Pizza Puffs are classic little pockets of joy that combine the best parts of pizza into a crispy, golden puff pastry shell. Inside, you’ll find melty cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and that perfect hit of pepperoni or your favorite pizza toppings. They’re like bite-sized celebrations of all the things we love about pizza, but in a fun, easy-to-hold package.
I love making these pizza puffs because they’re so quick to whip up and they warm up beautifully for leftovers. I usually keep some in the fridge or freezer for those moments when I want a snack or a casual lunch that’s a little more exciting than plain bread or regular sandwiches. Plus, they’re such a hit with kids and grown-ups alike — something about hand-held pizza just makes everyone happy!
My favorite way to serve these is right out of the oven with a side of extra marinara for dipping. It’s especially great for casual get-togethers or family movie nights because they’re easy to share and you don’t need plates or forks to enjoy them. Whenever I make a batch, I always find myself sneaking a few before anyone else gets a chance. That crispy, cheesy, tomatoey combo just can’t be beat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Biscuit Dough
- This is the base that gives pizza puffs their soft, fluffy shell. If you don't have biscuit dough, you can try refrigerated crescent roll dough or even pizza dough for a chewier texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that classic stretchy cheese pull. You can use part-skim or whole milk mozzarella, or substitute with provolone or a mild cheddar for a different flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese
- Adds a sharp, nutty taste to balance the mozzarella. If you don’t have Parmesan, Romano or Asiago work well as alternatives.
- Pepperoni or Sausage
- Traditional pizza toppings that give the puffs their savory bite. You can swap for cooked diced chicken, veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, or go meat-free with plant-based pepperoni.
- Pizza Sauce
- Adds the tomatoey tang that ties all the flavors together. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade marinara. For a lighter option, use a bit of tomato paste mixed with Italian seasoning.
How Do You Get the Biscuit Dough to Hold Its Shape and Bake Evenly?
Flattening and pressing the biscuit dough into the muffin tin is the key step. Here’s how to do it well:
- Flatten each dough round gently to about 1/4 inch thick—too thin and it may tear, too thick and it won’t bake evenly.
- Press the dough up the sides and into the bottom of each muffin cup to create a cup shape that will hold the filling without leaking.
- Make sure there are no holes or thin spots; patch any tears with a little extra dough to prevent the filling from escaping.
- Spray the muffin tin well with non-stick spray to help release the puffs easily after baking.
- Bake until golden brown—this usually takes about 12-15 minutes. The dough should be cooked through but still soft and tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Muffin tin – shapes the dough into perfect little cups and holds the filling without spilling.
- Rolling pin or your hands – to flatten biscuit dough evenly so it fits nicely in the muffin tin.
- Mixing bowl – to combine cheese, pepperoni, and seasonings easily.
- Spoon or small ladle – to scoop sauce and filling into each dough cup without mess.
- Non-stick cooking spray – prevents the pizza puffs from sticking to the muffin tin for easy removal.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni with cooked Italian sausage or diced ham for a different meaty taste.
- Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra veggie flavor and texture.
- Try a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese to give it a sharper, tangier bite.
- Mix in some red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to the cheese filling for a little spice and herbal aroma.
Copycat Pizza Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box refrigerated biscuit dough (10 count)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or diced cooked pizza sausage
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs for garnish (optional)
- Non-stick cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 12-15 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 5 minutes for cooling before serving. Overall, you can enjoy these delicious pizza puffs in about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a standard muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to make sure your pizza puffs won’t stick and are easy to remove once baked.
2. Shape the Biscuit Dough:
On a clean surface, flatten each biscuit dough round to about 1/4-inch thickness using your hands or a rolling pin. Then, gently press each flattened dough into the muffin tin cups, making sure to spread it up the sides to form a small cup that will hold the filling securely.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, sliced pepperoni or sausage, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir everything together so the flavors mix evenly.
4. Assemble the Pizza Puffs:
Spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of pizza sauce into the bottom of each biscuit cup. Next, add a generous spoonful of the cheese and meat mixture on top of the sauce inside each cup. Finish by sprinkling a little extra shredded mozzarella on each pizza puff for a melty, cheesy top.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Once baked, take the pizza puffs out and let them cool for about 5 minutes in the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs if you like, and serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the biscuit dough completely in the refrigerator before using it. This makes it easier to flatten and shape without tearing.
Can I Make Pizza Puffs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the pizza puffs, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if they’re cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza Puffs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy, or microwave briefly if you’re short on time.
What Are Some Good Flavor Variations?
Try swapping pepperoni for cooked sausage, diced ham, or veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also mix cheeses or add herbs like basil or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor.