Imagine biting into a warm, golden puff of cheesy, pepperoni-packed goodness—the kind that oozes mozzarella in the middle and tastes just like your favorite slice of pizza, but with the ease of a bite-sized snack.

These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Puffs are everything you love about pizza, minus the fuss of dough rolling or delivery waiting. Whether you’re throwing a game day bash, looking for a quick after-school snack, or craving something comforting and shareable, these savory little puffs will hit the spot.

They come together in under 30 minutes, using pantry staples and your go-to pizza toppings. Plus, they bake in a muffin tin—meaning no mess, no slicing, and no plate necessary (unless you count the dipping sauce). Once you try these, don’t be surprised if they become your go-to party starter or weeknight indulgence.

The Secret Center: Mozzarella Cheese Strings

One twist that makes these pizza puffs stand out? That gooey, cheesy surprise inside. By tucking a piece of mozzarella string cheese into the center of each puff, you create an irresistible melty core that mimics the classic cheese pull we all crave from a pizza slice. It’s simple, it’s brilliant, and it makes every bite that much more satisfying.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

These aren’t your average pizza bites—they’re packed with bold flavors and thoughtful textures, all carefully chosen to replicate the best parts of pizza. Here’s what makes them tick:

All-purpose flour & baking powder: The base for a soft, bready structure that puffs up beautifully in the oven.
Milk & egg: Together, these bind everything while adding moisture, richness, and a touch of tenderness to the batter.
Shredded cheddar cheese blend: This brings a sharp, salty kick and melts right into the batter for cheesy depth.
Mini pepperoni or cooked sausage: Choose your favorite or mix both! These add bold, savory bites throughout.
Diced bell pepper: Adds a pop of color, subtle sweetness, and a fresh veggie crunch.
Herbs & seasonings (oregano, basil, garlic powder): These classic pizza spices give the puffs their unmistakable Italian flair.
Mozzarella string cheese: Sliced and tucked into the center of each puff for that melty, gooey surprise.
Pizza sauce (for dipping): The final touch. Serve it warm for that authentic pizza experience.

Swap it up: Want a vegetarian version? Skip the meat and load up on chopped mushrooms, olives, or spinach. Gluten-free flour blends can also work here—just check the baking powder ratio!

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Puffs (No Dough Rolling Required)

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part. Making these couldn’t be easier—and I’ll walk you through it like we’re baking together in your kitchen.

Preheat & prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a standard muffin tin and grease it really well—don’t skip this, or the cheese might cling!
Mix the dry: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, oregano, basil, and garlic powder.
Add the wet: Pour in the milk and beaten egg, stirring until everything is well combined. The batter should be thick, but not too dry.
Stir in the flavor: Fold in the shredded cheddar, mini pepperoni or sausage, and diced bell pepper. Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes—this helps the flour hydrate and the flavor meld.
Fill the pan: Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin well, filling about ¾ of the way.
Surprise center: Cut each mozzarella string cheese into 3 equal pieces and gently press one into the center of each batter-filled cup. Don’t push all the way to the bottom—just enough to nestle it inside.
Bake: Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and puffed. They should smell amazing at this point.
Serve: Let them cool just a minute or two, then serve warm with a bowl of heated pizza sauce for dipping. You’ll see why these disappear fast!

Tip: If your batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk. Too runny? A spoonful of flour will bring it back into balance.

Make It a Meal or a Party Favorite

These little puffs are more than just a snack—they’re versatile. Serve them with a green salad for a playful dinner, pack them in lunchboxes, or line them up as finger food at your next party. They’re crowd-pleasers with zero prep stress.

Storing & Reheating Tips

If you manage to have leftovers (highly unlikely), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Pop them in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until warm.

Want to turn leftovers into something new? Chop a few puffs and toss them into a scrambled egg skillet, or slice them up for a bento-style lunchbox.

These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Puffs take all the comfort and nostalgia of pizza and package it into golden, cheesy bites you’ll want to make on repeat. No rolling, no kneading, just straight-up flavor and fun.