2-Point Pizza Muffins Recipe
If you’re a pizza lover but want to enjoy a lighter, healthier version of your favorite comfort food, then 2-Point Pizza Muffins are the perfect solution! These mini pizza muffins are not only delicious but also fit perfectly within the Weight Watchers (WW) program, each muffin containing only 2 SmartPoints. They are simple to make, customizable, and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick meal.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to create these delightful pizza muffins. Plus, we’ll offer some variations so you can add your own flair to the recipe.
Ingredients for 2-Point Pizza Muffins
To make these pizza muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup skim milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup turkey pepperoni, chopped into small pieces
1/4 cup pizza sauce (optional, for serving)
Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the muffin tin)
Optional Toppings:
Chopped bell peppers
Sliced mushrooms
Black olives
Chopped onions
Crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions for 2-Point Pizza Muffins
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, you can get everything else ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
To prevent the muffins from sticking, spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can use muffin liners, but make sure they are non-stick, or lightly grease the paper liners to avoid any muffin sticking to them.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. These dry ingredients create the base for the muffin batter and will help give the muffins that classic pizza flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the skim milk, applesauce, and egg until smooth and well combined. The applesauce acts as a substitute for oil, reducing the calorie count while still providing moisture to the muffins.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the muffins dense. You want a thick but slightly lumpy batter.
Step 6: Add the Pizza Toppings
Now, fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese and turkey pepperoni pieces into the batter. If you’re using any optional toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, you can add them at this point as well. The cheese and pepperoni are what make these muffins taste like a pizza, while the additional toppings add flavor and texture.
Step 7: Spoon the Batter into Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each muffin cup about 2/3 of the way full. This will allow enough space for the muffins to rise without overflowing.
Step 8: Bake the Pizza Muffins
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes. You’ll know the muffins are ready when they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (without any wet batter attached).
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing them. You can serve them warm, or let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. If you’d like, serve the muffins with a side of pizza sauce for dipping (keeping in mind that the pizza sauce may add additional SmartPoints, depending on the brand you choose).
Why These Pizza Muffins Are So Great
These 2-point pizza muffins are a fantastic way to satisfy your pizza cravings while keeping things light and healthy. Here’s why this recipe works so well for Weight Watchers (or anyone looking to make healthier choices):
Low in Calories but Full of Flavor: Thanks to the use of skim milk and unsweetened applesauce in place of butter or oil, these muffins are much lighter than traditional pizza. They provide all the flavor and cheesy goodness without the calories.
Portion Control: Because these are muffins, each one is individually portioned. This makes it easier to track your points and avoid overeating. Each muffin is just 2 points on the WW program, which is perfect for a snack or a light meal.
Customizable: These muffins are very versatile. You can add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives, to make them more personal to your taste. You can even change up the cheese or swap out the pepperoni for another protein, like chicken breast or turkey sausage.
Family-Friendly: If you have kids or family members who are picky eaters, this recipe is a great way to get them to eat something healthier. They’ll love the pizza flavor, and you’ll love the fact that they’re eating a balanced snack without all the extra calories.
Variations to Try
While the classic 2-Point Pizza Muffins are already tasty, there are plenty of fun variations you can try to make them your own:
1. Veggie Pizza Muffins
For a more vegetable-packed muffin, add finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, red onion, or zucchini to the batter. These veggies add flavor and nutritional value without adding any points.
2. Hawaiian Pizza Muffins
If you love Hawaiian pizza, simply add chopped pineapple and diced ham to the muffin batter. The sweet and savory combination will give these muffins a tropical twist.
3. Margherita Pizza Muffins
For a lighter take on a Margherita pizza, omit the pepperoni and instead add fresh basil leaves and a few tomato slices to the batter. You can also top each muffin with a small dollop of tomato sauce and more fresh basil after baking.
4. BBQ Chicken Pizza Muffins
If you love BBQ chicken pizza, add shredded rotisserie chicken and a small amount of BBQ sauce to the muffin batter. You can also top the muffins with extra BBQ sauce after baking for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Tips for Success
Don’t Overmix: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it’s important to mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
Adjust Baking Time: If you’re using a different size muffin tin or altering the ingredients, keep an eye on the muffins while they bake. They’re done when they’re golden on top, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Store Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy!
Conclusion
These 2-Point Pizza Muffins are a fantastic snack or light meal that fits perfectly into the Weight Watchers program. With just 2 SmartPoints per muffin, you can enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a healthier, portion-controlled way. The recipe is easy to make, and you can personalize it with your favorite pizza toppings. Plus, it’s a great family-friendly recipe that even picky eaters will love.
So, next time you’re craving pizza but want something lighter, give these pizza muffins a try. They’ll quickly become a staple in your healthy eating routine!