Mini Meatball Cupcakes
A delightful and imaginative twist on a classic, these mini meatball cupcakes are a superb option for a quick dinner or a hearty snack. Their playful form and rich, savory taste are especially appealing to children, making them a surefire hit at the table. Prepared with minimal ingredients and using a muffin tin, this recipe brings together convenience and flavor in one compact bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 small frozen meatballs approx. 1 oz each
- 1 8 oz tube crescent dough sheet (such as Pillsbury)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- Cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the frozen meatballs according to the package, reducing the cook time by half to account for further baking.
- Set the oven to preheat at 375°F.
- Lay out the crescent dough sheet on a large cutting board and divide it into 24 equal squares using a pizza cutter.
- Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray and press one square of dough into each muffin cup.
- Spoon approximately one teaspoon of pizza sauce into each dough-lined cup.
- Place one partially cooked meatball in each cup, pressing gently so the sauce spreads around the sides.
- Add another teaspoon of pizza sauce over each meatball.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, evenly covering each portion. Parmesan cheese may also be added at this stage for enhanced flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the dough is golden and fully cooked through.
- Allow the cupcakes to rest for a few minutes before removing from the tin. Serve with additional pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
The Kirkland Signature Italian beef meatballs from Costco were used in this preparation.
If crescent dough sheets are unavailable, pizza dough or crescent rolls are suitable substitutes.
Rao's pizza sauce was favored for its quality, though any standard pizza or marinara sauce will suffice.
Italian seasoning or garlic powder may be sprinkled atop for an added flavor boost.
Leftovers reheat exceptionally well in an air fryer for a crispy finish.
If crescent dough sheets are unavailable, pizza dough or crescent rolls are suitable substitutes.
Rao's pizza sauce was favored for its quality, though any standard pizza or marinara sauce will suffice.
Italian seasoning or garlic powder may be sprinkled atop for an added flavor boost.
Leftovers reheat exceptionally well in an air fryer for a crispy finish.