If you can’t decide between pizza and tacos, why not enjoy both? These Pepperoni Pizza Tacos combine the crispy, cheesy satisfaction of pizza with the handheld fun of tacos for the ultimate fusion meal. Picture soft tortillas filled with gooey melted cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni—it’s comfort food at its best. The first time I made these, I brushed the tortillas with garlic butter before baking, and it added that perfect pizzeria flavor. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a game night, these easy pizza tacos are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers everything you love about pizza—melty cheese, spicy pepperoni, and tangy sauce—in a fun, taco-sized form. It’s quick to make, completely customizable, and ready in less than 30 minutes. You can make it as simple or gourmet as you like, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or movie nights when you want something playful yet delicious.
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Pepperoni Pizza Tacos – A Fun, Cheesy Twist on Two Classics
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Diet: Halal
Description
Pepperoni Pizza Tacos combine all the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza with the fun handheld appeal of tacos. Crispy taco shells are filled with melted mozzarella, zesty marinara sauce, and savory pepperoni for an easy and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush tortillas lightly with olive oil or melted butter on both sides. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable, then drape them over the oven rack bars or use a taco rack to form a shell shape.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool slightly.
- In a small saucepan, warm the pizza sauce over low heat.
- Fill each taco shell with a spoonful of warm pizza sauce, a layer of shredded mozzarella, and 3 slices of pepperoni.
- Place filled tacos on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use mini pepperoni slices for easier layering.
- Try adding toppings like diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for a supreme version.
- For a crispy finish, air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes instead of baking the second time.
- Great as an appetizer, lunch, or party snack!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course / Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Small flour tortillas: The base of your pizza tacos—soft yet sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy goodness.
Pizza sauce: Brings classic Italian flavor; choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
Mozzarella cheese: The essential melt factor—stringy, gooey, and irresistibly creamy.
Pepperoni slices: The star topping! Crispy edges and spicy flavor make every bite crave-worthy.
Olive oil or melted butter: Brushed on the tortillas to make them golden and slightly crisp.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle, savory flavor that mimics garlic bread.
Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for that authentic pizza taste.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled for extra saltiness and umami richness.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a little kick for spice lovers.
Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish and a fresh pop of color.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle lightly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Drape each tortilla over two bars of your oven rack or taco shell mold to create a taco shape. Bake for 6–7 minutes, or until lightly crisp and golden.
Remove the tortillas and place them on the baking sheet. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce inside each taco shell. Fill with shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Return to the oven for another 5–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
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
This recipe makes 8 tacos.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes to re-crisp the shells and remelt the cheese. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch.
Variations and Customizations
Supreme Pizza Tacos: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives for a loaded version.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Tacos: Swap the sauce for BBQ sauce and top with shredded chicken, red onion, and mozzarella.
Meat Lovers’ Style: Mix pepperoni, sausage, and bacon for a hearty twist.
Veggie Pizza Tacos: Use roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and spinach for a lighter option.
Hawaiian Pizza Tacos: Add diced ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory version.
Breakfast Pizza Tacos: Fill with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese for a morning treat.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Tacos: Brush with garlic butter, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake until crispy.
Margherita Pizza Tacos: Use fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for an elegant Italian spin.
Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey for a fiery kick.
Mini Party Tacos: Use street taco–sized tortillas for bite-sized appetizers.
FAQs
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but flour tortillas hold up better to the sauce and toppings.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bake the shells ahead, then fill and heat them just before serving.
3. What kind of pizza sauce works best?
A thicker sauce or marinara works best so the tacos don’t get soggy.
4. Can I air fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes or until crispy.
5. Can I add other meats?
Absolutely—ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken work great.
6. How do I keep the tacos from getting soggy?
Bake the shells first to crisp them before adding sauce and toppings.
7. What’s the best cheese blend for this recipe?
Mozzarella with a little cheddar or provolone adds great flavor and stretch.
8. Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love them—let them help choose their toppings.
9. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas or wraps as a substitute.
10. What sides go well with these?
Serve with Caesar salad, garlic knots, or marinara dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Pepperoni Pizza Tacos are the ultimate mashup—melty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Perfect for quick dinners, parties, or game days, these tacos prove that pizza night can be even more exciting when it comes with a crispy, foldable twist.
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