Pizza Chips

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I never thought I’d love something as much as pizza—until I made Pizza Chips. These crispy, cheesy bites capture the best parts of a pepperoni pizza and transform them into an addictive snack that’s perfect for sharing (or not, if you’re like me). The first time I tried them, they disappeared in minutes. Made with just a handful of ingredients, they’re ridiculously easy to prepare and come out of the oven with that bubbly cheese texture and all the savory flavors of a full pizza.

What I love most about Pizza Chips is their versatility. Whether I’m hosting friends for a game night, prepping after-school snacks, or craving something salty and comforting, these never disappoint. They’re quick to whip up, easy to customize, and give you that nostalgic pizza taste in every crunchy bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Pizza Chips Recipe

Pizza Chips bring together everything you love about pizza—gooey cheese, pepperoni, herbs, and a touch of sauce—in a form that’s perfect for dipping and snacking. They’re:

• Made in under 20 minutes.
• Low-carb and gluten-free, depending on your base.
• Great for entertaining or solo snacking.
• Fully customizable with your favorite toppings.
• A fun, creative twist on a beloved classic.

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What Kind of Cheese Should I Use for Pizza Chips?

Cheese is the star of the show in this recipe, so picking the right kind really matters. I usually go with shredded mozzarella because it melts beautifully and gives that iconic pizza flavor. However, if you want a bit more bite or richness, try a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Parmesan is great for a slightly nutty crispness, and provolone can add a more authentic pizzeria feel. Whatever cheese you choose, make sure it’s a good melting cheese for the best results.

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Options for Substitutions

Pizza Chips are incredibly forgiving, so you can easily adjust them to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some swaps I’ve tried and loved:

• Cheese: Use dairy-free cheese if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant—just choose one that melts well.
• Toppings: If pepperoni isn’t your thing, go with cooked sausage, chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives. Even pineapple works if you love that sweet-savory combo.
• Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and flavor, but dried Italian seasoning works in a pinch.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey after baking can add a fun kick.
• Keto-friendly version: Skip traditional chips altogether and bake mounds of shredded cheese topped with your favorite low-carb toppings.

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Ingredients for This Pizza Chips Recipe

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  This is the base of the chip and delivers that classic melty, golden texture you want in each bite. It crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating the chip structure itself.
• Mini Pepperoni Slices
  These little bites of savory flavor are perfect for topping—small enough to fit on each chip and full of that signature pizza spice.
• Black Olives (sliced)
  For a briny, slightly tangy twist, sliced olives add contrast and an extra layer of flavor.
• Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning
  This is where the pizza flavor really comes together. A sprinkle over the top adds that unmistakable pizzeria aroma and depth.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional)
  Chopped fresh herbs give a fresh, vibrant finish and make the chips look extra appetizing.
• Optional Pizza Sauce (for dipping)
  Not baked into the chip, but absolutely perfect on the side. A rich marinara or pizza sauce takes the flavor over the top.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this helps the cheese release easily once it’s melted and crisped.

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Step 2: Form the Cheese Mounds

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella per chip onto the baking sheet. Flatten each mound slightly and space them apart so they don’t melt into each other.

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Step 3: Add Your Toppings

Top each cheese circle with mini pepperoni, a few slices of black olives, and a sprinkle of oregano or Italian seasoning. Don’t overload them—less is more to keep the chips crisp.

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Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges start to turn golden brown. Watch closely in the last couple of minutes to prevent burning.

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Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Let the chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; they’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. Once they’re firm enough to lift, transfer to a plate and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

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How Long to Cook the Pizza Chips

Pizza Chips only need about 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. The key sign they’re ready is when the edges are golden and slightly browned. They might look soft when you first pull them out, but give them a few minutes to cool, and they’ll crisp up perfectly.

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Tips for Perfect Pizza Chips

• Use parchment or a silicone mat: This keeps the cheese from sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Don’t overdo the toppings: A light hand with the pepperoni and olives helps ensure the cheese crisps up instead of staying soft.
• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
• Space your cheese mounds: They spread as they bake, so give each one room.
• Cool completely: Letting them rest after baking ensures maximum crunch.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Crowding the pan: If the cheese mounds are too close, they’ll melt into each other and turn into one big sheet instead of individual chips.
• Using too much topping: It’s tempting to pile on the pepperoni and olives, but too many toppings weigh the cheese down and keep it from crisping.
• Removing too soon: Let the chips cool on the pan—moving them too early can cause them to break or stay soft.
• Oven too hot: A higher temperature can burn the cheese before it properly melts and crisps.
• Skipping parchment: Don’t go without it—melted cheese sticks to bare pans like glue.

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What to Serve With Pizza Chips?

Marinara or Pizza Sauce

A warm, tangy dip is a must—these chips love being dunked in classic pizza sauce.

Garlic Aioli

Creamy and garlicky, it adds a rich contrast to the crispy cheese base.

Ranch Dressing

Cool and herby, ranch balances the salty, savory flavors.

Fresh Veggie Platter

Pair with carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices for a refreshing crunch alongside your chips.

Side Salad

A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette adds a nice fresh counterpoint.

Buffalo Wings

If you’re serving a crowd, wings and Pizza Chips are the ultimate game-day duo.

Sparkling Water or Soda

For drinks, something fizzy cuts through the richness of the cheese and toppings.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my kitchen), let the Pizza Chips cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, pop them back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 2–3 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it softens them rather than reviving their crunch.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but they’re definitely best fresh out of the oven.

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Estimated Nutrition

These numbers are approximate and based on one serving (about 4–5 chips), depending on your toppings and cheese:

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Sugar: 0g
• Fiber: <1g
• Sodium: 320mg

These chips are naturally low-carb and gluten-free, and they’re easy to adjust for keto or vegetarian diets depending on your toppings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a crispier finish. Pre-shredded blends often have anti-caking agents that affect texture.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Place parchment paper in your air fryer basket, space the cheese mounds, and cook at 370°F for 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Are Pizza Chips keto-friendly?

Yes! Just use low-carb toppings and sauces. They’re naturally low in carbs when made with just cheese and meat.

Can I freeze them?

Freezing isn’t ideal—they can get soggy when thawed. If you must, freeze between layers of parchment and reheat in the oven to crisp them back up.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Warm marinara is the classic, but garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo are fantastic options too.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the pepperoni and add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a meat-free version.

Do they stay crispy after cooling?

They do, as long as they’re cooled properly and stored in a sealed container. A quick oven reheat helps revive them if needed.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes, use a meltable vegan cheese. Just note that results may vary based on the brand and ingredients of the substitute.

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Conclusion

Pizza Chips are the ultimate answer to craving something cheesy, crispy, and totally satisfying without the hassle of making a full pizza. They’re fun to make, quick to bake, and incredibly easy to customize. Whether you’re prepping snacks for friends or just treating yourself, these little bites deliver big flavor with minimal effort. I find myself making them more often than I’d like to admit—and once you try them, you probably will too.

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