Recipe from Simpler Savory
The recipe
Healthy Low Carb Pepperoni Cheese Crisps
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Total
- 22 min
- Servings
- 6 servings
Nutrition Facts
Original author values. Recipe yield: 6 servings.
- calories
- 160
2× the original author values. Recipe yield: 6 servings.
- calories
- 320
3× the original author values. Recipe yield: 6 servings.
- calories
- 480
Values are reproduced from the source recipe; this site only applies the selected linear multiplier and does not estimate nutrients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese — freshly shredded for best melt
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese — adds golden color and extra snap
- 24 slices pepperoni — standard thin slices; turkey pepperoni works
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano — light sprinkle
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder — just a pinch per mound
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes — optional, for heat
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper — optional
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free marinara or pizza sauce — tiny dabs only to prevent sogginess
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil — for garnish
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar or hot honey — few drops for finishing, optional
- 1 sheet parchment paper — for lining the pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a heavy baking sheet with parchment paper for best crisping.
- Scoop small mounds of mozzarella, about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons each, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
- Lightly sprinkle each mound with Parmesan to encourage a golden, lacy edge.
- Top each mound with one slice of pepperoni, gently pressing so it sits flat on the cheese.
- Add a whisper of Italian seasoning and a tiny pinch of garlic powder; sprinkle red pepper flakes and black pepper if using.
- If using, dab a VERY small amount of sugar-free marinara beneath or on top of the pepperoni—avoid excess moisture.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes until edges turn deep golden and lacy and the centers go from glossy to matte.
- In the last minute, monitor closely; pull when pepperoni edges are cupped and the cheese has browned freckles.
- Tilt the pan and blot excess oil with a folded paper towel. Let crisps rest on the pan 2 minutes to set the crunch.
- Transfer crisps to a wire rack to cool completely for maximum snap.
- Optional: add a drop or two of red wine vinegar or hot honey, and sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil. Serve with dips if desired.
Notes
Cool completely on a wire rack before storing to preserve crunch. Store in an airtight container lined with paper towels (top and bottom). Keep at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 4 days. Re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 3–5 minutes, in an air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes, or in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes. Let sit 1 minute after reheating to sharpen the crunch.
Source: https://simplersavory.com/healthy-low-carb-pepperoni-cheese-crisps/