When you think of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, what comes to mind? A thick, hearty pie that’s almost too big to handle, right? But what if I told you there’s a fun-sized version that you can eat with your hands, just like a regular slice of pizza? That’s exactly what these Chicago deep-dish pizza muffins offer: a golden, flaky crust filled with savory sausage, sweet peppers, and three types of cheese. It’s everything you love about deep-dish pizza, but in a portable muffin form!
As someone who’s always enjoyed pizza in all its forms, I have to admit, these muffins have completely changed my view on deep-dish. While I never hated it, I wasn’t the first to crave a giant slice either. But these mini pizza muffins? They’ve won me over.
Keep reading to learn how to make these mouthwatering pizza muffins that you can customize to your heart’s content. Whether you love sausage, mushrooms, or just extra cheese, this recipe has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love These Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Muffins
Before we get to the recipe, let me tell you why I think these muffins are such a game-changer:
- Portable and Mess-Free:
Unlike traditional deep-dish pizza, these muffins can be eaten by hand—no fork or knife required. - Customizable Fillings:
The best part? You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. Love sausage but your friend prefers mushrooms? No problem! This recipe is all about versatility. - Perfect Crust-to-Filling Ratio:
These muffins give you the ideal balance of crunchy crust and gooey, cheesy filling. Every bite is a perfect mix of savory and satisfying. - Fun and Easy to Make:
These muffin-sized pizzas are as fun to make as they are to eat. Plus, they’re perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun weeknight dinner.
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients (Yields 12 muffins):
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 (16 ounce) package cold, prepared pizza dough
- 4 ounces provolone cheese, diced
- ¾ cup cooked, crumbled Italian sausage
- ½ cup cooked, diced sweet peppers
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ cup prepared pizza sauce
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
How to Make Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Muffins:
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, grease a 12-cup muffin pan with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Make sure the pan is well-oiled so the muffins won’t stick when baking.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
Next, roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. You can check the dough by gently lifting it from the edges to ensure it isn’t sticking. Once it’s ready, cut out 12, 4-inch circles from the dough. If you need to, re-roll the dough to get the remaining circles.
Step 3: Form the Muffin Cups
Now place each 4-inch dough circle into one of the muffin cups, gently pressing the dough up the sides to form a small “basket” shape. Don’t worry if it’s not quite all the way up to the top yet — you’ll press it down further in the next step.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Now, top each muffin with:
- 1 tablespoon of diced provolone cheese to the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Spoon in 1 tablespoon of cooked sausage and 2 teaspoons of cooked sweet peppers.
Once you’ve added the fillings, press down lightly to compress them just a bit.
Step 5: Add Mozzarella, Sauce, and Parm
Now, top each muffin with:
- 1 rounded tablespoon of grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce, gently pressing it into the fillings
- A generous sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to finish off the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese has slightly browned around the edges. You should see the cheese bubbling and the crust turning a nice golden color.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the muffins cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to remove. Use a knife to go around the edges of each muffin, then gently lift them out with a fork or small spatula.
Let the muffins cool for a few minutes on a rack, then garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and some extra grated cheese if desired. Serve them warm, and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips:
- Oil the Pan Well:
This is a key step to ensure your muffins don’t stick to the pan. Don’t skip it! - Cold Dough is Easier to Work With:
Make sure your pizza dough is cold. Cold dough will be much easier to handle and shape, and it will prevent it from rising too quickly. - Skip the Fresh Mozzarella:
Fresh mozzarella is too moist for these muffins and can make them soggy. Stick with the shredded mozzarella for a better texture. - Make-Ahead Option:
You can prepare these muffins ahead of time! After baking, allow them to cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes to heat through.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe inspires you to try something new and fun with your pizza night! These Chicago deep-dish pizza muffins are the perfect blend of deliciousness and convenience, offering all the hearty, cheesy goodness of a deep-dish pizza in a bite-sized form.
Give them a try, and let me know how you customize yours! We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Muffins: A Bite-Sized Twist on a Classic
4
servings35
minutes35
minutesIngredients
2 tsp olive oil
1 (16 oz) package pizza dough
4 oz provolone cheese, diced
¾ cup cooked, crumbled Italian sausage
½ cup cooked, diced sweet peppers
4 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
½ cup pizza sauce
¾ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F, grease muffin pan.
- Roll dough, cut into 12 4-inch circles, press into cups.
- Layer with provolone, sausage, peppers, mozzarella, pizza sauce, and Parm.
- Bake for 30-35 mins until golden.
- Cool, remove from pan, garnish with parsley.