These lunchbox pizza muffins are everything kids love about pizza in a fun, portable form. Baked with melty cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, they’re perfect for school lunches, snacks, or even party platters. Serve them warm or cold with marinara for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a treat but is simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pizza muffins are kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and incredibly versatile. They’re easy to batch cook, pack beautifully in lunchboxes, and can be customized with your family’s favorite pizza toppings. They also reheat well, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk
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1/3 cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/3 cup mini pepperoni (or finely chopped regular)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and pizza sauce.
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Add flour, baking powder, and Italian seasoning, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
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Fold in mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
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Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
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Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
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Bake for 20–22 minutes, until golden brown and set.
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Allow to cool slightly before serving or packing into lunchboxes.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 muffins (about 4 servings).
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Variations
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Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or turkey pepperoni.
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Make it vegetarian with bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
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Use whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
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Try a blend of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for more flavor.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 30–40 seconds or bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I freeze pizza muffins?
Yes, they freeze very well for up to 2 months. Just reheat before serving.
Do these taste good cold?
Yes, they’re delicious warm or cold, making them perfect for lunchboxes.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, though the muffins may be slightly denser in texture.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
Cooked sausage, bacon, ham, or even vegetarian protein options work well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily and is great for batch cooking.
How do I prevent the muffins from sticking?
Grease the muffin tin well or use parchment paper liners.
Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely! Finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or onions are great additions.
Do I need to add extra cheese on top?
It’s optional, but it makes the muffins extra cheesy and appealing.
What dipping sauces pair well with these muffins?
Classic marinara, ranch, or garlic butter all make great accompaniments.
Conclusion
Lunchbox pizza muffins are the ultimate kid-friendly meal prep recipe. Cheesy, flavorful, and freezer-friendly, they’re perfect for busy families who want quick and fun options for lunch or snacks. With endless variations and easy storage, these muffins are sure to become a household favorite.
PrintLunchbox Pizza Muffins (Freezer-Friendly and Kid-Approved)
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These lunchbox pizza muffins are cheesy, portable, and kid-approved. Made with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or party platters—and they freeze beautifully for easy meal prep.
- Author: Tina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins (about 4 servings)
- Category: Snack, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/3 cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup mini pepperoni (or finely chopped regular)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and pizza sauce.
- Add flour, baking powder, and Italian seasoning, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, until golden brown and set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving or packing into lunchboxes.
Notes
- Swap pepperoni for sausage, ham, or vegetarian toppings.
- Use whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
- Add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for nutrition.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; reheat before serving.
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 muffins
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 115mg