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Turn basic crescent dough into little pizza pockets that are super tasty and disappear in no time. When I made a batch for our family hangout, my grandkids and their grandpa swarmed them so fast I barely set the plate down.
These became my go-to whenever my grandkids dropped by. They're picky eaters but always asked for "Grandma's pizza cups" once they tried them. Now, it's their favorite snack at my place.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Mini pepperoni: Classic pizza vibes in every bite
- Pizza sauce: That tangy, tomatoey base everyone craves
- Italian seasoning: Bumps up the flavor and gives a punch of pizza shop taste
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and stretchy, just like pizza should be
- Crescent roll dough: Easiest way to make flaky, tasty crusts
Easy-Peasy Instructions
- Finish with herbs:
- As soon as they come out of the oven, toss on a sprinkle of Italian seasoning while still warm. Herbs will get nice and fragrant that way.
- Bake till golden and bubbly:
- Bake at 375°F for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don't overbrown— ovens can act goofy. You're looking for golden edges and melty tops.
- Add your cheese and toppings:
- Drop in a couple teaspoons of pizza sauce to each dough bowl. Throw on some shredded mozzarella and your favorite mini toppings— usually 6 or 7 pepperonis each works for me.
- Shape the dough cups:
- Tear the crescent roll dough into triangles and pop each one into a muffin pan slot. Press up the sides so there's a little boat— don't worry if edges poke up, they'll settle in while baking.
- Prep your muffin tin:
- Crank the oven up to 375°F and grease every muffin cup well so nothing sticks.
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The best thing is seeing everyone's faces light up when these hit the table. Mini foods just make people happy— doesn't matter if they're kids or adults, I swear.
Smart Prep Ahead
You can get these all set the day before if you're short on time. Just stop before baking, cover tight, and stash in the fridge. When you're ready, add a minute or two extra since they're cold. This trick let me hang out with family last time instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Fun Twists
Shake things up with whatever you want inside. Try scrambled eggs and bacon for a breakfast vibe, go spicy with buffalo chicken and blue cheese, or mix BBQ sauce with shredded chicken and onions. My grandkids love when I put out toppings buffet-style so everyone can make their own. It's a win for veggie lovers, meat fans— you name it.
Tasty Ways to Serve
These go great with a simple salad to round out the meal, or line them up as a snack for the big game. Bring out little cups of warm pizza sauce, ranch, and garlicky butter for dipping on special days. Kids love them with lemonade, and a light Italian wine is perfect for us grownups.
How to Store Leftovers
Toss any extras into a sealed container in the fridge and they'll keep for 3 days. For that crispy bite again, a few minutes in a 350°F oven does the trick—or microwave them for a speedy snack. Want to freeze? Go for it. Freeze on a tray first, then pop into a bag for up to one month.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What other toppings can I try?
Absolutely! Get creative with toppings. Chop up cooked sausage, ham, veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, or even pineapple. Just keep pieces small enough to fit comfortably in the muffin cups.
- → How do I store any extras?
If you have leftovers, let them cool down first. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes, or zap them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
- → Can I freeze these for later?
Definitely! Once baked and cooled, freeze them flat on a tray for about an hour. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They stay fresh for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from the freezer in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
- → Is there a substitute for crescent dough?
No crescent dough? No problem. Pizza dough, biscuit dough, or even puff pastry will work. Keep an eye on them in the oven, as cooking times might vary depending on the dough.
- → Can I make even smaller versions?
Yes! Use a mini muffin tin for extra-small pizzas. Just cut the dough into tinier pieces and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch closely since they’ll bake faster because of the size.
- → How can I make these lighter?
For a healthier spin, try reduced-fat crescent dough and mozzarella. Go heavy on the veggies, or sneak in spinach under the sauce. If you whip up your own pizza sauce, you can also control the salt.