Name: Muffin Tin Pizza Bites with Creamy Jalapeño Filling
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough; 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 oz); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; Non-stick cooking spray

Jump to Recipe

We all have those moments, right? The craving hits, you want something cheesy, crispy, and just a little fiery—but without the hassle of deep frying or a sink full of dirty dishes. That’s exactly why I started making these muffin tin pizza bites. They’re like the cooler, snackable cousin of jalapeño poppers and your favorite party pizza had a baby. We’re talking golden, buttery biscuit dough cradling a rich, cream cheese and cheddar filling, kissed with crispy bacon and bits of jalapeño. I like mine with a little extra cheese on top (because why not?), but you can keep it simple too. It’s one of those muffin tin recipes that’s perfect for parties, game days, or just when you need a few tasty bites to hold you over. We don’t do boring snacks in my kitchen. These are fun, fast, and punchy—like Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites but easier to prep and way less messy. Add them to your list of Incredible Recipes for Muffin Tin Meals and trust me, you’ll want a second batch cooling before the first tray’s gone.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Muffin Tin Pizza Bites Recipe
3) Ingredients for Muffin Tin Pizza Bites
4) How to Make Muffin Tin Pizza Bites
5) Tips for Making Muffin Tin Pizza Bites
6) Making Muffin Tin Pizza Bites Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Muffin Tin Pizza Bites
8) Try these Appetizer Recipes next!
9) Muffin Tin Pizza Bites
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

What makes Muffin Tin Pizza Bites the perfect finger food for any occasion?
Can you make them ahead for parties and game nights?
How do you customize the heat level with jalapeños?
Why are muffin tins game-changers in appetizer prep?

2) Easy Muffin Tin Pizza Bites Recipe

You know those afternoons when you just want something savory, snacky, and a bit fun? That’s where these muffin tin pizza bites come in. They’re small, cheesy, and just a touch spicy. Perfect when you want to impress your family without making a mess or losing your weekend to kitchen chaos.

Each little bite brings the warmth of melted cheddar, creamy cream cheese, and the smoky crunch of bacon wrapped into golden biscuit dough. The jalapeño adds a gentle heat—not enough to scare off your aunt who still finds ketchup spicy, but enough to wake up your taste buds. It’s snack food with a little spark.

I started making these on game day Sundays, but now they’ve crept into my weeknight dinners and weekend brunch spreads. Why? Because they’re super easy, and they disappear faster than I can say “save one for me!” And yes, they’re technically muffin tin recipes, but don’t let that label fool you. These are bite-sized bursts of joy that work any time of day.

3) Ingredients for Muffin Tin Pizza Bites

Refrigerated Biscuit Dough – This is your cheat code for getting fluffy, golden crusts without making dough from scratch. I always grab a tube from the store. Trust me, no one’s judging.

Cream Cheese (Softened) – It gives the filling that rich, smooth base. Make sure it’s soft—otherwise mixing it is like arm day at the gym.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese – I like a sharp cheddar for flavor, but mild works too. This adds gooey melt and sharp contrast to the cream cheese.

Bacon (Cooked and Crumbled) – Bacon makes everything better. That crispy, smoky flavor balances the cheese perfectly.

Jalapeños (Finely Chopped) – Want some heat? Keep the seeds. Want to play it cool? Toss them out. Either way, they’re key for that tasty bite.

Garlic Powder – Just a pinch gives the filling that savory depth without overpowering the rest.

Onion Powder – It boosts the cheesy flavor with a little background sweetness and warmth.

Salt and Pepper – Keep it simple. Season to taste and don’t overthink it.

Non-stick Cooking Spray – Spritz that muffin tin like you mean it. You want bites that come out, not stick around.

4) How to Make Muffin Tin Pizza Bites

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 375°F. This gives you time to breathe, prep, or sneak a sip of coffee before things get real. Spray the muffin tin so your bites don’t play hard to get later.

Step 2 – Mix the filling. Grab a bowl and stir together cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, bacon, salt, and pepper. It should be creamy but thick. If your spoon stands up in it, you’re on the right track.

Step 3 – Flatten the biscuit dough. Each piece gets pressed into a muffin cup, creating a soft doughy cradle. Try not to tear the dough—it’s not pie crust, but treat it like one anyway.

Step 4 – Spoon the filling into each biscuit cup. Be generous. These are bites, not breadcrumbs.

Step 5 – Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until golden on top and bubbling at the center. You’ll smell the magic before you even open the oven.

Step 6 – Let them cool slightly before removing. If you burn your tongue sneaking the first one, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

5) Tips for Making Muffin Tin Pizza Bites

If the biscuit dough fights back when flattening, warm it slightly in your hands. Cold dough doesn’t like to cooperate.

Chop the jalapeños fine. You want flavor in every bite without crunching into a surprise spice bomb.

Let the cream cheese sit out before mixing. Cold cream cheese and shredded cheddar turn mixing into a wrestling match. Not fun, not cute.

Want to make these into bacon wrapped chicken bites instead? You absolutely can. Just swap the biscuit base for a small piece of chicken and wrap it in bacon. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crisp. The muffin tin still works great as a holder.

6) Making Muffin Tin Pizza Bites Ahead of Time

Yes, you can absolutely prep these ahead. I like to make the filling a day in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Let it warm a bit before stuffing the dough, though. Cold cheese mix is stubborn.

You can press the dough into muffin tins and store the whole tray in the fridge for a couple hours if needed. Just add the filling and bake when ready.

They reheat well in the oven at 300°F for about 8 minutes. I wouldn’t recommend the microwave—things turn rubbery fast. If you’re planning a party, bake them fresh the day of and you’ll be golden.

7) Storing Leftover Muffin Tin Pizza Bites

These bites hold up surprisingly well. I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just warm them in the oven for best texture.

If you want to freeze a batch, go for it. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then store in a bag. Reheat straight from frozen at 325°F until warmed through. Great for last-minute snack attacks or lazy dinners.

Don’t store them in foil—it traps moisture and makes the bottoms soggy. And nobody likes a soggy bottom. Learned that the hard way.

8) Try these Appetizer Recipes next!

9) Muffin Tin Pizza Bites