Description
Pizza Cupcakes are bite-sized, savory venison meatloaf muffins combining the rich flavor of lean venison with classic pizza ingredients such as melted mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and mini pepperoni slices. Perfectly portable and packed with flavor, they make an ideal appetizer or snack for game day and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground venison
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices (optional)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: Begin by combining ground venison, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, egg, and bread crumbs in a large bowl. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated to maintain a tender texture while ensuring the mixture stays cohesive.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a muffin tin and spoon the meat mixture evenly into each cup, pressing down slightly to form a solid base for each cupcake.
- Add Pizza Toppings: Top each muffin with a generous spoonful of tomato sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and mini pepperoni slices on each to create that authentic pizza flavor.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meat is thoroughly cooked and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Allow the pizza cupcakes to cool for a few minutes before serving warm for the best cheesy, savory experience.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the texture light and avoid toughness.
- Use fresh, lean venison for rich flavor without excessive fat.
- Grease the muffin pan well to prevent sticking and help cupcakes release cleanly.
- Customize the cheese blend by mixing mozzarella with cheddar for sharper flavor.
- Let cupcakes rest a few minutes after baking to allow toppings to set and flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Pizza cupcakes, venison meatloaf muffins, savory snacks, game day recipes, bite-sized appetizers, cheesy snacks