Spicy Pepperoni Pizza Muffins
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of these Spicy Pepperoni Pizza Muffins, a delightful twist on classic pizza! Perfect for a quick snack or a fun appetizer, these muffins are packed with savory pepperoni, colorful bell peppers, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese, all enveloped in a moist and fluffy batter. They're easy to prepare, and best of all, they freeze exceptionally well, making them a great choice for meal prep or impromptu gatherings. Whether you're enjoying them warm straight from the oven or reheated later, these muffins are sure to satisfy your pizza cravings. Add a kick with crushed red pepper flakes if you dare!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
finely chopped pepperoni
1 3/4 cups (chop into small pieces)
green bell pepper
1 medium (seeded and finely chopped)
canned mushroom stems and pieces
1 (10 ounce) can (very well drained)
onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated)
pizza sauce
1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
garlic powder
2 teaspoons (or to taste)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
large eggs
5 (slightly beaten)
cooking oil
1/4 cup (any neutral oil)
all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 tablespoon (slightly heaping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pepperoni, green bell pepper, well-drained mushroom stems and pieces, onion, grated Monterey Jack cheese, pizza sauce, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring until all ingredients are evenly coated.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the slightly beaten eggs and cooking oil until well combined. then pour this mixture into the bowl with the pepperoni mixture, and mix thoroughly.
4
In another small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and baking powder together until well combined.
5
Carefully fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir just until the mixture is smooth and no dry flour remains; be careful not to overmix.
6
Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tins, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until the muffins are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
Serve these delicious muffins warm or allow them to cool to room temperature before storing any leftovers wrapped in the refrigerator or freezing them for future enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Pepperoni Pizza Muffins?
They are a savory snack or appetizer featuring pepperoni, bell peppers, and Monterey Jack cheese baked into a fluffy, pizza-flavored muffin.
How many muffins does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to make 12 muffins using a standard muffin tin.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long do the pizza muffins need to bake?
Bake the muffins for 22 to 25 minutes until they are lightly golden brown.
Can I freeze these pizza muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep or quick snacks.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese.
Is there a specific way to prepare the pepperoni?
The pepperoni should be finely chopped into small pieces before being added to the mixture.
Do I need to use paper liners?
Yes, it is recommended to line the muffin tin with 12 paper liners to prevent sticking.
What vegetables are included in the muffins?
The recipe includes a medium green bell pepper, a medium onion, and canned mushroom stems and pieces.
How do I ensure the muffins aren't soggy from the mushrooms?
Make sure to drain the 10-ounce can of mushroom stems and pieces very well before mixing.
How do I know when the muffins are fully cooked?
A toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the muffins?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your personal taste preference.
What kind of oil should I use?
Any neutral cooking oil will work well for this recipe.
Should the eggs be beaten before adding them?
Yes, the 5 large eggs should be slightly beaten before being whisked with the oil.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of either store-bought or homemade pizza sauce.
How much garlic powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, or you can adjust to taste.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover muffins wrapped in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.
How full should I fill the muffin liners?
Fill each muffin liner about 3/4 full with the batter.
Do I need to sift the flour?
The recipe specifies using 1 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Can I overmix the batter?
No, you should stir just until the mixture is smooth and no dry flour remains to avoid overmixing.
What is the role of baking powder in this recipe?
The 1 tablespoon of baking powder acts as a leavening agent to help the muffins rise and become fluffy.
Should I cool the muffins in the tin?
Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What tool should I use to fold in the flour?
A wooden spoon or a spatula is recommended for folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Can I serve these muffins cold?
They can be served warm or at room temperature.
What makes these muffins 'spicy'?
The heat comes from the 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes added to the batter.
How much pepperoni is required?
You will need 1 3/4 cups of finely chopped pepperoni.
Are these muffins suitable for parties?
Yes, they are described as a fun appetizer and a great choice for impromptu gatherings.
Can I substitute the green bell pepper?
While the recipe calls for green bell pepper, you could likely use red or yellow peppers for a similar texture.
Is this a quick bread recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick bread and an easy recipe to prepare.
How do I prepare the green pepper?
The green bell pepper should be seeded and finely chopped before use.