A mini muffin pan is a godsend for parents of young children. Everyone loves things in miniature form, especially kids, and the muffin pan can yield an array of treats that are both versatile and easy to eat. We like to do mini quiches and breakfast cups, traditional mini muffins, mini meatloaves and other cutesy versions of larger recipes, but most of all, we love to make teeny lunch items that pack easily for school and that my son will happily gobble up in the cafeteria.

Aidan’s favorite food in the entire world is pizza, and I’ve converted it into a lunchbox pizza puff that is a cinch to whip up in the mini muffin pan. He loves eating them plain, but you can also serve them with a small container of your kids’ favorite dipping red sauce. I like to make a bunch to save. They freeze well and you can just defrost them for quick lunchbox meals throughout the school year. They are great cold or at room temperature, but if your children prefer them warm, here is a tip for ensuring hot lunches stay hot: fill Thermos containers with boiling water, cover, and let sit for a few minutes. Then empty the water and wipe dry before placing the hot or warm food inside immediately. The process will help keep the temperature of whatever you are stuffing it with. As far as the pizza puffs, I reheat mine in the oven quickly while we’re getting ready for the bus, wrap them in some foil, and fill in our preheated Thermos container. They keep pretty warm until it’s Aidan’s lunch period without getting soggy. We hope you enjoy!

Perfect Pizza Puffs

•  ¾ cup flour 
•  ¾ teaspoon baking powder
•  ¾ cup milk
•  1 egg
•  1¼ cup shredded mozzarella
•  Approx. 4 oz. pepperoni, chopped
•  1-2 tablespoons dried or fresh basil or Italian seasoning
• 1 cup tomato or marinara sauce, for dipping

1.   Lightly spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.

2.   In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, milk, egg, cheese, pepperoni, and seasonings, stirring until mixed well.

3.   Spoon batter into muffin pan approximately ¾ of the way full.

4.   Bake in preheated oven at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until cooked through and lightly browned. Let cool before removing from pan.

5.   Serve with sauce for dipping.