Pepperoni Pizza Crackers are a fun, bite-sized twist on classic pizza perfect for parties, game day, or after-school snacking. Buttery crackers are topped with zesty sauce, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni, then baked until melty and crisp around the edges. They come together in minutes and disappear even faster!
Ingredients
- 1 box (13.7 oz) buttery round crackers (such as Ritz)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices (regular or mini; optional but typical)
- Optional toppings: pinch of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the buttery crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of pizza sauce onto the center of each cracker, spreading gently but not all the way to the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce-topped crackers.
- Place 1 mini pepperoni or a small piece of regular pepperoni on top of each cracker, if using. Add any extra seasonings like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to lightly brown at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizza crackers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—they’ll crisp up as they sit.
- Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy warm!
Variation
- Supreme Pizza Crackers: Add tiny bits of diced bell pepper, black olives, or mushrooms under the cheese for a “supreme” style bite.
- Cheesy Three-Cheese Crackers: Mix mozzarella with a little shredded cheddar and Parmesan for extra cheesy flavor and golden tops.
- Meatless Margherita Style: Skip the pepperoni and top with sauce, mozzarella, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and fresh basil after baking.
Cooking Notes
- Bake on the middle rack for even heating and to keep the bottoms of the crackers from over-browning.
- If your cheese isn’t browning, you can switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end just watch constantly so they don’t burn.
- Using parchment paper makes cleanup easy and prevents the cheese from sticking to the pan as it melts and bubbles.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a large platter with extra warm pizza or marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- Pair with a simple green salad or veggie tray to balance out the richness for parties or family movie night.
- Pack a few cooled crackers into lunchboxes; send the sauce separately if you want to keep them crisp until eating.
Tips
- Assemble the crackers just before baking so they stay crisp and don’t soak up the sauce.
- Shred your own mozzarella for the best melt; pre-shredded cheese can be a bit drier but still works well in a pinch.
- Double or triple the recipe easily just use extra baking sheets and rotate them in the oven as needed.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 18–20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 5 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Crackers ahead of time?
– You can assemble them a few hours ahead, store the tray in the fridge, and bake just before serving. For the crispiest crackers, add the sauce and cheese closer to baking time. - How do I reheat leftover pizza crackers?
– Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 3–5 minutes, until warmed through and crisp again. The microwave will soften the crackers, so it’s not ideal. - Can I use different crackers or cheese?
– Yes. Any sturdy, buttery cracker works, and you can swap mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend just adjust to your taste. - Are these kid-friendly?
– Absolutely. Kids love the mini pizza flavor and bite-sized shape. Let them help spoon the sauce and sprinkle the cheese for a fun, hands-on kitchen activity.
Conclusion
Pepperoni Pizza Crackers are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward snack: all the flavor of pizza in a crispy, two-bite package. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the oven, you’ve got a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or quick weeknight treats. Make a batch once, and they’ll be requested again and again!
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Pepperoni Pizza Crackers
- Total Time: 18–20 minutes
- Yield: About 8–10 servings (40–50 crackers, depending on box size) 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Pepperoni Pizza Crackers are a fun, bite-sized twist on classic pizza—perfect for parties, game day, or after-school snacking. Buttery crackers are topped with zesty sauce, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni, then baked until melty and crisp around the edges. They come together in minutes and disappear even faster!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (13.7 oz) buttery round crackers (such as Ritz)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices (regular or mini; optional but typical)
- Optional toppings: pinch of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the buttery crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of pizza sauce onto the center of each cracker, spreading gently but not all the way to the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce-topped crackers.
- Place 1 mini pepperoni or a small piece of regular pepperoni on top of each cracker, if using. Add any extra seasonings like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to lightly brown at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizza crackers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—they’ll crisp up as they sit.
- Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use mini pepperoni for the best fit on each cracker, or cut regular pepperoni into halves or quarters.
- Don’t overload the crackers with sauce—too much can make them soggy and harder to pick up.
- Keep a close eye on them during the last couple of minutes of baking, as they can go from perfectly melty to too dark quickly.
- These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can reheat leftovers in a low oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5 crackers
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: pepperoni pizza crackers, pizza bites, easy appetizer, kid-friendly snack, party food, quick recipe
