Transform your weeknight meals with these irresistible, kid-friendly Pizza Cups – the ultimate easy and fun twist for your next pizza night! These delightful individual servings are not only a hit with the little ones but also make fantastic grab-and-go lunches or satisfying after-school snacks for busy families.
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Photos Updated April 2017
Originally posted May 4, 2011:
Rediscovering Culinary Gems: The Journey to Perfect Pizza Cups
As a passionate home cook and food blogger, one of my greatest joys comes from diving deep into the archives of Taste and Tell. It’s a journey filled with nostalgia, revisiting countless recipes shared over the years. While the thrill of experimenting with new ingredients and creating innovative dishes is always present, there’s a unique satisfaction in unearthing a forgotten favorite, a true culinary gem that deserves a second chance in the spotlight. Often, these older posts are overshadowed by less-than-stellar photography or brief, uninspired writing, truly hiding their potential from a new generation of readers.
These delightful Pizza Cups are a prime example of such a hidden treasure. When originally published, the post was merely a brief mention tied to a cookbook giveaway, lamentably lacking the actual recipe itself. The accompanying photo, while functional, certainly didn’t do justice to the deliciousness packed within each savory bite. Today, all of that changes. I’m thrilled to bring these incredible Pizza Cups back to the forefront, giving them the comprehensive recipe and beautiful presentation they’ve always deserved. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t need an easy, customizable, and utterly delicious pizza cup in their life?
Why Pizza Cups Are Your New Go-To Family Favorite
Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives
One of the standout features of these incredible Pizza Cups is their sheer simplicity. Designed with ease in mind, they begin with a clever shortcut: frozen roll dough. I personally find Rhodes Rolls to be a fantastic option, offering a perfectly soft and chewy base without the hassle of making dough from scratch. This makes the entire process incredibly quick and approachable, even on the busiest weeknights. If you’re feeling ambitious or simply prefer a homemade touch, you can certainly opt for your favorite homemade pizza dough instead. The goal here is flexibility and convenience, ensuring that a delicious, piping hot pizza experience is always within reach.
Unleash Your Inner Pizza Artist: Versatile Fillings
Beyond their easy start, these Pizza Cups truly shine in their versatility. Think of them as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. The filling possibilities are virtually endless – anything you’d typically pile onto a traditional pizza can find a happy home within these doughy cups. To get you started, I’ve included detailed measurements and instructions for two classic favorites: a hearty ground beef version and a zesty pepperoni option. However, I wholeheartedly encourage you to experiment! Don’t hesitate to raid your fridge and pantry for your family’s beloved pizza toppings. Diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, black olives, cooked sausage, even pineapple (if you’re on that team!) – feel free to mix and match to create personalized pizza perfection. This customization aspect is fantastic for picky eaters or for catering to diverse tastes around the dinner table.
More Than Just Dinner: Perfect for Any Occasion
These individual Pizza Cups aren’t just a delicious dinner option; they’re incredibly versatile for a multitude of occasions. They are, of course, absolutely perfect for a fun and engaging pizza night, offering a refreshing departure from the usual flat pie. Imagine each family member creating their own mini pizza – it’s an interactive experience everyone will love! Beyond dinner, they excel as a substantial and satisfying after-school snack, providing a much-needed energy boost. Pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful midday meal that beats a boring sandwich any day. Hosting a party? These make fantastic appetizers that disappear in a flash. Their portable nature also makes them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or any time you need a delicious bite on the go. These cups are truly a brilliant way to reinvent your pizza experience and add a touch of fun to any meal.
Unlock More Pizza-Inspired Delights
If these delightful Pizza Cups have sparked your love for all things pizza, you’re in for a treat! The world of pizza-inspired recipes is vast and exciting, offering endless ways to enjoy those iconic flavors. Why stick to just one form when you can explore so many delicious variations? For a fantastic summer meal, break out the grill and try this savory Pizza Topped Grilled Chicken Sandwich – it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for more. For a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners, our Puffed Up Pizza Casserole offers layers of cheesy goodness in an easy-to-make format. And if you’re looking for another undeniable kid favorite, these playful Pizza Dogs combine two beloved classics into one irresistible package. Even sandwich night can become pizza night with this inventive Pizza Grilled Cheese, a cheesy, saucy twist on a classic. Each of these recipes offers a unique way to bring the joy of pizza to your table, proving that pizza night doesn’t always have to look the same!
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Pizza Cups
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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
- 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 your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring all cavities are well coated. Set the prepared muffin tin aside.
- On a clean countertop or cutting board, spray a small amount of nonstick cooking spray. Take each thawed frozen dinner roll and flatten it gently with your hands or a rolling pin into a 5-inch (approximately 12-13 cm) circle. Cover the flattened dough circles with a piece of plastic wrap that has also been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Allow them to rest briefly if they spring back too much.
For the savory beef pizza cups:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess grease. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from the heat.
For the classic pepperoni pizza cups:
- In a medium bowl, combine the quartered pepperoni slices and the pizza sauce. Stir well to ensure the pepperoni is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Carefully remove the plastic wrap from the flattened dough circles. Gently press one piece of dough into the bottom and up the sides of each cup in the prepared muffin tin, forming a small bowl or cup shape. Ensure the dough is evenly distributed. Sprinkle approximately half of the grated Mozzarella cheese into the bottom of each dough cup. Then, spoon in your chosen filling (either the beef or pepperoni mixture), distributing it evenly among all the cups. Finally, top each cup with the remaining Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough cups are beautifully baked and golden brown, and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned at the edges.
Recipe Notes:
*Nutrition counts provided are specifically for the pepperoni version of the Pizza Cups.
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only and can vary significantly based on specific brands and products used. This information should be used as a general guideline and not as a substitute for professional dietary advice.