Homemade Snacks: Pepperoni and Cheese Crisps – Crunchy, Cheesy & Addictive

Pepperoni and Cheese Crisps are the ultimate no-compromise snack. Crunchy, salty, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor, these crisps deliver everything you love about pizza toppings—without the crust. They’re ridiculously simple, insanely satisfying, and dangerously easy to eat straight off the baking sheet.

This recipe is especially popular with anyone looking for low-carb, keto-friendly, or gluten-free snack options, but honestly? You don’t need a diet label to love these. They’re perfect for game nights, snack boards, movie marathons, or those moments when you want something crunchy right now.

What makes these crisps special is the balance between melted cheese and crisped pepperoni, baked just long enough to create a golden, crackly texture without burning. Once you master this technique, you’ll never buy packaged cheese crisps again.


Why These Crisps Go Hard

  • Only a few ingredients
  • Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
  • Ultra-crispy without frying
  • Perfect for dipping or snacking
  • Ready in minutes

Ingredients

  • pepperoni slices
  • shredded mozzarella cheese
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • optional Italian seasoning
  • optional chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Place small piles of shredded cheese on the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  4. Flatten each pile slightly into a thin circle.
  5. Top each cheese circle with one pepperoni slice.
  6. Sprinkle optional seasoning if desired.
  7. Bake for 7–10 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and edges are golden.
  8. Remove from oven and let crisps cool for 5 minutes to fully harden.
  9. Transfer to a plate and enjoy immediately.

The Science Behind the Crunch

Cheese crisps work because fat renders out as cheese melts, leaving behind a crisp protein structure. Letting them cool is crucial—hot cheese is flexible, cooled cheese is crunchy.


Best Cheese Choices

  • Cheddar: Bold flavor, excellent crisp
  • Mozzarella: Mild flavor, slightly chewy center
  • Parmesan: Extra crunchy, salty finish

Mixing cheeses gives the best texture and flavor.


Flavor Variations

  • Pizza Style: Add Italian seasoning
  • Spicy: Use spicy pepperoni or chili flakes
  • Herb & Garlic: Add garlic powder and oregano
  • Everything Bagel: Sprinkle seasoning before baking

How to Serve Pepperoni Cheese Crisps

  • With marinara sauce
  • With ranch or garlic dip
  • On charcuterie boards
  • As salad toppers
  • As soup croutons

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they soften, re-crisp in the oven for 2–3 minutes.


Pepperoni and Cheese Crisps

Crunchy baked cheese crisps topped with pepperoni for a bold, savory, low-carb snack.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
  • 24 slices pepperoni

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Place cheese mounds on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Top with pepperoni and bake until golden.
  3. Cool completely for maximum crispiness.

Notes

Let crisps cool fully before serving to ensure crunch.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating