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Mini Pepperoni Cheese Chips are the perfect easy snack for when you want something crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor without much fuss. These chips bring together melty mozzarella and spicy mini pepperoni slices into irresistible bite-sized treats that are great for game nights, casual gatherings, or just a quick snack.
I first made these on a whim for a family movie night and ended up making them weekly because everyone loved them. Kids especially enjoy popping these chips in their mouths while watching their favorite shows.
Ingredients
- Low moisture shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and creates crispy edges without too much oil. Look for good quality shredded mozzarella to avoid excess moisture.
- Mini pepperoni slices: provide that spicy, savory punch in every chip. Choose slices that have good color and are not too oily for the best flavor and texture.
- Optional Italian seasoning: adds a fresh herbal note to brighten the cheesy pepperoni flavor. Use a quality Italian blend or make your own with dried oregano and basil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Grease 16 cups of a mini muffin pan well to ensure the chips release easily after baking.
- Assemble the Chips:
- Place 2 teaspoons of shredded mozzarella cheese in each greased muffin cup. Press the cheese gently to fill the bottom of each cup evenly. Then arrange three mini pepperoni slices slightly overlapping on top of the cheese.
- Add a Flavor Twist:
- Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning on each cup to add extra flavor depth and lift the classic pizza taste. This step is optional but highly recommended.
- Bake:
- Carefully put the muffin pan in the oven and bake for approximately 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on the edges of the cheese. The chips are done when the edges turn a dark golden brown and look crispy.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the chips cool in the pan for a few minutes to firm up before gently removing. Serve warm on their own or with marinara sauce for dipping to make them a more substantial appetizer.
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My favorite part about this recipe is the wonderful crispy edges where the mozzarella caramelizes just right, giving a little crunch alongside the spicy pepperoni. Making these always brings back fun memories of casual family nights where simple homemade snacks were the highlight.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them crispy, reheat quickly in a hot oven rather than the microwave. They also freeze well if placed in freezer-safe containers with parchment paper in between layers.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or provolone to change up the flavor. You can switch mini pepperoni for small slices of salami or chorizo for a different spicy twist. If Italian seasoning is not available, try dried oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Serving Suggestions
These chips are fantastic on their own or served alongside a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. They also work well as a crunchy topping for salads or soups just before serving. Pair them with a crisp salad or raw veggies to balance the richness.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheese works best for these chips?
Low moisture shredded mozzarella is recommended for its excellent melting properties and gooey texture, but provolone or cheddar can add different flavors.
- → Can I use regular pepperoni instead of mini slices?
Regular pepperoni can be used, but slicing them smaller helps each chip hold more pieces for balanced flavor and texture.
- → How do I prevent the chips from burning?
Watch the baking closely and remove when the edges turn golden brown. Using a mini muffin pan helps contain the cheese and toppings.
- → What seasoning can enhance the flavor?
A light sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds a nice herbal note, but you can also try garlic powder or crushed red pepper for extra kick.
- → How should these chips be served?
Let them cool briefly before removal from the pan. Serve warm as a snack or appetizer, excellent with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.