Mini Pepperoni Cheese Chips

These mini pepperoni cheese chips bring together crispy, golden edges with melty mozzarella and spicy pepperoni in perfect bite-sized treats. Easy to prepare in a mini muffin pan, they make an ideal snack whether you're hosting friends or craving a quick, flavorful nibble. The combination of cheese and pepperoni feels like a classic pizza experience, but in a convenient, crispy chip format that’s fast and fuss-free.

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: produces the best melt and crispy edges choose a quality brand to avoid extra moisture
• Mini pepperoni slices: add spicy, savory flavor with a good balance of texture pick slices that are firm and not overly oily for optimal bite
• Optional Italian seasoning: brings a fresh herbal note that brightens the flavors a well-blended Italian spice mix or a simple combo of dried oregano and basil works great

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius. Generously grease all 16 cups of a mini muffin pan to ensure the cheese chips release easily after baking without sticking or breaking.

Assemble the Chips:

Spoon 2 teaspoons of shredded mozzarella cheese into each greased muffin cup. Press the cheese gently and evenly to cover the bottom of the cup completely, forming a solid base. Then arrange three mini pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, overlapping slightly to distribute flavor in every bite.

Add a Flavor Twist:

Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning over each cup to elevate the flavor with a subtle herbal lift. This step is optional but highly recommended to enhance the classic pizza character of the chips.

Bake:

Place the muffin pan carefully into the preheated oven. Bake for about eight minutes while watching closely. The chips are ready when the cheese around the edges turns a dark golden brown and crisp, signaling the perfect balance of crunchy and gooey.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the chips to cool in the pan for a few minutes. This resting period firms them up so you can remove each chip gently without breaking. Serve warm on their own or offer a side of marinara sauce for dipping to turn these into a more substantial appetizer.

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 leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the crispy texture, reheat them quickly in a hot oven instead of using a microwave. These chips also freeze well if layered with parchment paper inside freezer-safe containers, making it easy to enjoy them anytime.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping mozzarella for cheddar or provolone to experiment with flavor profiles. For the pepperoni, salami or chorizo slices create interesting variations that maintain the spicy, savory punch. If you do not have Italian seasoning, dried oregano or even a small pinch of red pepper flakes work nicely to add an herbal or spicy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chips on their own or with a small bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. They also make an excellent crunchy topping for soups or salads just before serving. Pair them with fresh veggies or a leafy green salad to balance the rich cheese and pepperoni.

Enjoy these warm on their own or with marinara for dipping. They make a perfect quick snack or party appetizer.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cheese works best for these chips?

Low moisture shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating crispy edges and a gooey center. Provolone or cheddar can be used for flavor variations.

→ Can regular pepperoni be used instead of mini slices?

Yes, but slicing regular pepperoni into smaller pieces helps maintain the perfect texture and flavor distribution on each chip.

→ How do I prevent the chips from burning?

Watch the baking closely and remove the chips once the edges turn golden brown. Using a mini muffin pan helps contain the cheese and toppings.

→ What seasoning enhances the flavor?

Italian seasoning adds herbal notes, but garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes also work well for a flavor boost.

→ How should these chips be served?

Allow chips to cool briefly before removing from the pan. Serve warm, alone or with marinara sauce for dipping.