Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins Recipe

This crowd-pleasing Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins recipe transforms leftover rice into delicious, portable pizza-flavored treats that both kids and adults will love. Packed with savory pepperoni, melty mozzarella, and classic pizza seasonings, these handheld muffins come together in just 25 minutes. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, lunchboxes, or as a fun appetizer for your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Time-Saving Wonder: Transforms leftover rice into a completely new meal in under 30 minutes—ideal for those hectic weeknights when cooking feels impossible.
• Kid-Friendly: Pizza flavors in a fun muffin form that kids absolutely adore. Even picky eaters give these two thumbs up!
• Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish with a side salad, a protein-packed snack, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch on the weekend and enjoy convenient, ready-to-heat meals throughout the week.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Rice: The foundation of these muffins—use leftover white or brown rice for the best texture. Day-old rice actually works better than fresh as it’s less sticky.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that classic stretchy pizza cheese pull that makes these muffins irresistible. Freshly shredded melts much better than pre-packaged.
• Pepperoni: Adds that authentic pizza flavor and a nice savory bite. Quartering them distributes the flavor throughout each muffin.
• Eggs: Act as the essential binding agent that holds everything together, giving structure to your muffins.
• Seasonings: Onion flakes, parsley, oregano, and garlic salt create that classic pizza flavor profile without having to chop fresh herbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that enhances all the other flavors. Use freshly grated for best flavor.
• Olives: Completely optional but offer a nice Mediterranean tang if you’re a fan. Black or green both work wonderfully.

Variations

Different Protein Options

Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, bacon bits, or keep it vegetarian by omitting meat altogether.

Veggie Boost

Mix in finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

Cheese Alternatives

Try using cheddar, pepper jack, or an Italian cheese blend instead of mozzarella for different flavor profiles.

Mini Muffins

Make bite-sized versions in a mini muffin tin—perfect for party appetizers or kid-friendly snacks. Just reduce the baking time to about 12 minutes.

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Pepperoni

Microwave the quartered pepperoni in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute. This smart step removes excess grease that would make your muffins soggy.

Step 2: Create the Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded mozzarella, prepared pepperoni, onion flakes, parsley, oregano, garlic salt, whisked eggs, Parmesan cheese, and olives (if using). Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups

Generously grease a 6-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. Divide the mixture evenly between the cups. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into each cup—this helps them hold their shape when baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin on a baking sheet (to catch any potential overflow) and bake for 16-18 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown and the edges start to crisp up.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the muffins to cool slightly, then run a butter knife around the edges to release them from the tin. Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cold Rice Works Best: Refrigerated leftover rice is less sticky and makes for better-structured muffins.
• Don’t Skip Pressing the Mixture: Really press the rice mixture firmly into the muffin cups—this ensures they’ll hold together after baking.
• Watch for Browning: The cheese can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
• Let Them Rest: Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before removing—they’ll firm up and be less likely to fall apart.

How to Serve

These versatile pizza muffins can be served in multiple ways:

As a Main Dish

Serve 2-3 muffins per person with warmed pizza sauce for dipping, alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

In Lunchboxes

Pack room-temperature muffins with a small container of pizza sauce for a lunch that doesn’t need reheating.

Party Appetizers

Make them in mini muffin tins for bite-sized party snacks that guests can grab easily.

Breakfast Option

They make a surprisingly satisfying savory breakfast alternative—just add a fried egg on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their texture and flavor beautifully.

Freezing

These muffins freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated muffins, microwave for 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. For frozen muffins, either thaw in the refrigerator overnight or microwave from frozen for about 1-2 minutes. For crispier edges, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?
Yes, but freshly cooked rice tends to be moister and stickier. If using fresh rice, let it cool completely and consider using an extra egg to help bind the mixture. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste great!

How can I make these gluten-free?
Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your pepperoni and seasonings to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients. The rice base makes these perfect for those avoiding wheat.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These are perfect make-ahead party food. Prepare them up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before serving. They’ll taste just as delicious as freshly made.

My kids don’t like pepperoni. What can I substitute?
These muffins are extremely adaptable! Try using ham, cooked and crumbled ground beef seasoned with Italian herbs, or skip the meat altogether and add more veggies like finely diced bell peppers for a vegetarian version your kids might enjoy.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Pizza Rice Muffins are the perfect solution for transforming mundane leftover rice into something truly special. They capture all the beloved flavors of pizza in a fun, portable form that works for any meal of the day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these savory muffins deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Give them a try tonight—I bet they’ll quickly become a requested favorite in your household!

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