Equipment Needed
- 12-cup standard muffin tin (This is the secret weapon!)
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry brush or your fingers for oil
- Spoon or small ladle for sauce
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This isn’t a super hot pizza oven temperature, and that’s intentional—it gives the tortillas time to crisp up without burning the cheese. While it heats, gently press each tortilla into a cup of the muffin tin, forming a little shell. I learned the hard way that if you force a stiff tortilla, it might tear. A quick 5-second microwave warm-up for the stack makes them pliable and perfect for shaping. Lightly brush or spray each tortilla cup with olive oil; this is your ticket to a golden, crispy shell, not a soggy one.
Now, for the fun layering part! Start with a tablespoon of marinara in the bottom of each tortilla cup. Swirl it around with the back of your spoon. This first layer acts as a sealant against sogginess. Next, take a generous pinch of your shredded mozzarella and add it on top of the sauce. Then, layer in your meats—a few pepperoni slices, a sprinkle of sausage, and some bacon bits. I like to tuck some pepperoni against the sides so they get extra crispy.
Here’s a pro move I discovered on my second batch: top the meat with another light sprinkle of mozzarella, then add one final pepperoni slice right on top. This “cheese blanket” helps glue everything together, and that top pepperoni will crisp up beautifully. Finish each cup with a tiny dusting of Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it builds that iconic pizza-parlor flavor.
Bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly and the exposed edges of the tortillas to be a deep golden brown. The smell in your kitchen will be incredible. Let them cool in the tin for just 5 minutes—this is crucial. If you try to remove them immediately, they’ll fall apart. After that short rest, use a small offset spatula or fork to gently lift them out. They’ll hold their shape perfectly, ready to be devoured.(See the next page below to continue…)