Craving pizza but don’t want to make (or order) a full pie? These Pepperoni Pizza Crackers are the perfect bite-sized solution. Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with classic pizza flavor, they’re everything you love about pepperoni pizza — in snackable form. Think golden, crunchy crackers topped with melted mozzarella, zesty marinara, and spicy pepperoni. I tried making these with whole-wheat crackers once, and they added a lovely nutty flavor that made the snack feel a little heartier. Whether you’re hosting game night, packing lunches, or just satisfying a quick craving, these little pizza bites are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pepperoni pizza crackers are quick, fun, and endlessly customizable. They take less than 15 minutes to make, require minimal ingredients, and taste just like mini pizzas. They’re kid-friendly, party-perfect, and totally addictive. Plus, you can easily make them in the oven or air fryer.
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Pepperoni Pizza Crackers – The Ultimate Cheesy Snack Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 12 mins
- Yield: 24 crackers
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy, cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Crackers that taste just like mini pizzas! These bite-sized snacks are made with buttery crackers, melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and pepperoni — perfect for parties, game days, or quick appetizers.
Ingredients
- 24 round butter crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut small)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange crackers on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of pizza sauce onto each cracker.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over each cracker, then top with one mini pepperoni slice.
- Sprinkle Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder lightly over the top.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use whole-grain or gluten-free crackers for a dietary variation.
- Try topping with diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for variety.
- Best served warm right out of the oven.
- Great for kids’ snacks, parties, or movie nights.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Italian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Crackers
Use sturdy crackers like Ritz, Triscuit, or round butter crackers — they hold the toppings well and stay crisp.
Pepperoni Slices
Mini pepperoni works best for bite-sized snacks, but you can cut regular slices into quarters if needed.
Mozzarella Cheese
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts perfectly, giving you that signature pizza stretch in every bite.
Pizza Sauce or Marinara
A small spoonful adds the rich tomato flavor that ties everything together. Choose a good-quality sauce with Italian herbs.
Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle lightly on top for extra cheesy, salty depth.
Italian Seasoning
A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the authentic pizza flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Adds a touch of heat for spice lovers.
Fresh Basil or Parsley
Optional for garnish, adding color and freshness to the finished crackers.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
- Spoon a small dollop of pizza sauce onto each cracker — about ½ teaspoon per piece.
- Sprinkle a pinch of shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce.
- Add a slice (or piece) of pepperoni to each cracker and lightly dust with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Air Fryer Option:
Arrange crackers in the basket in a single layer and cook at 375°F for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts and edges crisp.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6 (makes about 24 crackers)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for 3 days. To reheat, bake or air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Veggie Pizza Crackers
Top with diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Spicy Version
Add jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot honey for a bold flavor contrast.
Cheesy Upgrade
Mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for extra gooeyness.
Mini Supreme Crackers
Layer pepperoni with tiny bits of sausage, onion, and green pepper for a loaded snack.
Margherita Style
Use fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil for a more refined, Italian-inspired version.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free crackers to make this snack suitable for everyone.
Dipping Delight
Serve with extra marinara or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
FAQs
Can I use any type of cracker?
Yes, but choose a sturdy one that won’t soften too quickly under the sauce.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep them in advance and bake right before serving for the best texture.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella gives the best stretch, but you can mix in provolone or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
Can I use turkey pepperoni?
Yes, it’s a lighter option and tastes great.
How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy?
Use a small amount of sauce and bake until the edges are crisp.
Are they good cold?
They’re best warm, but still tasty at room temperature for picnics or snacks.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crackers?
Yes, for a fancier version — just bake the pastry squares first before topping.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the pepperoni or use plant-based alternatives.
Can I make these in the microwave?
Not recommended — the crackers lose their crunch.
Can I use shredded pepperoni?
Yes, it melts nicely into the cheese and adds flavor to every bite.
Conclusion
Pepperoni Pizza Crackers are the ultimate quick snack — crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with pizza flavor in every bite. They’re effortless to make, fun to customize, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting, snacking, or meal-prepping for the week, these mini pizza bites bring big flavor to even the simplest moments. Once you make them, they’ll become a go-to favorite for every occasion.
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