Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Chips Recipe
Introduction
Pizza chips are a fun and tasty snack that captures the cheesy, savory flavors of pizza in a crunchy bite-sized form. Perfect for parties or an easy appetizer, these chips combine melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 50 mini pepperoni slices
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning mix
- Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
- Mini muffin pan
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the mini muffin pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Add 2 to 2.5 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese into each cup of the muffin pan, spreading it evenly.
- Step 3: Place 3 to 4 mini pepperoni slices on top of the cheese in each cup.
- Step 4: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning mix, or any other herb blend you prefer for extra flavor.
- Step 5: Bake the tray in the preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the pizza chips cool for about 5 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 7: Carefully remove the chips from the pan and serve them on a tray with marinara sauce, alfredo, ranch dressing, or enjoy them plain.
Tips & Variations
- Use low-moisture cheese to help the chips crisp up properly and hold their shape without being too greasy.
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for varied flavors.
- Add finely chopped peppers, olives, or mushrooms for extra toppings inside the muffin cups before baking.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces to suit your taste, such as spicy marinara, creamy ranch, or garlic aioli.
Storage
Store pizza chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispiness. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for a few minutes until warmed and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular mozzarella cheese instead of low-moisture?
Regular mozzarella has higher moisture content, which can make the chips less crispy and more greasy. Low-moisture mozzarella is best for achieving a firm, crunchy texture.
What can I substitute for mini pepperoni slices?
You can use regular-sized pepperoni cut into smaller pieces or swap in cooked sausage, diced ham, or even vegetarian pepperoni for a different flavor profile.
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12–14 pizza chips (based on mini muffin pan capacity) 1x
Description
These Pizza Chips are a quick and delicious low-moisture mozzarella cheese snack topped with mini pepperoni and Italian seasoning, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for serving with marinara, alfredo, or ranch dipping sauces, these crispy chips are ideal for game day, parties, or a savory snack anytime.
Ingredients
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 50 mini pepperoni slices
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning mix
Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Optional: Alfredo or ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Place 2 to 2.5 tablespoons of shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese into each cup of the muffin pan, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Pepperoni and Seasoning: Add 3-4 mini pepperoni slices on top of the cheese in each cup, then generously sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning mix over each to enhance flavor.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the pizza chips are golden brown and edges are crispy.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the pizza chips to cool at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This helps them crisp up further.
- Serve: Transfer the chips to a serving tray and enjoy them plain or dipped in marinara, Alfredo, or ranch dressing as preferred.
Notes
- Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese for the best crispy texture; higher moisture cheeses may result in less crisp chips.
- Feel free to substitute or add other cheese types according to your preference but maintain low moisture for optimal results.
- For extra flavor, try different seasoning blends or add herbs like oregano or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Allowing the chips to cool before serving improves crispiness and handling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: pizza chips, mini pepperoni chips, low-moisture mozzarella snack, baked pizza bites, appetizer, party snack
