Pepperoni is capable of doing much more than just sitting on top of a pizza. These 19 appetizers prove just that. Each one is perfect for grazing. With all of the stuffed pepper options to the crispy pepperoni chips, your collection of appetizers is guaranteed to be salty and savory. Set out a few and watch your guests finish them before the entrees are served.
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1) Stuffed Pepperoni Mushrooms
Small cups filled with cheesy and pepperoni goodness that can be eaten in one or two bites.
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Stuffed Pepperoni Mushrooms
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F and clean the mushrooms, removing the stems.
- Mix the cream cheese, pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic.
- Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap.
- Sprinkle the tops with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
2) Pepperoni and Cheese Pinwheels
Impressive looking spiral snacks that take very little time and effort to make.
Pepperoni and Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F and unroll the dough into a rectangle.
- Layer on the pepperoni and sprinkle with both cheeses.
- Dust with Italian seasoning.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Slice into rounds and place on a lined sheet, then brush with egg wash.
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden.
Notes
3) Pepperoni-Stuffed Sweet Peppers
An amazing combination of sweet and crunchy bell peppers with crunchy and salty pepperoni!
Pepperoni-Stuffed Sweet Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F and halve the peppers, removing the seeds.
- Mix the cream cheese, pepperoni, provolone, green onion, and seasoning.
- Spoon the filling into each pepper half.
- Arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake 15 to 18 minutes until the peppers soften and the cheese melts.
- Serve warm.
Notes
4) Pepperoni and Olive Tapenade
For all the crackers you already have at home, the spreads are fancy.
Pepperoni and Olive Tapenade
Ingredients
Method
- Add the pepperoni, olives, capers, and garlic to a food processor.
- Pulse until coarsely chopped, not pureed.
- Drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice while pulsing.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Transfer to a bowl and chill 15 minutes.
- Serve with crostini for spreading.
Notes
5) Crispy Pepperoni Chips
Just two ingredients and a few minutes, this is an extremely snackable recipe!
Crispy Pepperoni Chips
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices in a single layer.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes until crisp and the fat renders.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain and crisp up further.
- Dust lightly with Parmesan while warm.
- Serve with ranch dip.
Notes
6) Pepperoni and Mozzarella Skewers
Antipasto on a stick is perhaps the simplest party snack to make!
Pepperoni and Mozzarella Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Fold each pepperoni slice into quarters.
- Thread a pepperoni, a mozzarella ball, a tomato, and a basil leaf onto each skewer.
- Repeat the pattern to fill the skewers.
- Arrange on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Serve at room temperature.
Notes
7) Pepperoni Jalapeno Poppers
Cheesy and spicy with a surprise of salty pepperoni!
Pepperoni Jalapeno Poppers
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F and halve the jalapenos, removing seeds.
- Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, pepperoni, and garlic powder.
- Spoon the filling into each jalapeno half.
- Sprinkle the tops with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Notes
8) Mini Pepperoni Frittatas
Adorable mini egg bites that are perfect for brunch or for a party platter.
Mini Pepperoni Frittatas
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Whisk the eggs with the milk and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the pepperoni, both cheeses, and green onion.
- Divide the mixture among the muffin cups.
- Bake 18 to 20 minutes until set and puffed.
- Cool a few minutes before popping them out.
Notes
9) Pepperoni and Brie Crostini
Brie cheese that is melty and pepperoni that is salty on toast is, surprisingly, a very good combination.
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Pepperoni and Brie Crostini
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and brush the baguette slices with olive oil.
- Toast the slices until lightly golden.
- Lay a slice of brie on each toast.
- Top with pepperoni and return to the oven 3 to 4 minutes until the brie melts.
- Drizzle with honey.
- Finish with fresh thyme and serve warm.
Notes
10) Pepperoni-Stuffed Breadsticks
Every bite has a pepperoni secret and they're cheazy and soft!
Pepperoni-Stuffed Breadsticks
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and divide the dough into 8 pieces.
- Flatten each piece and layer with pepperoni and a piece of string cheese.
- Roll and pinch the dough around the filling into a breadstick.
- Place seam-side down on a lined sheet and brush with garlic butter.
- Bake 15 to 18 minutes until golden.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve with marinara.
Notes
11) Pepperoni-Crusted Chicken Bites
Crunchy chicken nuggets with a pepperoni kick.
Pepperoni-Crusted Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet.
- Pulse the pepperoni, panko, Parmesan, and seasoning into a coarse crumb.
- Set up flour, beaten eggs, and the pepperoni crumb.
- Dredge each chicken cube in flour, then egg, then the crumb.
- Arrange on the sheet and spray lightly with oil.
- Bake 16 to 18 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through.
Notes
12) Pepperoni and Avocado Toast
Avocado toast has matured and become a little more sassy.
Pepperoni and Avocado Toast
Ingredients
Method
- Crisp the pepperoni slices in a dry skillet until curled, then set aside.
- Toast the bread until golden.
- Mash the avocados with lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the avocado generously over each toast.
- Top with the crispy pepperoni.
- Drizzle with olive oil and finish with chili flakes.
Notes
13) Pepperoni Nacho Bites
Nachos made into perfect one-bite poppers so there's no need to scoop!
Pepperoni Nacho Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F and lay the chips on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle each chip with shredded cheddar.
- Top with diced pepperoni and a slice of jalapeno.
- Add a few olive slices to each.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Finish with a small dollop of sour cream and serve.
Notes
14) Pepperoni Meatballs
Meatballs feature bits of pepperoni mixed into the center.
Pepperoni Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet.
- Mix the beef, pepperoni, breadcrumbs, egg, mozzarella, garlic, and seasoning.
- Roll into meatballs about 1.5 inches across.
- Arrange on the sheet.
- Bake 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Toss in warm marinara and serve with toothpicks.
Notes
15) Pepperoni Quesadillas
This is the best fusion of pizza night and taco night!
Pepperoni Quesadillas
Ingredients
Method
- Sprinkle cheese over half of each tortilla.
- Add a layer of pepperoni and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Fold the tortillas over the filling.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook each quesadilla 2 to 3 minutes per side until crisp and the cheese melts.
- Cut into wedges and serve with marinara.
Notes
16) Bacon-Wrapped Pepperoni Bites
Enjoy two different types of salty and smoky meats in one amazing bite.
Bacon-Wrapped Pepperoni Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Stack a pepperoni slice with a cheese cube.
- Wrap each stack in a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and black pepper.
- Arrange on the sheet.
- Bake 20 to 22 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
Notes
17) Pepperoni and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
These cheesy pasta shells have a little extra comfort in the form of pepperoni.
Pepperoni and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 375F and spread half the marinara in a baking dish.
- Mix the ricotta, pepperoni, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and seasoning.
- Spoon the filling into each cooked shell.
- Nestle the shells into the dish.
- Top with the remaining marinara and mozzarella.
- Bake 22 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
18) Pepperoni Puff Pastry Twists
These twists are flaky and buttery and they look fancy from the bakery, but require almost zero skill to make them.
Pepperoni Puff Pastry Twists
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and roll out the puff pastry.
- Layer pepperoni and both cheeses over half the pastry.
- Fold the plain half over and press gently to seal.
- Cut into strips and twist each one a few times.
- Place on a lined sheet, brush with egg, and dust with seasoning.
- Bake 15 to 18 minutes until puffed and golden.
Notes
19) Pepperoni and Fig Bruschetta
The combination of sweet figs and salty pepperoni is surprisingly sophisticated.
Pepperoni and Fig Bruschetta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 400F and brush the baguette slices with olive oil.
- Toast the slices until golden and crisp.
- Spread a layer of fig jam on each toast.
- Top with pepperoni and crumbled goat cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Finish with fresh thyme and serve.