Pin it A quick and irresistible appetizer featuring zesty pepperoni slices layered on crisp square crackers, topped with melty cheese for the perfect snack or party bite.
This recipe quickly became my go-to for last-minute gatherings; it never fails to impress guests with its simplicity and taste.
Ingredients
- Crackers: 12 square crackers (such as saltines or butter crackers)
- Pepperoni & Cheese: 24 slices pepperoni, 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Garnish (Optional): 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven broiler to high, positioning a rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
- Arrange Crackers:
- Arrange the square crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Layer Pepperoni:
- Place 2 slices of pepperoni on each cracker, overlapping slightly.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella over the pepperoni on each cracker.
- Optional Parmesan:
- Top with a light dusting of grated Parmesan.
- Broil:
- Broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted and the pepperoni edges begin to crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve warm.
Pin it My family loves gathering around the kitchen island to build these snacks together before parties.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, oven broiler, oven mitts
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (crackers), milk (cheese), pork (pepperoni). May contain soy depending on the brand.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 80 calories, 6 g total fat, 5 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein.
Pin it 
These pepperoni crackers are perfect for quick parties and can be customized easily to suit your taste.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of crackers work best?
Square crackers like saltines or butter crackers provide a crisp, sturdy base that holds toppings well without becoming soggy.
- → Can I substitute the pepperoni?
Yes, turkey pepperoni is a lighter alternative that still delivers rich flavor when broiled with cheese.
- → How do I avoid burning the cheese?
Keep a close eye while broiling for 2–3 minutes and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat to melt cheese without burning.
- → Can I make these spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or use hot pepperoni before broiling to introduce a spicy kick.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Choose gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary needs without compromising texture.