When you’re craving something cheesy, savory, and packed with pizza flavor, look no further than Soft and Cheesy Pizza Puffs. These bite-sized delights are a perfect fusion of pizza and muffins, making them ideal for snacking, parties, and lunchboxes. Imagine a crispy golden exterior with a soft, cheesy inside, loaded with gooey mozzarella and turkey pepperoni—absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love These Soft and Cheesy Pizza Puffs
- Quick and easy to make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and ready in under 40 minutes.
- Great for all occasions – Perfect for kids’ lunches, game-day snacks, appetizers, or a fun dinner.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit different dietary preferences.
- No need for pizza dough – Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Ingredients Breakdown
To achieve the perfect Soft and Cheesy Pizza Puffs, every ingredient plays a vital role:
- 1 ½ cups white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour) – Provides the base for the puffs.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps create a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil & 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Classic Italian seasonings for that authentic pizza taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 ½ cups milk (or unsweetened non-dairy milk) – Adds moisture for a soft, tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs – Binds everything together and ensures a fluffy texture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The star ingredient that melts beautifully inside.
- 1 cup turkey pepperoni, thinly sliced (reserve some for muffin tops) – Adds protein and a delicious smoky flavor.
- 12 teaspoons pizza sauce – Brings in that iconic tomatoey goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, basil, oregano, and salt.
- Add the milk and eggs, lightly beating the eggs and mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded mozzarella and sliced turkey pepperoni, leaving some aside for the muffin tops.
2. Assemble the Muffins
- Grease a 12-count muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Place 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce on top of each muffin.
- Add a few reserved turkey pepperoni slices on top.
3. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Customization Ideas
While Soft and Cheesy Pizza Puffs are already delicious, you can tweak them to your preference:
- Make it vegetarian – Skip the turkey pepperoni and add mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
- Add extra protein – Mix in cooked ground sausage or diced chicken.
- Go spicy – Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Make it gluten-free – Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions
These pizza puffs can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- Dipped in marinara sauce for extra pizza flavor.
- Served with a garlic butter glaze.
- Paired with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoyed with a bowl of soup like tomato bisque.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Want to enjoy these later? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Pop in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or microwave for 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?
Yes! Regular pepperoni works just as well, though turkey pepperoni is a leaner option.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter in advance or bake the muffins and store them for later use.
3. Are these pizza puffs kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love these cheesy, bite-sized treats. You can even involve them in making the batter.
4. How do I make these dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative and unsweetened almond or oat milk.
5. Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe.
Conclusion
These Soft and Cheesy Pizza Puffs are everything you love about pizza but in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick snack, or meal-prepping for the week, these cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying puffs are sure to impress. Give them a try today and enjoy a delicious, homemade pizza-inspired treat!