Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs Recipe

Ready to upgrade your snack game? Let me introduce you to Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs, a playful twist on classic pizza that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These golden mini morsels pack all the beloved flavors of pizza—savory sausage, zesty pepperoni, gooey cheese, and a fragrant blend of herbs—into a fun, portable package made right in your mini muffin tin. Perfect for game-day gatherings, lunchbox surprises, party appetizers, or just a cozy movie night, these puffs are endlessly adaptable and sure to become a new favorite in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the secret sauce of this recipe, but each ingredient pulls its weight when it comes to flavor and irresistible texture. From the richness of mozzarella and sausage to the pop of fresh herbs, every addition helps turn these little pizza puffs into a snack that disappears in a flash.

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: This provides the perfect structure and lightness for your fluffy puffs.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives your pizza puffs that all-important lift and airy bite.
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds classic Italian flavor and a pop of herby aroma.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a mellow, savory depth that makes these taste authentically pizza-like.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for balance and enhancing all the other flavors.
  • ¾ cup whole milk: Contributes to a tender, moist crumb—don’t skimp on the fat here for best results.
  • 1 large egg: Acts as the binder that keeps all the good stuff together in each puff.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature pull-apart cheese factor.
  • ½ cup mini pepperoni (or chopped regular pepperoni): Packs a punch of smoky, meaty flavor in every bite.
  • ½ cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled and drained): Brings hearty, rich, and slightly spicy notes to the mix.
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish—and helps the tops turn irresistibly golden.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Sprinkling in herbs brightens the whole batch, but it’s totally up to you!
  • warm marinara sauce for dipping: No pizza experience is complete without that classic, tangy tomato sauce for dipping.

How to Make Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your mini muffin tin a generous greasing with nonstick spray or a light coating of oil. This prevents any sticky mishaps and helps those pizza puffs pop right out, golden and intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Don’t skip the whisking—it ensures the seasonings are thoroughly distributed, which means every single puff is flavorful from crust to core.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk your milk and egg together until well blended. The egg makes everything cohesive while the milk promises that irresistible tenderness in every bite-sized pizza puff.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients, then gently stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix, or you risk tough puffs; you want everything just barely blended and still a bit lumpy.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Meats

Fold in the shredded mozzarella, mini pepperoni, crumbled Italian sausage, Parmesan, and—if you’re feeling extra fancy—those fresh herbs. The secret here is to distribute the bits evenly, so every bite is packed with pizza flavor.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Spoon the mixture evenly into your greased mini muffin tin, filling each well about three-quarters full. This gives them room to puff up gorgeously. Slide into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the tops are golden and the kitchen smells like pizzeria heaven.

Step 7: Cool, Remove, and Serve

Let the puffs cool in their tin for about 5 minutes—this makes them easier to remove. Use a small offset spatula or butter knife to gently pop them out. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, and get ready to watch them disappear!

How to Serve Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs

Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Give your Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs a finishing touch with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a scatter of fresh basil or parsley, or even a light dusting of crushed red pepper for some heat. These little details elevate presentation and add an extra pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these pizza puffs with a fresh green salad, garlic breadsticks, or a colorful antipasto platter. Their cheesy richness is nicely balanced by something crisp and refreshing—imagine them served alongside a tangy Italian chopped salad or crunchy veggie sticks.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your party table pop by piling the puffs onto a rustic wooden board with bowls of different dipping sauces—think classic marinara, ranch, and garlic butter. For kids’ parties, serve in cupcake liners or skewer with mini forks for easy, mess-free snacking. The sky’s the limit, so have fun with it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container once completely cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. These little pizza puffs reheat beautifully and are just as tasty the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooled Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and are absolute lifesavers for impromptu snacking or surprise guests!

Reheating

To bring these bites back to their original crisp-tender magic, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for just a few minutes. This keeps them crispy outside and melty inside—good as new! You can also use a standard oven, but avoid the microwave for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs ahead of time?

Absolutely! These pizza puffs hold up amazingly well. Make a batch in advance, store them in the fridge or freezer, and reheat before serving. They’re perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

How can I make these vegetarian?

It’s super easy! Just swap out the pepperoni and sausage for your favorite veggie pizza toppings. Think diced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or even cooked spinach and onions.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

No worries—you can use a regular muffin tin, just increase the bake time by a few minutes and expect larger (but still irresistible) pizza puffs. Adjust the filling to about two-thirds full for best results.

Can I use different cheeses?

Definitely! While mozzarella and Parmesan give that classic pizza vibe, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a little smoked gouda for a twist. Cheese lovers, rejoice!

Are Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs kid-friendly?

They sure are! Kids love their cute size, gooey cheese, and familiar flavors. Plus, they’re great for picky eaters—just customize the mix-ins to suit small taste buds.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re whipping up a quick party snack or just satisfying a pizza craving, these Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs are the answer. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and infinitely adaptable—so go ahead, mix things up, and make them your own. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be looking for excuses to bake another batch!

Print

Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs Recipe

Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs Recipe

4.5 from 29 reviews

These Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for parties or snacking. Packed with savory flavors and gooey cheese, these mini puffs are sure to be a hit with everyone!

  • Author: nadia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 mini puffs 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (or chopped regular pepperoni)
  • 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled and drained)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
  • Warm marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk and egg, then stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Fold in mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, Parmesan, and herbs if using.
  5. Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
  6. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden and puffed.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • These freeze well—reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for a crispy finish.
  • Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 puff
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Did you like this recipe?