Description
Pepperoni Cheese Crisps are a delicious, low-carb, and guilt-free snack that combines the savory flavors of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan with crispy pepperoni slices. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder, these crisps are baked to golden perfection and make for a crunchy, flavorful treat that’s great for snacking or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 18 slices pepperoni (halved if large)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix these thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Season Cheese: Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. Stir well to infuse the cheese blend with herbs and spice.
- Prepare Pepperoni: If your pepperoni slices are large, halve them to make handling easier and to allow them to crisp nicely.
- Arrange Pepperoni: Lay the pepperoni slices individually on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart to ensure optimal crisping during baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle the seasoned cheese mixture over each pepperoni slice, covering them well to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts, turns golden brown, and the pepperoni crisps up beautifully.
- Cool: Remove the tray from the oven and let the crisps cool on the baking sheet; this helps them firm up and become crunchy.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the crisps to a serving plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly to restore crispness if needed.
Notes
- Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter protein option.
- Swap cheddar cheese with Pepper Jack for a spicier flavor profile.
- Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for a stronger garlic taste.
- The crisps are best enjoyed fresh but can be quickly reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Make sure to space pepperoni slices apart on the baking sheet to ensure they crisp evenly.
