Description
Pizza Rice Muffins are a quick and easy savory snack or light meal that blends cheesy, tomatoey, and herb-infused flavors with the comforting texture of rice. These portable muffins mimic the classic taste of pizza, making them perfect for busy days, kids’ lunches, or party appetizers. Made with simple ingredients like cooked rice, mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara sauce, they offer a versatile, delicious, and satisfying treat suitable for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, cooled)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni slices
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Vegetables
- ¼ cup chopped bell peppers or mushrooms
For Greasing
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the rice base: Start with cooked, cooled rice in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the rice is fluffy and not overly sticky as it forms the foundation for the muffins.
- Mix the ingredients: Add shredded mozzarella, chopped pepperoni, marinara sauce, eggs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and any optional veggies to the rice. Stir everything evenly until fully combined.
- Season and adjust: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, optionally add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes and mix well.
- Prepare muffin tin: Lightly grease your muffin tin with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote a golden crust.
- Fill the muffin cups: Spoon the rice mixture into each muffin cup, packing gently but not pressing too hard. Fill about ¾ full for ideal muffin shape.
- Bake: Place the tin in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until tops are lightly browned and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow muffins to cool slightly in the pan; then carefully loosen edges with a knife or spoon before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture and binding.
- Don’t overfill muffin cups to avoid spilling and ensure even cooking.
- Press the mixture gently to hold shape but keep muffins light.
- Try mixing mozzarella with cheddar for a different flavor.
- Let muffins rest at least 5 minutes before removing to prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg