High-Protein Deep-Dish Pizza Cupcakes

Here’s a complete high-protein Deep-Dish Pizza Cupcakes recipe that’s indulgent, savory, and packed with protein. These are perfect as a snack, meal prep, or a fun party treat.

High-Protein Deep-Dish Pizza Cupcakes

Ingredients

For the “Crust”:

• 1 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup unflavored or savory protein powder (whey or plant-based)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2–3 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (adjust for consistency)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked lean protein (diced chicken breast, turkey pepperoni, or lean sausage)
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For Topping:

• 1/4 cup extra mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line with silicone muffin liners.
2. Prepare the Crust
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, protein powder, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
   • Add the egg, olive oil, and almond milk. Mix until it forms a thick, slightly sticky dough. Add a little more milk if too dry.
3. Assemble Base in Muffin Cups
   • Divide dough evenly among muffin cups.
   • Press dough into the bottom and up the sides, forming a cup shape for your “pizza crust.”
4. Add Filling
   • Spoon 1–2 tbsp marinara sauce into each crust.
   • Top with diced chicken or turkey pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and 1 tbsp mozzarella cheese.
   • Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top for flavor.
5. Bake
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and cooked through.
6. Add Topping
   • Remove from oven, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top, and bake another 3–5 minutes until cheese melts and is slightly bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve
   • Let cupcakes cool for 5 minutes in the pan before removing.
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Nutrition Estimate (per cupcake, 12 servings)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Protein: ~15g
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbs: ~7g (mostly from almond flour and vegetables)

Pro Tips

• Use high-protein cheese or add extra egg whites in the crust for more protein.
• Swap marinara sauce for low-sugar, high-protein tomato sauce to reduce carbs.
• Perfect for meal prep—store in fridge up to 4 days or freeze for longer.