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These pepperoni cheese crisps are my go to when I want something hot and melty to snack on five minutes before movie night. With just three simple ingredients and barely any prep time these irresistible bites are the fastest way to satisfy cheesy cravings. Each crisp is a crunchy savory combo of pepperoni and golden edge cheese and even the finickiest eaters in my family ask for them weekly.
I remember making these for my daughter after soccer practice and she loved them so much she started teaching her friends to make them too
Ingredients
- Grated cheddar cheese: brings sharp tang and meltiness always choose a block and grate yourself for best result
- Grated mozzarella cheese: delivers the stretchy pull and mellow flavor buy low moisture for maximum crisp factor
- Pizza pepperoni slices: serve as the salty spicy base thicker cut holds its shape better when baking grab from the deli instead of prepackaged if you can
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare The Oven:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius and give it six or seven minutes to reach the right temperature We want a hot oven to brown the cheese without letting it burn
- Arrange The Pepperoni:
- Lay one pepperoni slice flat into each cup of a non stick muffin tin The muffin tin helps the crisps hold their shape as they bake
- Mix And Top With Cheese:
- In a small bowl combine the cheddar and mozzarella together Use your fingers to mix them well so you get both flavors in each bite Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pepperoni in the muffin cups Press the cheese down gently so it covers the pepperoni and sits flat For extra flavor do not be shy with the cheese
- Bake Until Crisp:
- Slide the tin into your oven and bake for about eight minutes Watch for the magic when the cheese starts sizzling and the edges turn deep golden brown These crispy bits are where all the flavor lives
- Cool Before Serving:
- Let the muffin tin rest on your counter for five minutes after baking This cooling helps the cheese set and makes it much easier to lift out each crisp without losing their crunchy bottoms
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I cannot resist sneaking cubes of sharp cheddar when prepping but seeing the cheese bubble and brown in the oven always brings back memories of my grandmother letting us sprinkle extra cheese over every dish
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover crisps in a sealed container lined with paper towels The paper towel soaks up any extra oil and helps the crisps stay crunchy They can be reheated in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes but I actually like them cold with a few slices of apple
Ingredient Swaps
Feel like experimenting Use pepper jack for added spice or swap the pepperoni for small salami rounds Sometimes I will use shredded Colby Jack if I am low on mozzarella and it still tastes delicious For anyone vegetarian try thin zucchini or eggplant rounds instead of pepperoni
Serving Ideas
Serve these pepperoni cheese crisps as party snacks or with a big salad for lunch My favorite way is to dunk them in warm marinara sauce or cool ranch dip Trust me the melty cheesy bite with something to dip is always a winner
Quick History
Cheese crisps started gaining popularity on low carb forums years ago but the pepperoni twist is something my family tried after a pizza night The combination brings together the flavors of pizza and the crunch of chips and nobody misses the crust
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the cheeses for other varieties?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone for different flavors and textures. Just ensure they melt well.
- → Do I need a muffin tin, or can these be baked on a tray?
While a muffin tin helps contain the shape, you can also bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet; the edges may spread more.
- → How do I make the crisps extra crunchy?
For extra crunch, bake a minute or two longer, watching closely to avoid burning. Cooling fully in the tin also helps them crisp up.
- → Are these suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, these crisps use only cheese and pepperoni, making them a flavorful, low-carb snack option without added flour or breadcrumbs.
- → What’s the best way to serve pepperoni cheese crisps?
Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or crunchy topping for salads and soups. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature.