Mini Pepperoni Pizza Bites Baked in Muffin Cups

Prep: 15 minCook: 10 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Mini Pepperoni Pizza Bites Baked in Muffin Cups

These creative mini pizza bites transform sliced pepperoni into edible cups that hold all your favorite pizza toppings. Pressed into muffin tins and filled with bell peppers, tomatoes, sauce, and optional dairy-free cheese, they bake into crispy, bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties or quick snacks. The pepperoni crisps beautifully while forming little bowls, creating a fun twist on traditional pizza that's naturally low-carb and ready in just 10 minutes.

Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeKeto

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 24 slice pepperoni or salami, good quality
    turkey pepperoni1:1note:leaner option

    conf:4

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup tomatoes, finely chopped
  • ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, look for natural ingredients
    pesto1:1note:different flavor profile

    conf:3

    Full guide →
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 4 oz almond cheese, sliced into cubes(optional)
    mozzarella cheese1:1note:traditional option

    conf:5

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F

  2. 2

    Press one slice of pepperoni into each muffin cup

  3. 3

    Fill each pepperoni cup with sweet peppers and tomatoes

  4. 4

    Add sauce to each cup

  5. 5

    Top with almond cheese and sprinkle with fresh basil

  6. 6

    Bake until salami is crisp

  7. 7

    Remove from oven and serve hot

Tips

Tip 1

Look for natural ingredient pizza sauce without additives for the cleanest flavor.

Tip 2

Make sure to press pepperoni firmly into muffin cups to create stable cups that won't collapse.

Good to Know

Storage

Best served immediately while pepperoni cups are crispy. Can be stored in refrigerator for 2 days and reheated in oven.

Make Ahead

Can assemble cups with toppings up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Serve With

Serve hot as appetizers or party snacks. Provide small napkins as these are finger foods.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overfill pepperoni cups or sauce will overflow during baking

Watch

Press pepperoni firmly into muffin cups to prevent collapse

Substitutions

almond cheese→
mozzarella cheese1:1note:traditional option

conf:5

Full guide →
pepperoni→
turkey pepperoni1:1note:leaner option

conf:4

Full guide →
pizza sauce→
pesto1:1note:different flavor profile

conf:3

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular cheese instead of almond cheese?

Yes, any melting cheese like mozzarella works well. Use the same amount and expect similar results.

How long will these keep in the refrigerator?

Store covered for up to 2 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Assemble completely up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture.