Description

Cheesy Pepperoni Bites are a delicious, bite-sized snack perfect for parties or casual gatherings. These savory mini muffins combine the gooey goodness of mozzarella cheese with spicy turkey pepperoni and a hint of fresh basil. They’re baked until golden and served warm with a side of basil-infused pizza sauce for dipping. A vegetarian version can be made by substituting the pepperoni with veggie pepperoni or omitted entirely for a cheesy herb delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Batter

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup milk
1 large egg
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
4 ounces turkey pepperoni, chopped (use vegetarian pepperoni for veggie option)

Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup pizza sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (divided; 1 tablespoon for sauce, 1 tablespoon for garnishing)

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Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and baking powder well, ensuring even distribution.
Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the milk and egg to the dry mixture until you have a smooth batter without lumps.
Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly throughout the batter.
Fold in Pepperoni: Add the chopped turkey pepperoni (or vegetarian alternative) into the batter and mix well. Allow the batter to rest for 7 to 10 minutes; this helps with texture and rising.
Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the greased mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full for best puff and shape.
Bake: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bites are puffed up and golden brown on top.
Prepare Dipping Sauce: While the bites bake, microwave the pizza sauce in a microwave-safe bowl until warmed through (about 30-45 seconds). Stir in 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh basil to infuse the sauce with fresh herbal flavor.
Serve: Remove the cheesy pepperoni bites from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish the dipping sauce with the remaining fresh basil. Serve the bites warm alongside the basil-infused pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute turkey pepperoni with plant-based pepperoni or omit it altogether.
You can prepare the batter a few minutes ahead to save time, but avoid resting it for much longer than 10 minutes to prevent over-proofing.
If mini muffin pans are unavailable, use regular muffin pans but adjust the baking time accordingly (approximately 15-20 minutes).
Use fresh mozzarella if possible for best cheese melt and flavor.
These bites are best served warm right out of the oven but can be reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Feel free to add other herbs like oregano or red pepper flakes for extra zing.