If you’re looking for the ultimate snack or appetizer that’s both crowd-pleasing and low on carbs, you’re about to fall in love with these No-Crust Pizza Bites! All the irresistible flavors of your favorite pizza—gooey cheese, tangy sauce, and savory Canadian bacon—are bundled in a bite-sized treat that’s incredibly easy to make. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for them again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Crust, All Flavor: Enjoy everything you adore about pizza with zero dough and none of the fuss—just pure, cheesy, saucy goodness in every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve as a grab-and-go snack, weekday lunch, party appetizer, or even a fun lunchbox treat for kids and grown-ups alike.
- Completely Customizable: Adapt these irresistible bites with your favorite pizza toppings or whatever is in your fridge—everyone gets their own mini pizza creation.
- Easy Clean-Up: Thanks to the muffin tin method, No-Crust Pizza Bites are quick to assemble and even quicker to clean up—who doesn’t love fewer dishes?
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the many joys of making No-Crust Pizza Bites is just how straightforward the ingredients are—each one plays an essential role in building rich flavor, gooey texture, and tempting color. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your pizza toppings, but start with the basics below for sure-fire success.
- Thick-cut Canadian bacon: The hearty, meaty “base” for each bite—look for thick slices (Costco is my go-to) so they hold everything and get deliciously crisp on the edges.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that ooey-gooey pizza pull and beautifully golden brown topping—use freshly shredded for the best melt and stretch.
- Pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce: Either will work! Go with your favorite for that iconic, tangy pizza flavor; spaghetti sauce adds a touch of herby comfort.
- Pizza toppings of choice (like pineapple, well drained): Here’s where you can let your creativity shine—classic pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, or—even controversial—juicy, sweet pineapple.
Variations
No-Crust Pizza Bites were practically made for mixing and matching! Whether you have dietary needs or just want to satisfy different cravings, these bites invite you to play with flavors, swap ingredients, and make them your own, every single time.
- Mini Muffin Size: Go extra bite-sized by using a mini muffin tin—simply use one slice of Canadian bacon per cup and a little less of each topping for an adorable party snack.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the bacon base for thick-cut eggplant slices or even large mushrooms to keep it meat-free but still satisfyingly hearty.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in sliced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who like a little extra heat.
- Kid-Friendly Pizzas: Create separate topping bowls and let little hands assemble their dream pizza bites—it’s a fun, mess-friendly kitchen activity.
How to Make No-Crust Pizza Bites
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin
Start by lightly greasing a regular muffin tin—you don’t need much, just enough to help the bacon crisp and to make cleanup a total breeze. This step really helps those No-Crust Pizza Bites release easily, so you never lose a cheesy edge.
Step 2: Build the Bacon “Cups”
Now for the magic: nestle three slices of thick Canadian bacon into each well of your muffin tin. They might flop around at first—that’s okay! As everything bakes and bubbles, the bacon cups will hold together and cradle all that cheesy filling.
Step 3: Layer on Sauce and Toppings
Spoon about one tablespoon of your favorite pizza or spaghetti sauce into each bacon cup. Go slow so it settles into the curves. Drop in your toppings of choice—I love juicy pineapple, but anything from mushrooms to pepperoni goes!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top—the more the merrier! Place your muffin tin on the middle rack of a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 27 minutes. The cheese will turn bubbly and golden brown, and the bacon edges will crisp up beautifully. Keep an eye out in the last few minutes to make sure they don’t over-brown.
Pro Tips for Making No-Crust Pizza Bites
- Bacon Placement Perfection: Let the edges of your bacon slices overlap in the cup—their slightly imperfect nest will create perfect little holding “bowls” as they bake.
- Drain Toppings Well: Moisture is the enemy of crisp—if you use pineapples or veggies, pat them dry with paper towels for cheese that stays bubbling, not soggy.
- Generous Cheese Layer: Don’t hold back! A good mound of mozzarella not only melts into gooey perfection but also helps anchor all those toppings in place.
- Keep A Close Eye at the End: All ovens run a little differently—set a timer for the last five minutes of baking so you catch that sweet spot before the cheese goes from golden to overdone.
How to Serve No-Crust Pizza Bites
Garnishes
Give your No-Crust Pizza Bites an instant upgrade with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. A light dusting of parmesan or a swirl of chili oil adds that extra burst of flavor and color. Feel free to get creative—there’s no rule saying you can’t zest a bit of lemon or add a flake of sea salt for extra zing!
Side Dishes
Pair these tasty little pizza morsels with a crisp green salad dressed simply, or serve them alongside roasted veggies for an effortless dinner spread. For parties, a platter of fresh-cut veggies and a tangy ranch dip complements the cheesy richness perfectly. And of course, you can never go wrong with a chilled glass of sparkling water or your favorite Italian soda on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your No-Crust Pizza Bites high on a wooden board for a rustic, family-style snack, or offer them in parchment cups as a grab-and-go finger food for parties or game day. If you’re hosting, put out a mix-and-match “pizza bar” with topping bowls and let everyone create their own—kids absolutely love customizing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers (good luck!), place any cooled No-Crust Pizza Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for snacking or packing in lunchboxes throughout the week.
Freezing
These bites freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment, and store for up to 2 months. They make for an ultra-quick treat on busy nights or surprise guests.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your pizza bites in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes, or until hot and melty again (they stay crispier this way!). In a pinch, you can microwave them for 30–45 seconds, but the oven really brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of meat instead of Canadian bacon?
Absolutely! Any sturdy, thick-cut deli meat like ham or even turkey works beautifully. Just make sure it’s thick enough to form a little “cup” to catch the cheese and toppings as it bakes.
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Do I need to drain my toppings before adding them?
Yes, especially for juicy toppings like pineapple, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Draining or patting them dry ensures your No-Crust Pizza Bites turn out crisp and not watery.
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What’s the best way to prevent sticking in the muffin tin?
Be generous when greasing your muffin tin, and if you have silicone liners, use them—they’ll ensure every bite slips right out, cheese and all, without any sticking or tearing.
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Can I prepare No-Crust Pizza Bites in advance for parties?
Definitely! Assemble the bacon cups and toppings a few hours ahead of time, store them covered in the fridge, then bake just before your guests arrive for fresh, melty bites.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bite into your first batch of No-Crust Pizza Bites! They’re flavorful, endlessly customizable, and perfect for everything from weeknight cravings to festive gatherings. Give them a try, put your own spin on the toppings, and let these cheesy, melty morsels become a new family favorite. Happy snacking!
Print
No-Crust Pizza Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These No-Crust Pizza Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to traditional pizza. With a base of thick-cut Canadian bacon, gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, these bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Thicker cut Canadian bacon:
3 pieces per cup of muffin tin,
Shredded Mozzarella cheese:
to top each cup,
Pizza sauce:
1 tablespoon per cup,
Pizza toppings of choice:
such as pineapple, well-drained
Instructions
- Prep the Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a regular-size muffin tin. Place 3 pieces of Canadian bacon into each cup, pressing them down.
- Add Sauce: Spoon 1 tablespoon of sauce into each cup.
- Add Toppings: Layer on your desired pizza toppings.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 27 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely towards the end.
Notes
- You can adapt this recipe for mini muffin tins by using one slice of Canadian bacon and fewer toppings per cup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bite
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
