Pepperoni Cheese Crisps

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 2, 2025

Featured in: Side Dishes

Home Made Snacks: Pepperoni and Cheese Crisps Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible combination of crispy pepperoni and melted cheese with these delightful Pepperoni Cheese Crisps. Perfectly crunchy and packed with bold flavors, they make an ideal snack for game days, parties, or just a quick keto-friendly bite when you need a savory pick-me-up.

This easy-to-make treat blends three kinds of cheese with spicy Italian seasonings, all atop crispy pepperoni slices, creating a flavorful explosion that’s both satisfying and addictive. You’ll love how quickly these come together and the crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and effort.
Perfectly crispy texture combined with rich, savory cheese flavors.
Great for keto diets, low-carb snacks, and crowd-pleasing appetizers.

Ingredients

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Smooth, mild melting cheese bringing creamy texture and stretchiness to the crisps.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful cheese adding richness and color contrast to the blend.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A tangy, salty cheese that enhances flavor depth and crispiness.
Pepperoni slices: Thinly sliced cured meat that crisps up perfectly for the base of each bite.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs such as oregano and basil, infusing aromatic and savory notes.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth and enhances overall flavor.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a spicy kick to wake up the palate.
Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped and sprinkled for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking for perfect crisps.
Mix the cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses thoroughly. This combination balances flavor, meltability, and crunch once baked.
Season the cheese mixture: Add Italian seasoning and garlic powder to the cheese blend. Toss well to evenly distribute the herbs and spices for a flavorful punch in every bite. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Prepare the pepperoni slices: If your pepperoni slices are large, cut them in half for bite-sized crisps. This helps them fit nicely on the baking sheet and makes serving easier.
Arrange pepperoni on baking sheet: Lay the pepperoni slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow cheese to melt and crisp without merging into each other.
Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle a generous amount of the seasoned cheese mixture over each pepperoni slice. Ensure the cheese covers the pepperoni evenly for balanced flavor and texture.
Bake to crispy perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden with crispy edges. The pepperoni should become crisp but not burnt.
Cool the crisps: Remove from oven and let the crisps cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping maintain their crisp texture.
Serve and garnish: Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

You Must Know

Leftover crisps can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
Reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer restores crispiness better than microwave methods.
Use full-fat cheeses and pepperoni for the best keto-friendly snack experience.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pepperoni cheese crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, warm them in an air fryer or toaster oven for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crisps as a standalone snack or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair wonderfully with fresh salads or as a crunchy topping for soups and low-carb meals.

Professional Tips

Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
Try spicy turkey pepperoni for a leaner option with a bit of extra heat.
Adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the cheese mix can add texture and flavor complexity.
For a uniform shape, bake the crisps in a muffin tin instead of a flat sheet.
Use an air fryer preheated to 350°F (175°C) for a quicker cooking alternative.

FAQs

Can I use sliced salami instead of pepperoni?: Yes, sliced salami works well as a substitute and will crisp similarly while adding a slightly different flavor.
How do I make these crisps spicier?: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture before baking to increase heat level according to your taste.
Are these crisps suitable for keto diets?: Absolutely! Using full-fat cheese and regular pepperoni keeps this snack low in carbs and high in fat, perfect for keto.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?: You can prepare and bake ahead, but storing them airtight and reheating briefly before serving ensures optimal crispness.
How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the baking sheet?: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to create a non-stick surface and facilitate easy removal after baking.
Is it possible to bake these without any cheese?: The cheese is essential for binding and crisping; without it, the pepperoni alone won’t produce the same delicious crisp texture.
Can these be frozen?: Freezing is not recommended as the texture may suffer when thawed. Freshly baked crisps taste best.