Savory Mini Pizza Muffins
These delightful Savory Mini Pizza Muffins combine the fun of corn muffins with all the savory flavors of pizza, making them the perfect bite-sized snack for kids and adults alike. Bursting with cheese, pizza sauce, and your choice of toppings, these muffins are moist, flavorful, and so easy to prepare. Ideal for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or game day gatherings, they can be frozen for later enjoyment. A hint of garlic and your favorite Italian spices take them to the next level, and feel free to add fresh corn for an extra burst of sweetness and texture!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
Fine yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup
Sugar
1 tablespoon
Baking powder
2 teaspoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Milk
1 1/4 cups
Oil
1/4 cup
Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
1/2 cup
Grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup
Cooked sausage or vegetables
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
optional (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare 36 mini muffin cups by lining them with paper liners or greasing the pans well.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, fine yellow cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, milk, and oil until well combined. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and gently pour in the liquid ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4
In a small bowl, mix the pizza sauce with the grated parmesan cheese, creating a flavorful topping.
5
Carefully spoon the muffin batter into each cup, filling them about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Next, add approximately 1 teaspoon of the pizza sauce mixture on top of each muffin, allowing for slight mixing to infuse the flavors. If using, sprinkle chopped pepperoni, cooked sausage, or finely chopped vegetables over the top. For an added cheesy goodness, reserve the shredded mozzarella to sprinkle over the muffins during the last few minutes of baking.
6
Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are golden brown around the edges. Once baked, allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Mini Pizza Muffins?
Savory Mini Pizza Muffins are bite-sized snacks that combine the texture of corn muffins with the classic flavors of pizza, including cheese and pizza sauce.
How many mini muffins does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 36 mini muffins.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How do I prepare the muffin pans?
You can either line 36 mini muffin cups with paper liners or grease the pans well with oil or cooking spray.
What dry ingredients are needed for the batter?
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, fine yellow cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
What wet ingredients are needed for the batter?
The wet ingredients consist of one lightly beaten egg, milk, and oil.
How do I combine the dry and wet ingredients?
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture, pour in the liquid ingredients, and stir until just combined.
Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?
Overmixing can lead to tough muffins; you should stir only until the ingredients are just combined.
How is the pizza sauce topping prepared?
The topping is made by mixing 1/2 cup of pizza sauce or marinara with 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How much batter goes into each muffin cup?
Fill each mini muffin cup about 2/3 to 3/4 full with the batter.
How much pizza sauce should I add to each muffin?
Add approximately 1 teaspoon of the pizza sauce and parmesan mixture on top of each muffin.
What additional toppings can I add?
You can add finely chopped pepperoni, cooked sausage, or finely chopped vegetables like peppers or onions.
When should I add the mozzarella cheese?
For the best results, reserve the shredded mozzarella and sprinkle it over the muffins during the last few minutes of baking.
How long do these muffins take to bake?
The muffins typically bake for about 15 minutes.
How can I tell when the muffins are finished baking?
The muffins are done when they have puffed up and are golden brown around the edges.
How long should I let the muffins cool?
Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I freeze Savory Mini Pizza Muffins?
Yes, these muffins are freezer-friendly and can be stored in the freezer for later enjoyment.
Are these muffins suitable for school lunchboxes?
Yes, they are an ideal size for lunchboxes and are great for kids' snacks.
Can I add fresh corn to this recipe?
Yes, adding fresh corn can provide an extra burst of sweetness and a nice texture to the muffins.
What spices can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can add a hint of garlic powder or your favorite Italian spices like oregano or basil to the batter.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe recommends sifting the all-purpose flour for a smoother batter.
Can I use marinara sauce instead of pizza sauce?
Yes, marinara sauce works perfectly as a substitute for pizza sauce in this recipe.
What type of oil should I use?
Any neutral-flavored vegetable oil, such as canola or sunflower oil, will work well.
Is the sugar necessary in this recipe?
The tablespoon of sugar helps balance the savory flavors and contributes to the golden-brown color.
What is the purpose of the cornmeal?
The fine yellow cornmeal provides a slightly gritty, traditional corn muffin texture that pairs well with pizza flavors.
Can I make these in a standard muffin tin instead of a mini one?
Yes, but you will need to increase the baking time, and the recipe will yield fewer muffins.
What kind of parmesan should I use?
Grated parmesan cheese is recommended to mix with the sauce for a flavorful topping.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Are these muffins served hot or cold?
They can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold in a lunchbox.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While parmesan and mozzarella are suggested, you can experiment with cheddar or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.