Cheesy Pizza Chips Delight

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

These cheesy pizza chips blend shredded mozzarella and Parmesan with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for a savory base. Mini pepperoni slices add a spicy tang, while optional toppings like bacon, olives, and bell peppers provide extra flavor. Baked until crispy, they’re perfect for snacking and pair wonderfully with dips such as marinara, garlic butter, or ranch.

The combination of melted cheese, herbs, and a slight crunch makes these bites a delightful twist on familiar pizza flavors. Whether enjoyed plain or with spice from jalapeños and red pepper flakes, they offer a versatile, satisfying snack for any time.

Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:17:46 GMT
A plate of pizza chips with cheese and pepperoni. Save
A plate of pizza chips with cheese and pepperoni. | lilicooks.com

These crispy pizza chips are a fun and easy snack that captures all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a crunchy bite. Perfect for game days, parties, or a quick treat, they combine gooey cheese, pepperoni, and Italian spices for a satisfying twist everyone will enjoy.

I remember making these for my kids on a busy evening when we craved pizza but needed something faster. They loved the crispy cheese base and the pepperoni added the perfect punch. Now it’s a staple for impromptu snack time.

Ingredients

  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: ideally low-moisture for better melting and crispiness
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the mozzarella
  • Italian seasoning: blends herbs like oregano and basil for that classic pizza aroma, use freshly ground if possible for maximum flavor
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: boost depth without overpowering the dish
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: add a gentle heat that you can skip if you prefer mild snacks
  • Mini pepperoni slices: bring the familiar pizza topping taste, fresh or pre-sliced works fine
  • Pizza sauce or marinara sauce: for drizzling adds moisture and tang but is optional if you prefer them extra crispy
  • Optional toppings: like crumbled bacon, black olives, bell peppers, jalapeños, and dried herbs elevate these bites and let you get creative to your liking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Base:
Spread a thin layer of shredded mozzarella mixed with Parmesan evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 3 inches in diameter for each pile The thinness is key to getting those crisp edges
Add Seasonings and Pepperoni:
Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powders, and red pepper flakes on top of each cheese pile Then top with mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni Press them lightly into the cheese so they stick while baking
Bake Until Golden and Crispy:
Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit Bake for about 7 to 9 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges turn a light golden brown This timing helps achieve that perfect crunchy texture without burning
Cool and Optional Toppings:
Let the chips cool completely on the pan so they harden up nicely Once cool, you can drizzle with a little pizza sauce for moisture or sprinkle on extra toppings like bacon bits or fresh herbs
A pizza with pepperoni and cheese on top. Save
A pizza with pepperoni and cheese on top. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a variety of dips such as more marinara sauce, garlic butter, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for added flavor contrast These all complement the pizza chips differently and keep snacks interesting

I love how the mozzarella melts and crisps at the same time It’s a texture contrast I did not expect the first time I tried this recipe that keeps me coming back for more. Sharing these with family always brings fun smiles and a bit of playful mess at the snack table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pizza chips in an airtight container at room temperature They stay crunchy for a day or two but lose crispness if refrigerated To revive crispness, warm briefly in the oven or toaster oven

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone or even a cheddar blend for different flavor profiles Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste Use turkey pepperoni for a leaner version or omit meats for a vegetarian option

Serving Suggestions

Pair these pizza chips with a fresh green salad to balance richness Add a side of roasted vegetables or a simple tomato and cucumber salad for a complete snack or light meal Perfect for kids’ lunchboxes or casual get-togethers

Recipe FAQs

→ What cheeses work best for these pizza chips?

Low-moisture shredded mozzarella provides great melt and stretch, combined with Parmesan for a sharp, nutty kick that crisps well.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in these chips?

Absolutely. Adding crushed red pepper flakes and jalapeños boosts heat, while omitting them keeps the chips mild and approachable.

→ What dipping sauces complement these cheesy bites?

Popular dips include marinara for extra tomato flavor, garlic butter for richness, spicy aioli for zing, and ranch for a cool contrast.

→ Are there any recommended toppings to enhance flavor?

Try crumbled cooked bacon, chopped black olives, diced bell peppers, or dried herbs like oregano or basil to add layers of savory notes.

→ How should these pizza chips be cooked for best texture?

Bake until the cheese bubbles and edges turn golden brown to achieve a crisp exterior with a gooey center.

Pizza Chips Cheesy Bites

Crispy cheesy bites featuring mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning with optional dipping sauces.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Overall Time
20 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Output: 4 Serves (Approximately 20 chips)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Cheeses

01 1 ½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
02 ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

03 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
04 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
05 ¼ teaspoon onion powder
06 ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Meats

07 ½ cup mini or chopped pepperoni slices

→ Sauces

08 2 tablespoons pizza sauce or marinara sauce (optional for drizzling)

→ Optional Toppings

09 Crumbled cooked bacon
10 Chopped black olives
11 Diced bell peppers
12 Sliced jalapeños
13 Dried oregano or basil for garnish

→ For Dipping

14 Marinara sauce
15 Garlic butter
16 Ranch dressing
17 Spicy aioli

Steps

Step 01

Combine shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 02

Heat a non-stick skillet or baking tray over medium heat to prepare for cooking the cheese chips.

Step 03

Spoon small portions of the cheese mixture onto the heated surface, spreading slightly to form thin circles. Top each with mini pepperoni slices. Cook for 2–3 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.

Step 04

Carefully flip each cheese chip and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to crisp both sides.

Step 05

Remove the chips and allow to cool briefly. Drizzle with pizza or marinara sauce if desired, then garnish with optional toppings such as bacon, olives, bell peppers, jalapeños, and herbs.

Step 06

Arrange chips on a platter alongside preferred dipping options like marinara sauce, garlic butter, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli.

Tips

  1. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best crispness. Allow chips to cool slightly before serving to firm up texture.

Required Tools

  • Non-stick skillet or baking tray
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy and pork products

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
  • Proteins: 12 g