Pizza muffins

Pizza Muffins: Delicious and quick, a treat that combines the classic taste of pizza with the comfort of a brioche!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

A bit of history
Pizza muffins are a savory combination of the brioche tradition and the tempting aroma of pizza. This innovative recipe has gained popularity among fast food lovers, making it perfect for a snack, an appetizer, or even a quick meal. Whether served at a party, a family dinner, or even as a savory breakfast, pizza muffins are a choice that will delight everyone.

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm water (about 250 ml)
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 10 g fresh yeast (or 3 g dry yeast)
- Flour (as needed, about 300-400 g)

For the filling:
- 300 g ham (or salami, your preferences matter)
- 150 g cheese (choose a cheese that melts well)
- 100 g olives (black or green, to taste)
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Ketchup, for decoration

Preparation steps
1. Preparing the dough
Start by gently warming the water. It should not be hot, just warm to the touch. In a large bowl, add the yeast and mix with the water to dissolve. Set aside for 5 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy, indicating it is active. Add the melted butter and a pinch of salt, mixing well.

2. Adding the flour
Begin to gradually add flour, mixing with a wooden spoon. When the dough becomes harder to mix with the spoon, continue to add flour and start kneading with your hands. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. Fermenting the dough
Form a ball with the dough and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 15-20 minutes, until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Cut the ham (or salami) and cheese into small cubes. If using whole olives, cut them in half or slices. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper, then add the ham, cheese, and olives. Mix well so that all ingredients combine.

5. Forming the muffins
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 0.5 cm thick. Use a glass or a cutter to cut out round shapes. Place each dough circle in a greased muffin tray and poke the dough in several places with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

6. Filling the muffins
Fill each mold with the filling mixture, leaving a little space at the top to allow the dough to rise. Decorate each muffin with a few drops of ketchup and sprinkle grated cheese on top.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and fluffy. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tray.

Serving suggestions
Pizza muffins can be served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or even with a garlic yogurt sauce for a delicious contrast. If you want to add a touch of freshness, sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top before serving.

Possible variations
- Replace the ham with chicken or turkey for a healthier option.
- Use feta or mozzarella cheese to add a Mediterranean touch.
- Add bell pepper or caramelized onion to the filling for extra flavor.
- For vegans, you can use vegan butter and a plant-based cheese alternative.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A pizza muffin has about 180-220 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These muffins are a good source of protein, thanks to the ham and eggs, while cheese provides essential calcium for bone health. Additionally, olives add healthy fats and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use 3 g of dry yeast, but make sure to activate it the same way by mixing it with warm water.
- How can I store the muffins? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them to enjoy later.
- Can pizza muffins be made gluten-free? Of course! Use gluten-free flour and follow the same instructions.

These pizza muffins are more than just a simple recipe. They are a way to bring family and friends together, to experiment with ingredients, and to create delicious moments. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!