If you’ve ever found yourself craving a salty, crunchy snack but trying to avoid potatoes and bread, Pepperoni Chips are your new secret weapon. These incredibly addictive bites are everything you love about pepperoni, transformed into shatteringly crisp chips in just minutes. They deliver massive flavor, pair beautifully with all sorts of dips, and can even pull double duty as crave-worthy salad toppers or party platters. The next time you need a snack that thrills, these keto-friendly, gluten-free wonders have you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pepperoni Chips is their simplicity. With just one main ingredient and an optional dipping sauce, every element plays a starring role: the pepperoni brings bold flavor and texture, while the sauce lets you customize each bite.
- 6 ounces sliced pepperoni: Choose thin or regular cut depending on your preferred crunch; thin slices yield an ultra-crispy chip, while regular-cut gives a more substantial bite.
- Optional dipping sauce (such as ranch or marinara): These sauces add a creamy or zesty contrast to the savory, spicy chips—don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorites!
How to Make Pepperoni Chips
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). For fuss-free cleanup and to prevent sticking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This small step makes a big difference in ensuring your Pepperoni Chips crisp up beautifully without leaving behind a greasy mess.
Step 2: Arrange the Pepperoni Slices
Next, spread out the pepperoni slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. It’s important to space them out so they’re not overlapping; this helps the heat circulate around each slice, giving you perfect, even crispiness. If you want to cut down on extra grease, pat each slice with a paper towel before they hit the oven.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Crispy
Slide the tray into the hot oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. Watch closely as the pepperoni transforms—it’ll curl at the edges and turn a deep golden-red as it crisps. Depending on your oven and the thickness of your slices, you may want to check for doneness at the 8-minute mark. Remember, they’ll continue to crisp up slightly after they come out, so avoid over-baking.
Step 4: Drain and Cool
When the chips are wonderfully crisp and slightly curled, remove the tray from the oven. Immediately transfer the Pepperoni Chips to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any remaining grease. Let them cool for 2–3 minutes—they’ll reach their absolute peak of crunchiness as they sit.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time for the best part: devouring your creation! Serve the Pepperoni Chips on their own for a savory treat, or pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for extra flavor. You’ll be amazed at how fast they disappear.
How to Serve Pepperoni Chips
Garnishes
For a dazzling finishing touch, sprinkle your Pepperoni Chips with fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of grated parmesan right as they come out of the oven. The herbs give a burst of color and freshness, while the cheese melts ever so slightly, adding another layer of irresistible flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pepperoni Chips with crisp raw veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, or sweet bell pepper strips. These veggies are great for scooping up any leftover dip and bring a welcome crunch and color to your snack plate. For a light lunch, toss a handful of Pepperoni Chips over a green salad for a fun, protein-packed topper.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Pepperoni Chips piled high on a rustic wooden board like a charcuterie platter, nestled next to cheese cubes, pickles, and olives. For parties, offer a dipping bar with several sauces—think herby ranch, creamy blue cheese, or classic marinara—to suit everyone’s tastes. You can even use them in place of croutons for a spicy, unexpected crunch on soups or salads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Lucky you! Store any leftover Pepperoni Chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For maximum crunch, add a paper towel inside the container to absorb stray moisture.
Freezing
While Pepperoni Chips are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if you must. Lay them in a single layer in a resealable freezer bag, and press out as much air as possible before sealing. To prevent sticking, layer parchment paper between the chips. Freeze for up to one month.
Reheating
To revive any Pepperoni Chips that have softened, simply pop them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 2–3 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up, almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni?
Absolutely! Turkey pepperoni works beautifully for Pepperoni Chips, and it’s a great lighter option. Just watch the baking time, as they often crisp up even faster due to lower fat content.
Will these stay crispy after storing?
Pepperoni Chips are at their crunchiest fresh from the oven, but if you store them properly in an airtight container with a paper towel, they’ll stay crispy for a couple of days. If they lose their crunch, a quick reheat in the oven brings them right back.
What dips go well with Pepperoni Chips?
Classic ranch and zesty marinara are always hits, but don’t stop there—garlic aioli, creamy blue cheese, or even honey mustard make for fantastic dipping partners. Feel free to experiment and discover your favorite combo!
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! To make Air Fryer Pepperoni Chips, set your air fryer to 375°F and lay out the slices in a single layer. They’ll crisp up in about 5–7 minutes. Keep an eye on them since air fryers vary in power.
Are Pepperoni Chips gluten-free and keto-friendly?
Definitely! Since they’re made almost entirely of cured meat, these snacks naturally fit both gluten-free and keto diets. Just double-check the ingredient list on your pepperoni to make sure there are no added fillers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate quick, crowd-pleasing snack, Pepperoni Chips are an absolute must-try. In just a few minutes, you can turn humble pepperoni into a treat that’s crispy, bold, and endlessly snackable. Give them a go—you might just find yourself making them again and again!
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Pepperoni Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pepperoni Chips are a crispy and flavorful snack that is perfect for satisfying your cravings. Baked to perfection, these chips are easy to make and great for dipping in your favorite sauce.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces sliced pepperoni (thin or regular cut)
- Optional: dipping sauce like ranch or marinara
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange pepperoni: Lay the pepperoni slices in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until crisp and slightly curled.
- Drain and cool: Remove from the oven, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, and let cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve alone or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a less greasy version, pat the pepperoni slices with paper towels before baking.
- These can also be made in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 15 chips
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
