Italian Sausage Pizza Muffins

Italian Sausage Pizza Muffins started as a fun idea one Friday night when my kids were begging for pizza and I didn’t want to deal with rolling out dough so I grabbed some muffin tins and decided to turn all their favorite pizza toppings into handheld bites instead. I had sausage in the fridge and plenty of mozzarella on hand and within minutes the kitchen was filled with that irresistible pizzeria smell.

What surprised me most was how perfectly these little muffins captured all the cheesy, saucy goodness of a slice of pizza while being portable and mess-free so now I make them as party appetizers, lunchbox treats, and even quick dinners when time is tight and everyone is always excited when they see these golden, cheesy muffins come out of the oven.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground Italian sausage – Brings bold, classic pizza flavor to every bite.
• Shredded mozzarella – Melts perfectly and gives that gooey pizza topping finish.
• All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the muffin batter.
• Baking powder – Helps the muffins rise and stay fluffy.
• Eggs – Add richness and bind everything together.
• Milk – Keeps the muffins light and moist.
• Olive oil – Adds moisture and a subtle Italian richness.
• Pizza sauce – Brings in that saucy, tangy tomato flavor.
• Dried oregano – Boosts that unmistakable pizza shop flavor.
• Garlic powder – Enhances the savory depth of the muffins.
• Parmesan cheese – For a sharp, salty finish on top.

Tools You’ll Need

• Muffin tin – Gives the muffins their shape and allows for even baking.
• Mixing bowls – Needed to keep wet and dry ingredients separate before combining.
• Skillet – To cook and brown the sausage before adding to the batter.
• Whisk – Helps blend the wet ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula – For folding in the sausage and cheese without overmixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate amounts for perfect muffins.
• Cooling rack – Keeps the bottoms from getting soggy after baking.

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 375°F and grease or line a standard muffin tin to get everything ready.

Step 2:

In a skillet I brown the Italian sausage over medium heat breaking it up as it cooks then I drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

Step 3:

In a large bowl I whisk together the flour baking powder oregano and garlic powder to combine the dry ingredients.

Step 4:

In another bowl I beat the eggs then whisk in the milk olive oil and pizza sauce until smooth and fully combined.

Step 5:

I add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined making sure not to overmix the batter.

Step 6:

Then I gently fold in the browned sausage and most of the shredded mozzarella saving a bit for topping.

Step 7:

I spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin filling each cup about 3/4 full and sprinkle the tops with the remaining mozzarella and a pinch of Parmesan.

Step 8:

I bake the muffins for 18–22 minutes or until they’re golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9:

After baking I let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish setting up.

Tips

I sometimes add mini pepperoni slices or chopped olives to mix up the flavor.

For extra cheesiness I add a cube of mozzarella in the center of each muffin before baking.

They taste great warm but also work perfectly at room temperature so they’re easy to pack for lunch.

These freeze really well just wrap them up and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Ways to Serve

I love serving these with extra warm pizza sauce for dipping like pizza bites.

They make a great party snack or game-day appetizer alongside a salad or veggie tray.

Pack a few in a lunchbox with fruit and a cookie for a fun, filling midday meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making a muffin batter for Italian Sausage Pizza Muffins?

This recipe is specifically designed for a muffin-style batter which gives it a fluffy, cake-like texture traditional dough won’t work the same way.

Can Italian Sausage Pizza Muffins be made ahead of time?

Yes! I often bake them the day before and store in the fridge they reheat perfectly.

Can I make Italian Sausage Pizza Muffins vegetarian?

Absolutely just replace the sausage with a plant-based crumble or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.

Do I have to use mozzarella for Italian Sausage Pizza Muffins?

Mozzarella gives the best melt but you can also use cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these Italian Sausage Pizza Muffins and see just how fun and flavorful they are! They’re the kind of recipe that makes both kids and adults happy and they always disappear fast at my house so don’t be surprised if you’re making a double batch next time.

Happy Cooking!

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