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These mini pepperoni cheese chips are the perfect quick snack when you want something crispy yet gooey with spicy pepperoni and melty mozzarella in every bite. Baked in a mini muffin pan and seasoned with Italian herbs, they come together effortlessly and satisfy both kids and adults with their irresistible flavor and texture.
I first made these for a family movie night on a whim and they quickly became a weekly favorite. The kids especially love grabbing them between scenes while adults appreciate the easy sophistication of this snack.
Ingredients
- Low moisture shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and crisps nicely around the edges without releasing excess oil so choose a quality brand for best results
- Mini pepperoni slices: These add a spicy savory punch with just the right chew and color look for slices that are fresh and not too oily to keep texture balanced
- Optional Italian seasoning: Adds a bright herbal note that lifts the overall flavor look for a good blend or use your own mix of dried oregano and basil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius. Thoroughly grease all 16 cups of a mini muffin pan to make sure the chips release easily once baked.
- Assemble the Chips:
- Spoon about 2 teaspoons of shredded mozzarella into each greased cup pressing gently to evenly cover the bottom. Arrange three mini pepperoni slices on top with slight overlap for even pepperoni coverage in each chip.
- Add a Flavor Twist:
- Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning on each cup to enhance the classic pizza flavor note that this is optional but really adds a nice fresh herbal lift.
- Bake:
- Place the muffin pan carefully in the oven and bake for around 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on the edges of the cheese because the chips are done when the edges turn a dark golden color and become visibly crispy.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the chips to cool in the pan a few minutes to firm up which makes them easier to remove without breaking. Serve warm on their own or pair with marinara sauce for dipping to turn them into a satisfying appetizer.
The best part for me is the crispy caramelized edges of the mozzarella where it gets just crunchy enough while still chewy in the center. Making these always reminds me of easy weekend nights when simple homemade snacks stole the show.
Storage Tips
Store leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep their texture. To revive their crispiness reheat them quickly in a hot oven instead of the microwave. For longer storage freeze the chips in freezer-safe containers with parchment between layers for easy separation later.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the mozzarella for cheddar or provolone to mix up the flavors and textures a bit. Try small slices of salami or chorizo instead of mini pepperoni for a different spicy kick. If you don’t have Italian seasoning try dried oregano alone or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
These chips are delicious on their own or with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping to amp up the pizza vibes. They also make a fun crunchy topping for salads or soups served right before eating. Pair with fresh vegetables or a leafy crisp salad to balance out the richness.
These mini pepperoni cheese chips are an easy, crowd-pleasing snack perfect for parties or weeknight cravings. They come together quickly and deliver a delicious crispy and gooey bite every time.
FAQs About This Recipe
- → What cheese works best for these chips?
Low moisture shredded mozzarella is ideal for melting and creating crispy edges, though provolone or cheddar can be used for varied flavors.
- → Can I use regular pepperoni instead of mini slices?
Yes, but slicing regular pepperoni smaller helps balance flavor and texture in each bite.
- → How do I prevent the chips from burning?
Keep a close eye on baking and remove when edges turn golden brown. Using a mini muffin pan helps contain ingredients and promotes even cooking.
- → What seasoning can enhance the flavor?
A light sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds herbal notes, while garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes can add extra kick.
- → How should these chips be served?
Allow chips to cool slightly before removing from the pan. Serve warm alone or with marinara sauce for dipping.