Crispy Pizza Chips are a fun and tasty snack that combines the best parts of pizza with the crunch of a chip. Think of little crispy bites topped with melted cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings all packed into a chip-sized treat.
I love making these when I want something quick and satisfying, especially for movie nights or casual get-togethers. They’re super easy to eat, and everyone seems to enjoy that perfect mix of crispy and cheesy. A little tip I’d share is to bake them until they turn golden brown—that crispy edge adds so much to the flavor and texture.
When I serve these, I like to have a bowl of marinara or ranch dressing nearby for dipping. It’s a simple way to make the snack even more flavorful. Plus, they’re great to share and always disappear fast, which says a lot about how good they are!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic pizza stretch. If you want a sharper taste, you might mix in a bit of cheddar or provolone. For a dairy-free option, try vegan mozzarella shreds.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty, nutty kick. You can swap it with Pecorino Romano if you like a stronger flavor, or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
Pepperoni Slices: Mini pepperoni works best for bite-sized chips. If you prefer, use turkey pepperoni for a leaner option or omit entirely for a vegetarian version—try adding olives or roasted veggies instead.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: These boost the pizza flavor without needing fresh herbs. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, just mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Pizza Chips Without Burning?
The key is baking at a steady temperature and watching closely near the end. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat your oven fully to 375°F (190°C) so the cheese melts evenly.
- Spread cheese thin but not too thin—about 2 tablespoons per chip helps them crisp up nicely.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, but start checking at 8 minutes to avoid burning.
- Let chips cool a few minutes on the pan—they crisp up more as they cool.
- Use parchment or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Following these steps helps you get crispy edges and melty centers without burning. I like to enjoy these with warm marinara sauce for dipping—the crispy-to-soft combo is just right!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Spatula or spoon – to drop small cheese mounds onto the baking sheet smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate cheese portions and seasoning.
- Cooling rack (optional) – to let the chips cool evenly and become extra crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch pepperoni for cooked sausage crumbles or chopped cooked bacon for extra meaty bites.
- Mix in chopped bell peppers, olives, or jalapeños under the cheese for added veggies or a spicy kick.
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper or Italian herbs before baking for more flavor.
- Use shredded goat cheese or blue cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy twist.
How to Make Crispy Pizza Chips?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12-15 mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni slices cut in halves)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes, for garnish
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes to bake. Allow an additional few minutes for the chips to cool and crisp up before serving, making the total time roughly 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet and Cheese Mounds:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Drop small mounds of shredded mozzarella cheese onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Each mound should be about 2 tablespoons of cheese. Flatten them gently with the back of a spoon to form thin layers.
2. Add Toppings and Seasonings:
Place one or two mini pepperoni slices on top of each cheese mound. Then sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning (or dried oregano), and garlic powder for that classic pizza flavor.
3. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cheese mounds in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the chips become crispy. When done, take them out and allow the chips to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they firm up perfectly.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the cooled pizza chips with fresh or dried parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy pizza chips as a delightful snack or appetizer!
Can I Make Crispy Pizza Chips Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chips and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
You can swap pepperoni with cooked sausage, bacon, or even sliced olives or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just add your topping before baking so it melds with the cheese.
How Do I Prevent the Chips From Sticking to the Baking Sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat before adding the cheese mounds. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Can I Freeze Crispy Pizza Chips?
While these chips taste best fresh, you can freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to regain their crispiness before serving.