If you’re craving a bold, savory snack that packs serious flavor, cheese and pepperoni crisps might just become your new obsession. Crunchy, cheesy, and loaded with the irresistible zest of pepperoni, these crisps are not your average chips — they’re a game-changer for snack lovers. Curious how this mouthwatering combo came to be and why it’s gaining popularity? Keep reading to discover the magic behind every bite.
Cheese and Pepperoni Crisps
Description
Cheese and pepperoni crisps are the ultimate savory snack adventure. Imagine biting into a lacy round of golden cheese, crisped to perfection, with bits of smoky pepperoni tucked inside like little bursts of flavor. The edges are perfectly crunchy while the centers maintain a mellow chew, delivering a satisfying contrast that will keep you reaching for more. These crisps smell like your favorite pizzeria on a busy Friday night — rich with melty cheese, sizzling pepperoni, and indulgent comfort.
These snacks evoke the spirit of carefree snacking during a movie marathon or a weekend tailgate party. They remind you of late-night cravings answered by the crispy edges of your favorite pizza. But they’re lighter and crispier, with none of the dough — just pure cheese and cured meat in an irresistibly crunchy form. Whether stacked onto a charcuterie board or bagged up for road-trip treats, these crisps hit the mark every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheese and pepperoni crisps are incredibly simple yet deeply flavorful, making them a go-to snack for busy days or entertaining. With only two ingredients and just minutes in the oven, they are low-carb, high-protein, and completely gluten-free — perfect for a keto-friendly or high-protein diet. No complicated prep, no greasy frying pans, and no guilt.
You will also appreciate how flexible this recipe can be. You can swap out the cheese or mix in different meats or herbs to create your very own combination. They store well and can even be made in advance, which means snack time just got easier and more delicious.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve cheese and pepperoni crisps fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture. They make perfect party snacks, game day bites, or afternoon treats with a cold soda or iced tea. Arrange them on a platter with some dipping sauces or serve alongside cured meats and olives on a charcuterie board.
To store, let them cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days. To re-crisp, place them in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about three to five minutes. While these crisps do not freeze well due to the cheese losing texture, they can be made ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
Course, Cuisine, Keywords
Snack, American, cheese crisps, pepperoni snacks, keto snack, low carb chips, easy appetizer
Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size
| Servings: | 6 |
| Prep Time: | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 10 minutes |
| Total Time: | 15 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 4 to 5 crisps |
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 24 slices mini pepperoni
- Optional: Italian seasoning or oregano
-
Optional: Garlic powder or paprika (for extra flavor)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Measuring cups
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you skip preheating, the cheese may not crisp up evenly. Use the middle rack for the most even heat distribution.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step keeps the crisps from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop small mounds of cheese onto the sheet. Space each by at least two inches — they will spread out quite a bit during baking.
- Flatten each mound gently with the back of a spoon. This helps create that signature circular crisp shape and ensures more even baking.
- Top each cheese round with two mini pepperoni slices. Press them slightly into the cheese so they melt into the center as it bakes.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want deep golden edges and bubbly centers. They go from perfect to overdone pretty quickly.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. This is important. They will crisp up as they cool and become easier to lift without tearing.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. This step absorbs excess oil and finishes the texture transformation for maximum crunch.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Recipe Notes
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What type of Parmesan works best?
Use real Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese will not melt evenly and lacks flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
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Cheese and Pepperoni Crisps
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 24 slices mini pepperoni
- Optional: Italian seasoning or oregano
- Optional: Garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop small mounds of shredded cheese onto the prepared baking sheet, about two inches apart.
- Lightly flatten each mound into a circle using the back of a spoon.
- Place two mini pepperoni slices on top of each cheese circle.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the crisps cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes to firm up.
- Once cooled, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, then serve or store.
