Pizza puffs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza in a bite-sized, portable form. Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a kid’s party, or craving a quick snack, this pizza puffs recipe will become your go-to. These golden, fluffy morsels are easy to make, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a foolproof recipe, share pro tips, and suggest creative variations to elevate your pizza puff game.
What Are Pizza Puffs?
Pizza puffs are fluffy, bite-sized pastries filled with classic pizza flavors like cheese, sauce, and toppings. Think of them as a cross between a muffin and a pizza roll, baked to golden perfection. They’re versatile, freezer-friendly, and a hit with all ages.
Ingredients
To make 12 pizza puffs, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- ½ cup diced pepperoni (or your favorite toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or melted butter for greasing
Pro Tip: Use high-quality mozzarella for that gooey, stretchy texture. For a healthier twist, opt for whole-wheat flour or turkey pepperoni.
Step-by-Step:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk until smooth. Stir in the pizza sauce.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in mozzarella, Parmesan, and your chosen toppings.
- Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pizza puffs cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
Yield: 12 pizza puffs
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Tips for the Best Puffs Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the puffs light and fluffy.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try sausage, spinach, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze baked pizza puffs for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
For more baking tips, check out Baking Guides to perfect pastries.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Veggie Delight: Use zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for a vegetarian option.
- Cheesy Overload: Mix in cheddar or provolone for extra cheesiness.
- Breakfast Puffs: Swap pizza sauce for scrambled eggs and add bacon bits.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas to serve them:
- Party Appetizer: Pair with marinara and ranch dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing starter.
- Game Day Snack: Serve with a cold beverage for the ultimate watch-party treat.
- Kid’s Lunchbox: Pack with fruit and veggies for a balanced meal.
- Dinner Side: Complement with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
