Get ready for a game-changing meal! These delightful Pizza Cups offer a simple, fun, and incredibly tasty twist on traditional pizza night. They are also perfectly portioned for on-the-go lunches or satisfying after-school snacks that kids and adults alike will adore.
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Photos Updated April 2017
Originally posted May 4, 2011:
Easy Pizza Cups: A Beloved Recipe Reimagined for Your Family
As a food blogger, there’s a unique joy in revisiting the archives of my culinary journey. While the thrill of developing new recipes is constant, there’s an equally rewarding experience in unearthing past treasures. Over the years, I’ve dedicated time to sifting through old posts on Taste and Tell, often finding fantastic recipes that, despite their deliciousness, were overshadowed by less-than-stellar photography or brief, uninspired writing. It’s a process of rediscovery, giving these forgotten gems a new lease on life and the attention they truly deserve.
These incredibly fun Pizza Cups were one such revelation. When initially published back in 2011, the post barely did them justice. The accompanying photo was far from appealing, and the entire feature focused primarily on a cookbook giveaway, with the actual recipe for these wonderful bites omitted entirely. A serious oversight for such a fantastic dish! Today, all that changes. Because, let’s be honest, everyone deserves to have these simple, customizable, and utterly delicious pizza cups in their life. They are more than just a recipe; they are a solution for busy weeknights, a brilliant lunchbox addition, and a surefire way to make pizza night even more exciting.
Why Pizza Cups Are a Must-Try Family Favorite
These Pizza Cups aren’t just easy; they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your entire family asking for more. Their individual serving size makes them perfect for little hands, reducing mess and making mealtime fun. What truly sets this recipe apart is its incredible simplicity, starting with readily available frozen roll dough. I personally love using Rhodes Rolls for their convenience and consistent results, but for those who enjoy a bit more hands-on cooking, homemade pizza dough balls work just as wonderfully and add an extra layer of freshness. Whichever you choose, the foundation for these delicious bites is remarkably straightforward.
Endless Customization: Crafting Your Perfect Pizza Cup Filling
The beauty of these individual pizza cups lies in their versatility. The filling possibilities are practically endless, mirroring whatever you love on a traditional pizza. For this recipe, I’ve included detailed measurements and instructions for two classic versions: a savory ground beef filling and a zesty pepperoni option. Both are incredibly delicious and always a hit. However, don’t feel limited! This is where your creativity can truly shine. Feel free to unleash your imagination and adapt the filling to incorporate any of your family’s favorite pizza toppings. Think beyond the ordinary:
- Vegetarian Delights: Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, onions, black olives, or even a sprinkle of fresh basil.
- Meat Lovers’ Dream: Cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, grilled chicken, or even mini meatballs.
- Cheese Variations: Mix in some provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a richer flavor profile.
- Sauce Swaps: Experiment with BBQ sauce for a BBQ chicken pizza cup, or a white garlic sauce for an alfredo-style pizza treat.
The key is to chop your toppings into small, manageable pieces so they fit perfectly within the dough cups and cook evenly. This flexibility ensures that every batch can be a unique culinary adventure, satisfying diverse tastes and dietary preferences within your household.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From Pizza Night to On-the-Go Snacking
Pizza night is a beloved tradition in many homes, and these Pizza Cups offer a fantastic way to shake things up from your usual large pie. They transform the classic experience into a fun, interactive, and less messy meal. But their utility extends far beyond just dinner. These individual savory treats are also incredibly practical for other meal scenarios:
- Lunch on the Go: Pack them in lunchboxes for school or work. They hold up well and are delicious hot or cold.
- After-School Snack: A perfect substantial snack to tide kids over until dinner, much more exciting than a standard sandwich.
- Party Appetizers: Serve them at gatherings, game nights, or potlucks. They are easy to prepare in advance and always a hit with guests of all ages.
- Quick Dinners: Pair them with a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal on busy weeknights.
They truly are a great way to reinvent and enjoy pizza in a fun, new format that fits seamlessly into a busy family lifestyle. Their convenient size makes portion control easy, and the individual cups mean everyone gets to enjoy their preferred toppings.
Beyond Pizza Cups: More Pizza-Inspired Delights
If these Pizza Cups ignite your passion for all things pizza, you’re in luck! I have an array of other creative pizza-inspired recipes that promise to bring excitement to your kitchen. For a delightful summer twist, why not break out the grill for this Pizza Topped Grilled Chicken Sandwich? It’s a fantastic way to enjoy pizza flavors in a lighter, grilled format. The whole family will also go wild for this comforting Puffed Up Pizza Casserole, a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. And for another kid favorite, these playful Pizza Dogs are always a huge hit! You can even transform a simple sandwich night into a cheesy pizza feast with this ingenious Pizza Grilled Cheese. There’s truly no limit to how you can enjoy the wonderful flavors of pizza!
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Pizza Cups
Deborah Harroun
15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
6 servings
Main Dish
Italian
Pin Recipe
The kids will love these fun Pizza Cups – an easy twist for pizza night! They are also great for lunch on the go or for after school snacks!
Ingredients
Cups:
- 12 frozen dinner rolls, thawed to room temperature (such as Rhodes)
For the beef cups*:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese
For the pepperoni cups*:
- 6 oz. pepperoni slices, cut into fourths
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Lightly spray a counter with nonstick cooking spray. Flatten each of the thawed rolls into a 5-inch circle. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap that has also been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
If you are making the beef cups:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it is no longer pink, drain any excess fat. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the heat.
If you are making the pepperoni cups:
- In a bowl, combine the pepperoni and pizza sauce, then stir until well mixed.
- Remove the plastic wrap from the dough. Evenly press one piece of dough into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup, forming a bowl-like shape.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese in the bottom of the dough cups.
- Top with your chosen filling (beef or pepperoni), distributing it evenly among all the cups.
- Top each cup with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the dough cups are baked and lightly browned, and the cheese has melted and is bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Recipe Notes:
*Each of the filling recipes listed above is designed for 12 cups. If you wish to make both the beef and pepperoni versions simultaneously, you would need a total of 24 dinner rolls. The filling recipes can easily be halved to create 6 cups of each flavor if you prefer variety.
*Nutrition counts provided are for the pepperoni version.
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can significantly alter the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline and is not guaranteed.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 241 kcal (12%),
Carbohydrates: 32g (11%),
Protein: 10g (20%),
Fat: 8g (12%),
Saturated Fat: 3g (19%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 15mg (5%),
Sodium: 494mg (21%),
Fiber: 4g (17%),
Sugar: 5g (6%)
pizza, pizza cups