Description
Pepperoni Cheese Crisps are a delicious and easy-to-make snack combining crispy pepperoni slices topped with a flavorful blend of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or low-carb treat, these crisps offer a savory, cheesy bite with optional spice and fresh parsley garnish for extra zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a spicy kick
Pepperoni
- 40-50 slices of pepperoni (approximately 4 ounces)
Garnish
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Combine Cheeses: In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Season: Add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder to the cheese mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure the cheese is evenly seasoned. Add red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick.
- Prepare Pepperoni: If your pepperoni slices are large, cut each slice in half to create more manageable, bite-sized crisps.
- Arrange Pepperoni: Lay out the pepperoni slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is a small gap between each slice to allow for even cooking.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle a generous amount of the seasoned cheese mixture over each pepperoni slice, covering them well.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, lightly golden, and the pepperoni slices are crisp.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the crisps to cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and maintain crispness.
- Serve: Serve immediately for best taste and crispness. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
- Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat and restore crispness, warm them in a toaster oven or air fryer briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cut larger pepperoni slices in half for bite-sized crisps.
- Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy version.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but is optional.
- Store crisps at room temperature in an airtight container to retain crispness.
- Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch.
