Pepperoni Pizza Crackers

When I was a kid, pizza night was always the best night of the week. But when you combine that flavor-packed nostalgia with the satisfying crunch of a cracker, something magical happens—Pepperoni Pizza Crackers are born. These bite-sized delights bring all the cheesy, saucy joy of pizza in an easy-to-make, totally addictive appetizer.

Perfect for game day, party trays, or a quick snack the whole family will devour, this recipe is fast, fun, and crowd-pleasing. And let’s not forget the ranch butter drizzle—trust me, it takes things to a whole new level.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Kid & Crowd Favorite: A guaranteed hit with adults and kids alike.
• Customizable: Swap toppings or cheeses as you like.
• Perfect for Parties: Makes 48 bite-sized pieces.
• Delivers Classic Pizza Flavors: Marinara, melted cheese, and crispy pepperoni—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

For the Crackers:

• 48 Ritz crackers
• 1 lb grated mozzarella cheese
• 6 oz sliced pepperoni
• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)

For the Ranch Butter:

• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Make the Ranch Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and ranch seasoning until well combined.

3. Assemble the Crackers

• Lay 48 Ritz crackers on one of the prepared sheet trays.
• Drizzle each cracker with the ranch butter mixture.
• Top each with a generous pinch of grated mozzarella cheese.

4. Prepare the Pepperoni

• Spread out the pepperoni slices evenly on the second baking tray.
• This allows them to crisp up separately and avoids sogginess.

5. Bake

• Place both trays in the oven on the top rack.
• Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pepperoni is crisp.

6. Finish & Serve

• Remove from the oven and dollop each cheesy cracker with a spoonful of warm marinara sauce.
• Top with one crispy pepperoni slice.
• Serve warm with extra marinara on the side for dipping.

Make-Ahead Tips & Storage

• Prep Ahead: Assemble crackers (without baking) up to 1 day in advance.
• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2 days and reheated in a toaster oven.
• Freezer Friendly? Not recommended, as crackers can become soggy.

Variations

• Cheese Swap: Use cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend.
• Add Veggies: Top with small pieces of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni.
• Low-Carb Version: Use mini bell pepper slices instead of crackers as the base.

What to Serve With Pepperoni Pizza Crackers

• Extra Marinara or Ranch for Dipping
• Italian Chopped Salad
• Garlic Knots or Breadsticks
• A Cold Beer or Sparkling Water with Lemon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use another type of cracker?
Yes! Any sturdy, buttery cracker will work. Ritz just adds that classic flavor and texture.

How do I make them extra crispy?
Bake on a wire rack placed over the sheet tray, or toast the crackers for a few minutes before adding toppings.

Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely—just skip the pepperoni or substitute it with olives or sautéed mushrooms.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free crackers and double-check your marinara sauce for hidden gluten.

How long do they stay crispy?
They’re best eaten fresh from the oven, but will stay reasonably crisp for a few hours when left uncovered.

Final Thoughts

These Pepperoni Pizza Crackers are your shortcut to pizza party heaven. Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavors, they’re the kind of appetizer that disappears in minutes. They’re also super fun to make with kids or friends, especially when you get creative with toppings.

Whether you’re hosting game night, throwing a party, or just craving a quick snack—this recipe will always come through.