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You can use your muffin tin for sweet muffins, savory muffins, cupcakes or even DIY coasters, but you don’t have to stop there! You can make tons of great single-serve foods in a muffin pan that aren’t really muffins at all. The humble muffin pan may be more versatile than you thought, and here are 25 recipes to prove it.
1. Whole Fruit Hand Pies: Sure, we’ll take our daily serving of fruit in pie form! Easy as pie. (via Brit + Co)
2. John Daly Jell-O Shots: These are basically alcoholic Arnold Palmer shots in a (pretty) disguise. Gotta love that, right?! (via Brit + Co)
3. Muffin Tin Mashed Potatoes With Herb Cream Cheese: What a delicious way to use leftover mashed potatoes! Add bacon and cheddar for that loaded baked potato flavor. (via Low Amine Recipes)
4. Miracle Noodle Nests: Miracle Noodles are calorie-free, gluten-free and soy-free. Are you starting to see why these are miraculous? Pile them into your muffin tin to make sweet little nests. (via Brit + Co)
5. Mini Chicken Pot Pies: Use refrigerator biscuits and leftover chicken for easy-peasy chicken pot pies. Yum! (via Pillsbury)
6. Mini Deep Dish Pizzas: For a game day snack (or your next pizza craving), whip these cuties up. You’ll be glad you skipped their frozen counterparts. (via Brit + Co)
7. Mexican Molten Chocolate Cake: Chocolate is always a must. Make these in a jumbo muffin pan to keep the center deliciously gooey. (via Brit + Co)
8. Baked Wonton Cups: Bake these wonton wrappers ahead of time and then add your favorite fillings for practically effortless, yet elegant hors d’oeuvres. (via Inspired Taste)
9. Spiked Thin Mint Brownie Bites: Thin Mint brownies with creme de menthe frosting are a treat for us grown-up girl scouts. (via Brit + Co)
10. Broccoli Parmesan Meatballs: A muffin pan helps vegetarian meatballs hold their shape! (via Oh My Veggies)
11. Pita Cups With Hummus: Dips are delicious, but they can get messy. Keep your hummus and other tasty toppings contained with these cute and clever pita cups. (via Brit + Co)
12. Meatloaf Cupcakes: Any meatloaf recipe should work for this delicious entree. The secret to making mashed potatoes you can pipe on top? Whip ’em. Whip ’em good. (via Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy)
13. Mini Tostadas With Seven-Layer Dip: Yes, there are actually seven layers in these tiny tostadas! They’d make a great addition to your next taco night. (via Brit + Co)
14. Crustless Mini Quiches: Skipping the crust makes these super easy to make. Just like our almost-magical egg muffins, you can customize, make ahead and freeze these for a quick breakfast or appetizer. (via The Kitchn)
15. Caramel Apple Pie Pudding Shots: This is what you get when pudding shots meet apple pie. Seriously… this is a thing and you can make it happen. (via Brit + Co)
16. Baked Oatmeal: Add your fave oatmeal toppings to steel cut oats and soak overnight. Then fill up your muffin cups and bake. Hello, delicious-smelling kitchen! (via Redbook)
17. No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Cupcakes: Two of our favorite words: cheesecake and no-bake. Or is that three words? All we can think about now is cheesecake. (via Brit + Co)
18. Skinny Butternut Squash Lasagna Cups: Butternut squash is a brilliant substitute for lasagna noodles in this flavor-packed, low-calorie entree. (via Brit + Co)
19. Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Make your own peanut butter cups with only four ingredients! Use paper liners to create those familiar ridges around the edge. (via The Comfort of Cooking)
20. Baked Shrimp Rangoon: Inspired by an Asian-American appetizer, this recipe features wonton wrappers filled with shrimp, cream cheese and a little spice. (via Brit + Co)
21. Semifreddo Ice Cream Bites: You don’t need an ice cream maker for this semi-frozen Italian dessert flavored with summer fruit. (via Brit + Co)
22. Sugar Cookie Bowls: Use cookie dough and the bottom of a muffin pan to create edible bowls for ice cream, gelato or whatever your heart desires. Or, use as super cute topping bowls for your next sundae bar. (via Wilton)
23. Pepita Kale Salad in Parmesan Cups: Get your green on with these bite-sized salads in cheese bowls. Yes, we said cheese bowls. (via Brit + Co)
24. Impossibly Easy Mini Cheeseburger Pies: For a casual gathering, try these mini cheeseburger pies. Garnishing with a small gherkin pickle is optional but extra adorable. (via Betty Crocker)
25. Mac and Cheese Muffins: Who can say no to classic comfort food made into finger food! (via Brit + Co)
What’s your favorite food to make in your muffin pan? Tell us in the comments or share your recipe with us on Facebook!
Stephanie Liebold is into storytelling, making things (better), and helping others share their message. She is Creative Director for Bold Avenue and writes about traveling, crafting, and making the most of the view where you are on her site, Travelcraft Journal.