoon of tomato sauce on top of each muffin and swirl slightly with a toothpick or skewer to create a marbled effect.
  8. Lightly dust the tops with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If tops brown too fast, cover loosely with foil after 15 minutes.
  10. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the muffins before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins soft and fluffy. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Grease muffin pan well to prevent sticking. If tomato sauce is watery, drain excess liquid to avoid soggy muffins. Let muffins cool completely before packing to prevent sogginess. Muffins freeze well and can be reheated in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini pizza muffins, kids lunch box, easy snack, pizza muffins, bite-sized pizza, quick snack, kid-friendly recipe