Crispy Pizza Chips are the ultimate snack for anyone who loves that perfect combination of crunchy and cheesy. Imagine tiny, golden-baked chips loaded with all the classic pizza flavors like tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. They’re crispy, flavorful, and just a little bit addictive.
I love making these because they’re so quick and satisfying. Whenever I’m craving something tasty but don’t want to order a whole pizza, I turn to these pizza chips. Plus, they’re super easy to customize — you can add pepperoni bits, extra cheese, or even a drizzle of garlic butter for a little extra zing.
These chips are fantastic on their own, but I also like to serve them with a side of marinara or ranch for dipping. They’re perfect for movie nights, casual get-togethers, or just a fun afternoon treat. Honestly, once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully to give you that gooey, classic pizza flavor. I like using whole-milk mozzarella for creaminess, but part-skim works too if you want less fat.
Parmesan cheese: It adds a nice sharpness and helps with crisping. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute or any hard, aged cheese.
All-purpose flour: Mixing flour into the cheese helps bind the chips and keeps them from melting into a mess. You can try almond flour for a low-carb twist.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni slices add that classic pizza meat taste. You can swap with cooked sausage, ham, or go veggie with olives or mushrooms.
Italian seasoning & garlic powder: These give the chips that familiar pizza herb flavor. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
How Can You Get Perfectly Crispy Pizza Chips Every Time?
Getting the chips crispy but not burnt takes a bit of care. Here are my best tips:
- Spread the cheese mixture thin and evenly so it bakes through and crisps up well.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) — this is hot enough to crisp the edges quickly without burning.
- Watch the chips closely in the last minutes to catch that perfect golden-brown color.
- Let them cool on a rack or parchment paper to keep the crispy texture instead of steaming.
Following these steps helps you get crunchy, delicious pizza chips that hold together and taste great for snacking or dipping!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowl – For combining the cheese, flour, and seasonings; it keeps everything together and evenly mixed.
- Spoon or small scoop – To portion out the cheese mixture into small rounds or irregular shapes.
- Oven – To bake the chips until golden and crispy. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for best results.
- Cooling rack – Helps the chips stay crispy once out of the oven by letting air circulate around them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mini pepperoni for cooked sausage, chopped ham, or even cooked bacon bits for different meaty flavors.
- Add chopped vegetables like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture and color.
- Mix in herbs like basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes with the cheese for a spicy or more aromatic kick.
- Use different cheeses, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a sharper or spicier flavor profile.
Crispy Pizza Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chips:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (to mix with cheese)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings & Garnish:
- ¼ cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 6–8 minutes to bake. Then, allow a few minutes for the chips to cool and crisp up before serving. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy your crispy pizza chips in under 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Cheese and Seasonings:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to make sure the flour and spices are evenly mixed in with the cheeses.
3. Form the Chips:
Use a spoon to drop small spoonfuls of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Flatten each pile slightly into a thin, round or irregular chip shape.
4. Add Pepperoni Slices:
Gently press mini pepperoni slices into the top of each cheese chip so they stick but don’t sink completely into the cheese mixture.
5. Bake Until Crispy:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 6–8 minutes, watching closely. The edges should turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Cool and Crisp Up:
Take the chips out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack so they stay crispy and don’t get soggy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle the chips with chopped fresh parsley for a bit of color and freshness. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, crunchy, cheesy pizza chips!
Can I Use Different Cheeses for Pizza Chips?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan give the best classic texture and flavor, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend for a twist. Just ensure the cheese melts well and crisps up nicely.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza Chips?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, avoid refrigeration as it can make them soggy. Reheat briefly in the oven if needed to refresh the crunch.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. This will help bind the cheese while keeping the chips crispy and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Pizza Chips?
The oven or toaster oven is ideal — heat them at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or soggy.