Crispy Pizza Chips are a fun and easy snack that combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a crunchy bite-sized chip. Think crispy edges, melty cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and just the right sprinkle of herbs all baked until golden and delicious. They’re like little pizza triangles you can munch on anytime!
I love making these when I want something quick but still tasty to share with friends or family. I usually use store-bought pizza dough to keep it simple, then add plenty of cheese and some pepperoni or veggies on top before baking. The crispy, cheesy edges are my favorite part, and sometimes I like dipping them in extra marinara sauce for a little extra kick.
These pizza chips are perfect for movie nights, parties, or just whenever you want a fun snack that’s more exciting than plain chips but not as heavy as a full pizza. Plus, they’re easy to make and always disappear fast, which says a lot about how good they are! I often end up making a double batch just to make sure everyone gets plenty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and crisps up well. For a twist, you can try cheddar or a mozzarella-cheddar blend. Just keep in mind, different cheeses melt and brown at different rates.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni works best for even coverage. If you don’t have mini slices, regular pepperoni cut into small rounds works well. For a vegetarian option, try sliced olives or bell peppers.
Herbs & Spices: Garlic powder, oregano, and basil bring classic pizza flavors. If you don’t have dried herbs, fresh parsley or Italian seasoning can be good substitutes. The crushed red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but can be left out.
Marinara Sauce: This is perfect for dipping. You can also use store-bought pizza sauce or even ranch dressing if you prefer something creamy.
How Do You Get Pizza Chips Crispy Without Burning?
Crispier chips mean baking cheese until it’s golden but not burnt. Here’s how I get it just right:
- Use parchment or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and allow even heat distribution.
- Spoon cheese in small, thin circles to ensure they crisp well. Thick piles can stay soft inside.
- Bake at 400°F and watch closely from 6 minutes onward. Edges should be brown and crispy, but don’t wait too long.
- Let chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; they’ll firm up as they cool.
With these steps, you get crunchy, cheesy chips that hold together well and taste like mini pizzas in chip form!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Kitchen baking sheet – I use a standard baking sheet to hold all the cheese circles easily and evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps the cheese from sticking and helps with cleanup.
- Measuring spoons – for scooping out small, uniform portions of cheese mixture.
- Slotted spoon or spatula – helps gently lift the crispy chips off the baking sheet once done.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mini pepperoni for sliced olives or cooked sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the cheese mixture for extra freshness.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before baking for a richer, nuttier taste.
- Use spicy jalapeños or banana peppers on top for a spicy kick.
How to Make Crispy Pizza Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into small rounds)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley or dried Italian seasoning for garnish
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 6 to 10 minutes to bake. Allow a few extra minutes for cooling, so roughly 15 minutes total. It’s a quick and easy snack that comes together fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Cheese and Spices:
In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella with garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
3. Form the Cheese Circles:
Use a spoon to drop small mounds (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) of the cheese mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of the spoon into thin circles.
4. Add Pepperoni:
Place 3 to 4 pepperoni slices on top of each cheese circle, gently pressing them into the cheese so they stick while baking.
5. Bake Until Crispy:
Bake the cheese and pepperoni circles for 6 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Cool and Garnish:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pizza chips cool for a few minutes to firm up. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or additional Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy pizza chips warm alongside marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. They’re perfect as a tasty snack or appetizer!
Can I Use Different Cheese Instead of Mozzarella?
Yes! While mozzarella melts best for this recipe, you can try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cheese’s moisture content.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza Chips?
Store leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Can I Make These Pizza Chips Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the chips and cool them completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving to restore crispiness.
What Are Some Tasty Dipping Sauces for Pizza Chips?
Marinara or classic pizza sauce is a favorite. You can also try garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
