Description
Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups
These mini pizza cups are packed with flavor and topped with olives and vibrant bell peppers.
Ingredients:
1½ cups biscuit or pizza dough
150ml pizza sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese
½ cup black olives
½ cup green and red bell peppers, diced
½ cup pepperoni
Sprinkle of dried basil
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line muffin tray with dough circles.
Spread pizza sauce evenly.
Add toppings in layers: peppers, olives, cheese, and pepperoni.
Sprinkle basil on top.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until crust is golden.
#OlivePizzaBites
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Roll out your biscuit or pizza dough on a floured surface. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles slightly larger than your muffin tin cups. Gently press each circle into a muffin cup, forming a cup shape.
3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce into the bottom of each dough cup, spreading it evenly.
4. Begin layering your toppings. Start with a small amount of diced bell peppers and sliced black olives.
5. Add a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese over the vegetables.
6. Top each cup with a slice or small pieces of pepperoni.
7. Finish with a light sprinkle of dried basil over all the cups.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Let the pizza cups cool in the tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them with a spoon or fork.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these mini pizza cups warm as a perfect party appetizer or a fun family snack. They pair wonderfully with a side of extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup. They are also ideal for packed lunches and game-day spreads.
How-to Summary
To make Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups, press dough circles into a muffin tin, add sauce, layer with bell peppers, olives, cheese, and pepperoni, sprinkle with basil, and bake at 200°C for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough? Absolutely. Homemade dough works perfectly. Just ensure it is rolled thinly enough to form the cups.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the cups (without baking) and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding 1-2 extra minutes if needed.
How do I store leftovers? Store cooled pizza cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.
Can I freeze them? Yes. After baking and cooling, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 180°C oven until warm throughout.
What are good vegetarian alternatives? Simply omit the pepperoni. You can add other veggies like mushrooms, sweetcorn, or spinach for more flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overfilling the dough cups, as this can cause the toppings to spill over and make removal difficult. Do not skip preheating the oven, as a properly hot oven is crucial for a crispy crust. Using too much sauce can make the bottom of the cups soggy; a tablespoon per cup is sufficient. Finally, allow the cups to rest in the tin for a few minutes after baking to let them set, preventing them from falling apart.
Conclusion
These Mini Pepperoni Pizza Cups are a delightful, customizable, and crowd-pleasing treat that combines all the classic pizza flavors in a fun, handheld format. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a favorite recipe for both quick snacks and entertaining guests. Enjoy your delicious #OlivePizzaBites!