Pepperoni Pizza Cups Recipe with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Are you craving pizza but want a fun, bite-sized twist? Pepperoni pizza cups with marinara dipping sauce are the ultimate snack, appetizer, or party food. These mini pizzas pack all the classic flavors you love into a crispy, cheesy cup, paired perfectly with a tangy marinara for dipping. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Why Make Pepperoni Pizza Cups?

These pizza cups are the perfect balance of flavor and convenience:

Snackable Size: Great for parties, game days, or lunchboxes.

Customizable: Adjust toppings to suit everyone’s taste.

Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes.

Perfect Pairing: Marinara dipping sauce elevates the flavor.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Cups:

Pizza dough: Store-bought or homemade, rolled thin.

Pepperoni slices: Regular or mini.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and flavorful.

Pizza sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade.

Italian seasoning: For an authentic pizza flavor.

Optional toppings: Black olives, diced peppers, or mushrooms.

For the Marinara Dipping Sauce:

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, and dried basil or oregano. Simmer on low heat while you prepare the pizza cups.

2. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

3. Prepare the Pizza Dough

Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cavities.

4. Assemble the Pizza Cups

Press each dough circle into the muffin tin, forming a cup shape.

Add 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce to each cup.

Layer with a slice of pepperoni and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.

Top with Italian seasoning for added flavor.

5. Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the dough are golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the pizza cups cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tin. Serve warm alongside your marinara dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Cups

Cheese Barrier: Add a layer of cheese before the sauce to prevent soggy dough.

Use Pre-Made Dough: Save time by using biscuit or crescent roll dough.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free pizza dough.

Customize Toppings: Experiment with cooked sausage, fresh basil, or pineapple for a unique twist.

Marinara Dipping Sauce Ideas

While the classic marinara pairs beautifully, here are a few other dipping options to try:

Garlic Butter: Melted butter infused with garlic and parsley.

Ranch Dressing: A creamy, tangy alternative.

Spicy Arrabbiata: Add a kick with a spicier tomato sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Storing

Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap cooled pizza cups individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Oven: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, though the crust may not stay as crisp.

Why Pair with Marinara?

The marinara dipping sauce not only complements the rich, cheesy flavors of the pizza cups but also adds an interactive, fun element for dipping. The tangy, herby sauce balances the salty pepperoni and creamy cheese, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Why Choose Nittany Pizza?

At Nittany Pizza, we’re passionate about bringing people together over delicious, creative pizza recipes. Whether you’re craving traditional pies or innovative treats like these pepperoni pizza cups, our expertise ensures every bite is a memorable one.

Check out our blog for more recipe ideas: nittanypizza.com.

About Us

Business Name: Nittany Pizza

Address: 2073 Springwood Road, York, PA, 17403

Phone: (717) 650-2648

E-mail: nittanypizza@comcast.net

Owner: Athanasios Drivas

Website: nittanypizza.com

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