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These pizza cups are easy, cheesy, and made with a simple homemade dough using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Baked in a muffin tin, they’re a higher protein option that is perfect as pizza muffins, mini pizzas, or a fun snack for kids and adults.
This is one of those recipes that always works. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, easy to pack for lunches or snack, and perfect to keep on hand for busy days when you need something quick.
For more fun packable meals and snacks, try my Red Pepper Egg Bites, Cottage Cheese Wraps, and Breakfast Sandwiches.
Easy Pizza Cups Baked in a Muffin Tin
This is the kind of dinner or snack that disappears fast. They have all the cheesy pizza flavor everyone loves, but with a simple homemade dough that adds a boost of protein. They’re great for snacks, lunches, or quick meals.
Here’s just a few reasons you’ll love them:
- Easy, no-yeast dough. The dough comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. No rising or waiting required!
- Higher protein. Greek yogurt or cottage cheese is folded into the dough to add a boost of protein to create a more balanced meal.
- Made in a muffin tin. No shaping or rolling the dough is required. Just press the dough into the pan.
- Perfect for kids and adults. These are fun, handheld, and great for lunches, snacks, or dinners. They’re even great for game day!
- Customizable. Add your favorite toppings to make them your own!
Ingredient Notes
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best. You can substitute with white whole wheat flour for a slightly more wholesome option.
- Greek yogurt or cottage cheese: Either works for the dough. Greek yogurt gives you a smoother dough, while cottage cheese adds a bit more moisture.
- Baking powder: Helps the dough rise and stay light, so don’t skip it.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning are simple seasonings that add flavor directly to the dough. You can swap with oregano, basil, or a pizza seasoning blend.
- Mozzarella cheese: You can swap with provolone or an Italian blend.
- Toppings (optional): Mini pepperoni, cooked sausage, or diced veggies all work. Use whatever you’d normally add to pizza, just keep the pieces small so they fit in the cups.
How to Make Pizza Cups
These pizza cups (also called pizza muffins or pizza bites) are made in a muffin tin and come together in just a few simple steps.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by spraying generously with oil or lining with parchment liners. I recommend using a silicone muffin pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Add the greek yogurt or cottage cheese to the bowl and mix as much as possible with a spoon.
- Switch to clean hands and form the dough into a dough ball. If the pizza dough is too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour at a time, until the dough is easy to work with.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about a golf ball size).
- Press each dough piece into the muffin tin, flattening the bottom and pressing dough slightly up the sides to form a cup shape.
- Add ~1 tablespoon of pizza sauce to each cup, then add 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese on top and any additional toppings. Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and cheese is melted. Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Jamie’s Tips
Expert Recipe Tips
- The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. If it’s sticking to your hands, add a little flour until it’s easy to handle.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix just until it comes together into a dough ball.
- Press the dough evenly in the muffin tin. Make sure the bottom isn’t too thick and the sides are evenly pressed up to form a cup.
- Don’t overfill with sauce. Too much sauce can make the centers soggy. About 1 tablespoon is all you need.
- Use a silicone muffin pan. This makes it so easy to pop the muffins out of the pan and prevents them from sticking.
- Let them cool before removing. Give the pizzas about 5 minutes to set. This helps them hold their shape.
FAQs
Yes. Pizza cups and pizza muffins are very similar. Both are mini pizzas baked in a muffin tin with dough and toppings.
Yogurt-based dough can be slightly sticky. Add a small amount of flour until the dough is soft and easy to handle.
Use a small amount of sauce (about 1 tablespoon) and make sure the dough is pressed evenly so it baked through.
Yes. Pizza cups are great for meal prep and can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Small, bite-sized toppings like mini pepperoni, cooked sausage, or diced vegetables work best so they fit evenly into the cups.
Storage Instructions
These are perfect to make ahead and keep on hand for an easy, cheesy snack anytime.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-sage container or bag for up to 2 months. For the best results, freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a container to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through. Or reheat in a 350°F oven or toasted oven for 5-8 minutes for a crispier texture.
More Fun Pizza Recipes
If you’ve made and loved these Easy Pizza Cups or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comments below!
Easy Pizza Cups (Mini Pizza Muffins)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seaoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2-3/4 cups pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, more to taste
- Toppings: Mini pepperoni, cooked crumbled sausage, diced veggies, (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by spraying generously with oil or lining with parchment liners. I recommend using a silicone muffin pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to the bowl and mix as much as possible with a spoon. Switch to clean hands and form into a dough ball. If dough is too sticky, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour at a time until the dough is easy to work with.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about a golf ball size).
- Press the dough pieces into the muffin tin, flattening the bottom and pressing the dough slightly up the sides to form a cup shape.
- Add ~1 tablespoon of pizza sauce to each cup, and top with 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese and any additional toppings.
- Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix until just combined to keep the dough soft and tender.
- Press dough evenly in the pan. Make sure the bottoms aren’t too thick and the sides are evenly formed so they bake properly.
- Don’t overfill with sauce. A tablespoon is enough.
- Let the cups cool in the pan. This helps them hold their shape.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
Food photography by Marie-Catherine Dubé.
