Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing—leftover brown rice works especially well.

What if I don’t have muffin tins?

No problem—spread the mixture in a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and bake as a casserole. Cut into squares for a delicious twist.

How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?

Grease your pan thoroughly, and use a nonstick muffin tin if possible. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes, then run a butter knife around the edges for easy release.

Can I make these egg-free?

Eggs bind the muffins, so an egg substitute (like flaxseed “eggs” or a commercial egg replacer) can be used, but the texture will be a bit softer.

Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins Recipe

Name: Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 (6-ounce) bag pepperoni, quartered*; 2 tablespoons onion flakes; 2 tablespoons parsley flakes; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 2 teaspoons garlic salt; 4 eggs, whisked; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup sliced olives (optional); Pizza sauce, for serving

It’s time to rethink what a muffin can be! These Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins are about to become your go-to solution for busy weeknights and fun, fuss-free meals. Imagine all the ooey-gooey, savory flavors of classic pizza—cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning—transformed into hearty, portable muffins held together with tender rice. They crisp up golden at the edges, stay wonderfully cheesy inside, and best of all, you only need one bowl and under 30 minutes start to finish. Whether you’re feeding kids, meal-prepping lunches, or just craving an irresistible, comfort-food snack, you truly can’t beat the flavor and simplicity of these pizza muffins.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Fast: Just toss everything in a bowl, mix, and bake. You’ll be munching on golden, melty pizza muffins in no time.
Fun to Eat: Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or busy weeknight dinners—they’re hand-held, mess-free, and appealing to eaters of all ages.
Customizable: You can swap out toppings and cheeses, make them meatless, or sneak in more veggies. These pizza rice muffins bend to your cravings, not the other way around.
Family Favorite: Think of them as pizza’s playful (and easy-to-pack) cousin. You might want to double the batch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own irresistible Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins—and how each ingredient shines in the recipe:

Cooked Rice: The base that holds everything together. White or brown, leftover rice works beautifully.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into pockets of gooey, classic pizza flavor. Choose low-moisture for best texture.
Pepperoni (quartered): Adds those signature meaty, spicy bites. Tip: Microwave first to remove extra grease!
Onion Flakes: Delivers savory depth without the hassle of chopping.
Parsley Flakes: Flecks of green color and a fresh, herby note.
Oregano: That must-have Italian herbal aroma that screams “pizza!”
Garlic Salt: A double hit of salt and garlic for rich background flavor.
Eggs (whisked): The magic that binds the muffins so they hold their shape.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a sharp, nutty flavor boost with each bite.
Sliced Olives (Optional): For salty, briny pops of flavor. Totally skippable, but highly recommended if you like olives!
Pizza Sauce (for serving): Don’t skip the final dunk! Warm sauce for dipping makes every muffin taste like traditional pizza.

Tip: prepping these is even easier if you have leftover rice on hand—plan ahead and dinner is practically done!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Getting creative with these muffins is half the fun!

Veggie Lovers: Stir in finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach.
Meatless Marvel: Skip the pepperoni for a vegetarian version—just amp up the olives or veggies.
Cheese Swap: Try half cheddar or provolone for a different melty flavor.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix, or use hot pepperoni.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free sausages or toppings—just check ingredient labels to be sure.
Mini Muffins: Make kid-friendly bites using a mini muffin tin—bake a few minutes less and you’ll have the cutest little pizza bombs.

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 6-cup muffin tin generously—these muffins are cheesy and a good spray makes removal easy.

Step 2: Mix the Muffin Base

In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, mozzarella, pepperoni, onion flakes, parsley, oregano, garlic salt, eggs, Parmesan, and olives if using. Mix everything thoroughly so the eggs evenly coat the rice and everything’s distributed. Microwave the pepperoni for 1 minute first to draw out extra grease—your muffins will be less oily but just as flavorful.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups

Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups. Press each firmly down with the back of a spoon so the muffins hold together as they bake and cool.

Step 4: Bake

Place the muffin tin on a baking sheet (to catch possible spills) and bake for 16–18 minutes. Look for a golden, lightly crispy top.

Step 5: Release and Serve

Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen, then lift each out carefully. Serve immediately, with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Press Firmly: Really pack the mixture into the tin—this helps your muffins stay intact after baking.
Let Cool Slightly: They firm up as they cool, making them easier to pop out and enjoy.
Cheese Choice Matters: Low-moisture mozzarella delivers the best texture—too much moisture can make muffins soft.
Pepperoni Prep: Always microwave the pepperoni before mixing in for a less greasy result.

How to Serve

There are so many ways to enjoy these Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins! Here’s how to serve them up for any occasion:

Main Meal

Pair with a crisp green salad or a cup of veggie soup for an easy, balanced dinner.

Lunchbox Hero

Wrap cooled muffins in wax paper or plastic wrap—they hold up well in kids’ and adults’ lunchboxes alike.

Snack Attack

Heat a couple up for an after-school or afternoon snack with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Appetizer Table

Serve them mini-style at a party or potluck—watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover muffins completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Place in a single layer on a sheet pan until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. Enjoy within 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating

Microwave straight from the fridge or freezer until hot, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back crisp edges.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing—leftover brown rice works especially well.
What if I don’t have muffin tins?

No problem—spread the mixture in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish and bake as a casserole. Cut into squares for a delicious twist.
How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?

Grease your pan thoroughly, and use a nonstick muffin tin if possible. Let the muffins cool for a few minutes, then run a butter knife around the edges for easy release.
Can I make these egg-free?

Eggs bind the muffins, so an egg substitute (like flaxseed “eggs” or a commercial egg replacer) can be used, but the texture will be a bit softer.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins turn all the best parts of pizza into a quick, ultra-satisfying meal you can enjoy with your hands. They’re endlessly adaptable, perfect for prepping ahead, and sure to bring smiles all around the dinner table. If you’re short on time but big on flavor, give these a try—you might just find your new favorite way to eat pizza!