Ingredients
(Makes 12–15 chips)
The Essential Duo:
• 1 cup (100g) low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella, freshly shredded
→ Critical: Pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that prevent crispness. Grate cold block cheese on medium holes.
• 12–15 slices pepperoni (regular or mini; turkey pepperoni works too)
Optional Enhancements (Add after baking):
• Pinch of Italian seasoning
• Tiny dusting of garlic powder
• Flaky sea salt
• Grated Parmesan (sprinkle before baking for extra crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep with precision
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment (not wax paper—it sticks). Pro tip: Place sheet in freezer 5 minutes before use—cold surface prevents cheese from spreading too fast.
2. Shape the chips
Scoop 1 tbsp cheese per chip onto sheet. Space 2.5 inches apart (they spread!). Gently flatten into 1.5-inch circles with damp fingers or spoon back. Do not press thin—edges crisp best with slight thickness.
3. Crown with pepperoni
Place 1 pepperoni slice centered on each cheese circle. Why center? Prevents sliding during baking; allows cheese to bubble around the pepperoni for structural integrity.
4. Bake to golden perfection
Bake 5–8 minutes until:
✓ Edges are deep golden-brown (not pale yellow)
✓ Centers bubble vigorously
✓ Pepperoni curls and darkens slightly
⚠️ Watch closely after 5 minutes—ovens vary. Remove before edges blacken.
5. Cool to crisp (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
Let chips cool completely on sheet (8–10 minutes). They’ll be soft straight from oven—this is normal. As they cool, cheese transforms from pliable to shatter-crisp. Do not touch!
6. Season & serve
Sprinkle with optional seasonings after cooling (heat dulls herbs). Transfer carefully with thin spatula.
Pro Tips & Wisdom
✅ Air Fryer Method: 370°F (188°C) for 3–4 minutes. Watch like a hawk—cooks faster!
✅ Extra Crisp Hack: After cooling, return to 300°F oven 2 minutes.
✅ No Spread Disaster: If cheese pools, your sheet wasn’t cold enough or spacing was too tight.
✅ Flavor Boost: Brush warm chips lightly with garlic-infused olive oil before seasoning.
✅ Make-Ahead: Store cooled chips in airtight container with parchment between layers (up to 3 days). Re-crisp 2 minutes at 300°F.
FAQ
Q: Can I use cheddar or other cheeses?
A: Mozzarella is essential—its low moisture and stretchy proteins create the crisp "chip" structure. Cheddar burns; Parmesan shatters. Stick to low-moisture mozzarella.
Q: Chips are greasy! Why?
A: Pepperoni fat renders during baking. Solution: Blot chips gently with paper towel after cooling. For less grease: pat pepperoni slices dry before baking.
Q: Can I add sauce before baking?
A: No—moisture prevents crisping. Always serve sauce on the side for dipping.
Q: Vegan option?
A: Not authentically. Vegan cheeses lack the protein/fat ratio to crisp. Try roasted chickpeas with pizza seasoning instead.
Serving Suggestions
→ Classic: Warm marinara or arrabbiata sauce for dipping
→ Creamy: Garlic-herb yogurt dip or ranch
→ Elevated: Crumble over Caesar salad or minestrone soup
→ Kid Fun: Arrange in pizza-slice shapes on plate with dip "crust"
Allergy Information
• Contains: Dairy (mozzarella)
• Check pepperoni label for: Pork, beef, nitrates, gluten (some brands use wheat fillers)
• Nut-free | Soy-free (verify pepperoni)
• Dairy-free alternative: Not possible with same technique—this recipe relies on dairy chemistry
📊 Nutrition Facts (per chip, without dip)
Calories: 45 • Fat: 3.5g (Sat: 2g) • Protein: 3g • Total Carbs: 0.5g • Fiber: 0g • Net Carbs: 0.5g • Sodium: 120mg
Rich in Calcium and B12
There’s profound beauty in recipes that honor simplicity without sacrificing soul. These chips don’t pretend to be pizza—they celebrate pizza’s essence: the salty kiss of pepperoni, the golden embrace of melted cheese, the quiet joy of a perfectly crisp bite.
They ask only two things of you:
Patience to let them cool.
Presence to savor the crunch.
And in that space between oven and mouth lies a gentle reminder: the most satisfying things in life aren’t complicated. They’re crafted with intention, respected in their transformation, and shared with delight.
So make these for the friend who needs a keto-friendly treat. For the child who believes cooking is magic. For the moment you realize: joy fits in the palm of your hand—and requires only two ingredients.
One last whisper: Dip a warm chip in a tiny bowl of balsamic glaze. That sweet-tangy contrast? It’s the difference between snack—and sonnet.
