Jill Can Cook: Mini Pizza Muffins!

Since Joe and Mitchell got to take a luxurious nap today, while Quinn and I were wide awake and bored, I figured we could keep busy by making some food. I decided we would make these little mini pizza muffins I'd pinned a few weeks back that not only sounded easy to make, but they also wouldn't necessitate a trip to the store, since I had all the ingredients on hand. I started with Rachel Rays recipe and made a couple tweaks.

Rachel Rays Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

 

My version: Mini Pizza Muffins

Made sure I had everything I needed!!

• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• pinch of salt
• pinch of pepper
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 1/4 shredded cheese (I used what I had on hand, mozzarella, pizza cheese mix, & Cheddar jack)
• 1 cup cubed pepperoni
• 1/2 cup store-bought pizza sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 24-cup mini-muffin pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper ; whisk in the milk and egg. Stir in the cheeses you're using and cubed pepperoni; let stand for 10-15 minutes. Will thicken slightly.
2. Stir the batter and divide among the mini-muffin cups. Bake until puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Before serving, microwave pizza sauce to desired temperature. Use for dipping. Enjoy!


These were as easy to make as I thought. I'm sure it helped that Quinn did all the stirring and kept my spirits up with her cute little commentary. She told me about every 2.5 minutes "You're doing a great job, Mommy!"

Gotta show some love for the vintage 1970's bowl my mom gave me from her collection for moments like this!



Little Miss Cutie Pie couldn't wait to add in the pepperoni that I lovingly cut up. She even stole a couple while waiting!

Quinn stirring while I add in the last of the cheese. She's such a good helper!

This is what the mixture looked like in the bowl. Not too appetizing at this point.

I probably overfilled the cups a tad, but whatevs, it won't change the flavor (I hope!)



Wondering if squatting next to the oven will make them cook faster!

The finished product!! I'm trying to be artsy and probably failing.

Everyone loved 'em, even me!! I think Quinn was the most excited about them though!!

I originally bought a couple of mini muffin pans so that I could make little and easy take-away snacks for the kids. I am getting pretty sick of always bringing cookies and goldfish crackers with us when we're out and about. It gets expensive and they're not the most healthy option. I'm hoping I can find a few more (healthier) recipes to try out soon! In the meantime, we will definitely be enjoying these!

Mmm.. I think I'm finally getting the hang of snapping food pictures..