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Pizza chips with pepperoni are my new obsession for snack time packed with huge flavor and impossible crunch The first time I made them there was not a single one left after ten minutes and now friends ask for them every game night
I first brought these to a Sunday movie marathon and my friends were fighting over the last piece These chips disappear fast so you may want to double up
Ingredients
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts to a crisp bite use low moisture for best crunch
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: salty and sharp adds nutty flavor fresh grated is worth it
- Italian seasoning: classic blend brings that pizzeria aroma
- Garlic powder: deepens the savory pizza feel
- Onion powder: subtle sweetness balances the cheeses
- Crushed red pepper flakes: gives a spark of heat optional if you like things spicy
- Mini pepperoni: bursts of bold flavor in each bite thick cut is best for meaty texture
- Optional bacon crumbles: smoky salty bonus texture homemade bacon bits work best
- Chopped black olives: for briny punch find firm not mushy canned olives
- Diced bell peppers: bright color and crunch use ripe red or yellow
- Sliced jalapenos: zesty kick choose fresh for heat that stands out
- Dried oregano or basil: sprinkle for pizzeria vibes dry herbs hold up better than fresh for this bake
- Pizza sauce or marinara: drizzle over before or after baking for tangy contrast a thick sauce works best so chips stay crisp
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat This step is non negotiable for getting those lacy brown edges on your chips and keeps cleanup a breeze
- Mix the Cheeses and Spices:
- In a medium bowl combine mozzarella Parmesan Italian seasoning garlic and onion powders and red pepper flakes Toss until the cheeses are evenly coated with the seasonings Mixing well makes sure every chip is full of flavor and that the cheese melts evenly
- Portion and Shape the Chips:
- Scoop out small tablespoon sized mounds of the cheese mix onto your sheet Flatten each with a spoon back leaving lots of space around each as the cheese spreads out during baking Spread out chips means maximum crisp and a satisfyingly thin edge
- Top with Pepperoni and Extras:
- Press one or two mini pepperoni on each cheese mound You can also add diced peppers chopped olives or bacon bits now If you skip pressing the toppings into the cheese they might fall off after baking
- Bake Cheese Until Crisp:
- Slide tray into hot oven and bake about eight to ten minutes Watch closely starting at minute eight When you see super golden edges and bubbling cheese take them out They can go from golden to too dark in less than a minute near the end
- Cool on Sheet then Rack:
- Let chips cool two to three minutes on the baking tray then gently lift them onto a cooling rack Chips crisp up as they cool and the rack keeps them from steaming on the bottom
- Serve with Dipping Sauce:
- These pizza chips are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature Set out your favorite dips like thick marinara rich garlic butter or zippy ranch My friends swear by a spicy aioli for a bigger punch
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Pepperoni is always my go to for this recipe I love the caramelized edges it gets in the hot oven My nephew once helped me make these and he insisted on double pepperoni on every chip which made them even better
Storage Tips
Once totally cooled keep pizza chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days Lining the container with a paper towel helps absorb any moisture that could soften the chips If you need them crispy again just pop them back in the oven for two minutes
Ingredient Substitutions
No mozzarella Try Monterey Jack or a pizza blend cheese just be sure it is low moisture for best results You can swap turkey pepperoni or even try a vegetarian sausage crumble if you want something lighter
Serving Suggestions
Pile these on a platter for movie nights or serve them with a board of dips for parties They also make a fantastic crunchy element for salads or a side with tomato soup
Cultural Context
Pizza chips are a fun American riff on the classic cheesy pizza experience inspired by bar snack culture and a love for bold snackable flavors They capture the taste and nostalgia of pizza in a grab and go style
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Once you make these pizza chips you will crave them every week Crisp chewy edges are the best part and these disappear fast
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I achieve the crispiest pizza chips?
Spread cheese mounds thinly and leave space between each. Bake until edges turn golden brown, then cool on a rack.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella and Parmesan?
Yes! Try cheddar, provolone, or a blend, but ensure at least one cheese is low moisture for best crispiness.
- → What toppings work well besides pepperoni?
Consider bacon, black olives, bell peppers, or jalapenos. Add them before baking for extra flavor and variety.
- → How should I store leftover pizza chips?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Re-crisp briefly in the oven if needed.
- → What sauces pair best for dipping?
Classic marinara, garlic butter, ranch, or spicy aioli all complement the cheesy, savory chips perfectly.