These Pepperoni and Cheese Chips are the perfect crunchy snack! Made with melted cheese and zesty pepperoni, they’re super easy to make and oh-so-tasty.
Every bite is a cheesy delight that makes your taste buds sing! I love to munch on these while watching movies. They are a fun twist on chips—definitely a win! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pepperoni: This ingredient adds a nice kick! You can use turkey pepperoni for a leaner option or even salami slices if you want a change. I love the slightly smoky flavor of pepperoni, but any cured meat you enjoy can work here.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice for cheese chips. It melts beautifully and gets nice and crispy. If you’re looking for a bolder flavor, try cheddar or pepper jack—both add a great taste! Goat cheese can also provide a unique twist.
Parmesan: This is optional but enhances the flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, you can skip it or try a different hard cheese such as Pecorino Romano. It adds a nice umami taste that complements the pepperoni.
Herbs and Spices: Italian seasoning or dried oregano makes these chips pop. If you want to experiment, try garlic powder for extra flavor or some cumin for warmth. Don’t hesitate to adjust to your taste!
How Do I Get My Chips Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crunch with your cheese chips is key! Here are some steps to ensure you get crispy, flavorful results:
- Make sure your pepperoni slices are evenly spaced, so they can crisp up properly without steam from overcrowding.
- Keep the cheese mounds relatively thin. Thick cheese can lead to soggy textures, so use a light hand when forming the circles.
- Keep an eye on the oven! Start checking around the 7-minute mark. Every oven is different, and you want them golden and bubbly, not burnt.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet. This step is crucial! As they cool, the cheese chips will harden and get even crunchier, making for a delicious bite.
How to Make Pepperoni And Cheese Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chips:
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni (regular size)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active prep time, plus 7-10 minutes of baking. Total time is around 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy snack to whip up whenever you’re craving something crunchy and cheesy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for getting your chips crispy. While the oven is heating, you can get the baking sheet ready.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help keep your chips from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
3. Arrange the Pepperoni and Cheese:
On one side of the baking sheet, lay out the pepperoni slices in a single layer—make sure they’re not overlapping. On the other side, make small mounds of shredded mozzarella cheese, shaping them into thin circles about the same size as the pepperoni slices. If you’re using Parmesan, sprinkle that over the mozzarella now—it provides a cheesy kick!
4. Add Seasoning:
Next, lightly sprinkle Italian seasoning or dried oregano over both the pepperoni and cheese mounds. This will add flavor that complements the savory ingredients.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 7-10 minutes. Keep an eye on your chips; they should be golden brown, and the edges of the pepperoni should crisp up nicely.
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chips cool for a few minutes on the sheet, which will help them become even crispier. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the chips and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
These chips are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or party treat. Enjoy those crunchy, cheesy bites!
Now dive into these delicious Pepperoni and Cheese Chips, perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can also use cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a bolder flavor. Just keep in mind that some cheeses may melt differently, so adjust the bake time if needed!
How Can I Store Leftover Chips?
These chips are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To crisp them up again, you can pop them back in the oven for a few minutes.
What Can I Serve With These Chips?
These chips are fantastic on their own, but you can serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, or alongside a fresh salad for a fun appetizer platter. They also make a great topping for soups or salads!
Can I Make These Chips Spicier?
Definitely! In addition to red pepper flakes, you could also mix in some cayenne pepper with your cheese or choose a spicier type of pepperoni, like spicy Italian sausage slices, for an extra kick!
