Description
Keto Pepperoni Cheese Crisps are a delicious and easy low-carb snack perfect for satisfying cravings without breaking your diet. Made with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and spicy pepperoni, these crispy bites bake quickly in the oven and serve as a perfect crunchy snack or topping for salads and soups.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Pepperoni
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Other
- Parchment paper (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the crisps.
- Mix Cheeses and Seasoning: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if using, and mix well.
- Chop Pepperoni: Chop 1/2 cup of pepperoni slices into smaller pieces to evenly distribute in the crisps.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped pepperoni to the cheese mixture. If desired, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick and stir until everything is well combined.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the crisps from sticking.
- Portion Mixture: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, place portions of the cheese and pepperoni mixture on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten Crisps: Gently press down on each scoop to slightly flatten them for even baking and crispiness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the crisps turn golden brown and crispy. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Cool on Sheet: Remove the crisps from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up.
- Transfer to Rack: Carefully move the crisps to a wire cooling rack to prevent sogginess and maintain their crunch.
- Serve: Enjoy the crisps as a crunchy low-carb snack or pair them with your favorite dips.
- Use as Topping: Add the cheese crisps as a flavorful topping to salads or soups for extra texture.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftover crisps in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the oven to re-crisp if necessary.
Notes
- You can omit the optional Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Be sure to monitor the crisps closely in the oven to avoid over-browning as oven temperatures may vary.
- These crisps can be customized by adding other low-carb spices or finely chopped herbs according to taste.
- They make a great portable snack for keto and low-carb diets.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispiness for up to 3 days.
