From stromboli to grilled cheese to dip and casserole, this roundup puts the pep in pepperoni. After all, it’s not just for pizza. This American cured meat is much beloved for its uniquely salty, spicy, and tangy flavor. It also has that wonderful balance of soft and chewy with crisp outer edges (when cooked perfectly). So naturally, this round-up includes contains a wide array of pizza recipes and variations thereof. But just to add a bit of diversity to the collection, I’m also featuring a bunch of non-traditional ways to use pepperoni. Can’t get enough of this yummy meat? I have just the 20 pepperoni recipes for you to try.
1. Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
There’s really no better way to get the ball rolling than with pepperoni pizza, is there? This pizza is all that you can ask for in the classic dish. It has a crisp, tender crust, melted mozzarella, and smoky pepperoni. Fun fact: did you know that the process of the pepperoni turning into a concave as it cooks has an actual term? Called cupping, the pepperoni curls up at the edges to form a cup, giving them those wonderfully crispy outlines.
2. Pepperoni Stromboli
Another fun fact: did you know that stromboli is actually an American creation? It was invented by Italian Americans in Philadelphia. No matter what country you’re reading this from, though, know that this pepperoni stromboli is a must-try. It’s a savory turnover stuffed with marinara sauce, pepperoni, and a trio of cheeses. Of course, you’re free to add other fillings your tastebuds crave. Its aroma while baking alone will make you fall in love.
3. Antipasto Skewers
I don’t know why, but to me, any kind of food threaded into skewers automatically becomes 10 times tastier. Take this appetizer, for instance. Normally, I’m not very fond of salads. But if you put the individual components through a stick, they’re irresistible in my eyes. In these skewers, you can look forward to cheese tortellini, salami, grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, cheese, and pepperoni. To complete the salad experience, serve the skewers with a simple olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.
4. Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushroom on pizza is one thing. These pizza-stuffed mushrooms are a whole other ball game. This fun take on the classic will definitely turn your life upside down! Mushrooms are smothered with pizza sauce and overflowing with gooey mozzarella and pepperoni. Do yourself a favor: don’t wait until your next party to make these appetizers. Try the recipe today, if possible.
5. Pepperoni Pizza Puffs
These pizza puffs are actually mini muffins loaded with cheese and pepperoni. They might be small, but they’re big on flavor. They’re soft, fluffy, and simply to die for. And unlike traditional pizza, this calls for an easy, flour-based batter which means you won’t have to burden yourself with kneading and rolling dough. Dip these bite-sized delights in marinara for the full pizza experience.
6. Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread
There’s absolutely nothing foolish about this monkey bread! A mash-up between pepperoni pizza and pull-apart bread, this appetizer won’t last long. Give it 2, 3 minutes max, and it’ll completely disappear. Loaded with cheese and pepperoni and served with marinara for dipping, this might just be your newest favorite bread. The best part? This recipe doesn’t require making dough from scratch. All you need are refrigerated biscuits, and you’re good to go.
7. Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
Craving homemade pizza but have no time or energy to make one? Here’s the perfect solution. This has everything you want in a pizza: a toasty crust, marinara sauce, and lots of stretchy cheese and pepperoni. The only difference is that it comes in sandwich form. And let me tell you, once you taste it, you’ll never go back to regular grilled cheese ever again.
8. Italian Chopped Salad
I always say I’m not fond of salads, but there are a few exceptions. This Italian chopped salad is one of them. You see, my main thing against salads is that they’re mostly overflowing with greens, and lacking the meats, cheeses, you know, all the good stuff. That’s why I’m so drawn to this salad like a moth to a flame. The ratio between the lettuce and the mixins is insane! It’s loaded with pepperoni, ham, pepperoncini, cheese, and olives. This is one salad I don’t mind eating every day.
9. Keto Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Occasionally, I like to dip my toes in healthy recipes. But when I do, I make sure the dishes taste so good no one will realize they’re good for you. This keto-friendly dish is the perfect example. It’s basically a pepperoni pizza in casserole form. At its base is creamy cauliflower puree, which doesn’t sound too exciting, but wait until you try it. It’s layered with a bed of gooey, stretchy mozzarella and topped with today’s feature ingredient, pepperoni.
10. Pepperoni Pizza Dip
If you’re looking for a guaranteed way to make your party a huge success, look no further. This pepperoni pizza dip is the answer. With a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and parmesan, to say this dip is decadent is an understatement. Topped with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni slices, it looks exactly like pizza, but with a hidden treasure underneath.
11. Pepperoni Roll Breakfast Strata
If you’ve never had or heard of strata yet, today’s your lucky day. It’s a layered casserole that primarily consists of bread, eggs, vegetables, and cheese. Complete with carbs, fat, protein, and vegetables, this dish is a whole meal in one. As you may have guessed, this strata is also loaded with pepperoni, which makes it even more mouthwatering. And while the name suggests you serve this for breakfast, feel free to enjoy it at any time of the day.
12. Mozzarella Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
You can’t go wrong with mozzarella pepperoni pizza sticks! Mozzarella and pepperoni are rolled in egg roll wrappers and fried until golden. My goodness. You’ll love how the wrappers are so crispy and crunchy. Your tastebuds will also be greeted with ooey-gooey cheese. Seriously, they’re so addictive. Consider yourself warned. By the way, be careful, as the cheese filling will be piping hot! Consider yourself warned again.
13. Pizza Pancakes
While most people like their pancakes sweet, others prefer them savory. If you fall under the second category, these pizza pancakes are screaming your name. These flapjacks are tall and fluffy as can be, and they’re loaded with pepperoni, bell peppers, and tomatoes. They make for a healthy and hearty breakfast that I’m sure the kids will love. They definitely won’t protest about the veggies.
14. Pepperoni and Cheese Crisps
Take your snack gaming to a whole new level with these pepperoni and cheese crisps. How can you say no to these morsels of toasted cheese topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella? You can’t. There’s just no way. As an added bonus, these crisps are keto-friendly. The only problem is, it’s hard to stop at one!
15. Pepperoni Bread
This is rolled-up pizza dough stuffed with cheese and pepperoni and baked to perfection. It transforms into a beautiful loaf of bread that’s just waiting to be devoured. I love that when you slice the bread, it reveals the gooey mozzarella and bright red pepperoni resting within.
16. Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Five ingredients + 30 minutes = one sensational casserole. Rotini noodles are bathed in sweet-savory marinara and topped with pepperoni, mozzarella, and basil, and baked until golden. It’s pizza and pasta combined, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s tasty, hearty, and simply amazing. It blows me away how you can transform simple pantry staples into such a beautiful culinary masterpiece.
17. Pepperoni Pizza Burger
You won’t need to decide between pizza or a burger for dinner. Just whip up this recipe and enjoy two comfort foods in one dish! The pepperoni pizza burger is essentially a hamburger that’s also loaded with parmesan, pepperoni, and mozzarella. As a huge fan of both burgers and pizza, you have no idea how happy this fusion makes me.
18. Pepperoni and Olive Penne Pasta
Penne pasta is tossed in a flavor-packed tomato-based sauce and loaded with pepperoni and kalamata olives. It doesn’t only taste good but looks stunning as well. This union creates a lovely red, black, and white color combo that’s hard not to drool over. To add an extra pop of color, garnish the dish with fresh basil.
19. Stuffed Meatloaf with Cheese
Just when you think the classic meatloaf couldn’t get any better, the internet decides to stuff it with cheese and cover it with pepperoni. I mean, why choose between meatloaf and pizza when you can have both, am I right? If you think this dish is utterly indulgent, you’re absolutely right. But, here’s the kicker: as rich and decadent as this meatloaf is, it’s also keto-friendly. I didn’t think I can love a recipe this much, yet here I am.
20. Pizza Quesadilla
Make your quesadilla even more inviting by throwing pepperoni into the mix. It’s a simple addition, but it makes a huge difference. Thanks to this salty and smoky meat, your quesadilla will also taste like pizza. Tex-Mex meets Italian! The best part? This recipe only takes 5 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for a last-minute lunch or dinner. Click on a star to rate it!
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