Saturday afternoons at my house usually mean the kitchen turns into a test lab—and the cravings hit hard. This time, I had a hankering for something crispy, cheesy, and just a little nostalgic. Potato chips weren’t cutting it, and pizza felt like too much work. So, with a little curiosity and some leftover mozzarella and pepperoni in the fridge, I decided to fuse the two.

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I remembered the crispy edges of baked cheese on a pan of lasagna—that golden, salty crunch always stole the spotlight. That was the texture I was chasing. I grabbed some parchment paper, fired up the oven, and started experimenting with cheese blends, herbs, and mini pepperoni.

The first batch? Gone in seconds. My husband walked by, grabbed one, raised an eyebrow, and circled back like a boomerang for more. My kids called them “pizza gold.” And they weren’t wrong.

Since then, these Pizza Chips have become a regular appearance during movie nights, game day snacking, or quick afternoon bites. They’re easy to make, gluten-free, and they hit that satisfying balance of crunch, spice, and gooey goodness.

If you’re looking for a low-carb, fun-to-make snack that still feels indulgent, these Pizza Chips might just be your next obsession.

Short Description

Pizza Chips are crispy, oven-baked cheese rounds topped with pepperoni and Italian spices—perfect for dipping in warm pizza sauce. A fast, low-carb snack with bold pizza flavor in every bite.

Key Ingredients

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup mini pepperoni slices
Pizza sauce (for dipping)

Tools Needed

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Measuring spoons
Spatula

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Base
In a medium bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed through the cheese.

Step 3: Shape the Chips
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of the spoon to gently flatten each mound into a small circle. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each one, as they’ll spread while baking.

Step 4: Add the Toppings
Place 3–4 mini pepperoni slices on top of each cheese circle. Gently press them into the surface so they stick as the cheese melts.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown and crispy around the edges. The centers should still have a bit of stretch. Watch closely in the last 2 minutes to avoid burning.

Step 6: Cool and Crisp Up
Let the chips cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. They’ll firm up as they sit, giving you that perfect chip-like crunch.

Step 7: Serve and Dip
Serve warm or at room temperature with a small bowl of heated pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, pepperoni-packed bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Quick to make with just 6 ingredients

– Naturally low-carb and gluten-free

– Kid-approved and perfect for entertaining

– Customizable with your favorite toppings

– Great for dipping, stacking, or snacking solo

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Overloading the Cheese Mounds
Too much cheese causes them to merge into one big mess.
Solution: Stick to about 1 tablespoon of mixture per chip and leave enough space between them.

Mistake 2: Not Using Parchment Paper
Without it, the cheese may stick to the pan and break apart.
Solution: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Mistake 3: Baking Too Long
Overbaked chips will taste bitter and burn easily.
Solution: Start checking at the 8-minute mark. Remove once they’re golden around the edges.

Mistake 4: Serving Too Soon
If you move them right out of the oven, they’ll be soft and floppy.
Solution: Let them cool for 5 minutes on the tray to crisp up fully.

Mistake 5: Using Pre-shredded Cheese with Additives
Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Solution: Use fresh grated cheese for the best melt and texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Dipping Sauce: Warm marinara, garlic butter, or ranch

Appetizer Platter: Serve alongside cut veggies, hummus, and olives

Party Style: Stack in mini bowls for grab-and-go snacks

Kid-Friendly Lunchbox: Pack with fruit and crackers for a fun twist

Game Day: Add to your snack lineup with wings, sliders, or chips and salsa

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Let chips cool completely before storing

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days

For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days (they may soften slightly)

Reheating:

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 3–5 minutes to bring back the crisp

Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy

FAQs

1. Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 6 minutes. Watch closely as they cook faster than in the oven.

2. Can I freeze Pizza Chips?
Freezing is not recommended—they lose their crispness. It’s best to make them fresh.

3. What if I don’t have mini pepperoni?
You can slice regular pepperoni into quarters or use chopped cooked bacon or sausage crumbles.

4. Are these keto-friendly?
Absolutely! They’re low in carbs and high in fat—perfect for a keto snack.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, but chop them very finely and pat dry. Too much moisture can affect crispiness.

Tips & Tricks

– Grate your own cheese for better melting and fewer additives

– Try smoked mozzarella or provolone for a twist in flavor

– Add a pinch of dried oregano or basil for extra depth

– If using turkey pepperoni, it’ll be less greasy but still flavorful

– Let the cheese get slightly golden—don’t pull them out too early

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Pizza Chips

Swap mini pepperoni with sliced pickled jalapeños

Add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese mix

Serve with a creamy ranch dip for contrast

2. BBQ Chicken Pizza Chips

Replace pepperoni with tiny bits of cooked shredded BBQ chicken

Add 1 tsp BBQ seasoning to the cheese mixture

Serve with a smoky BBQ sauce for dipping

3. Vegetarian Pizza Chips

Skip the meat and top with finely diced bell peppers, olives, and mushrooms

Use a mix of mozzarella and smoked provolone for extra flavor

Dip in warm tomato basil sauce

4. Supreme Pizza Chips

Top with a combo of mini pepperoni, green pepper, olive slices, and red onion bits

Use both mozzarella and Parmesan as base cheese

Great with garlic tomato dip

Final Thoughts

Pizza Chips are one of those snacks that bring big satisfaction without a big time investment. They come together fast, taste like a cheat-day treat, and keep things fun in the kitchen. I love that they’re endlessly customizable—from spicy to sweet-savory twists—and that they’ve become a regular request from my crew.

The crisp edges, the gooey centers, and that warm dip into marinara… It’s like pizza night shrunk into finger food. Next time you want a quick crowd-pleaser or a new low-carb favorite, give these a go. You might just find yourself sneaking a few before they hit the table.

Pizza Chips