Description
Elegant canapés made with thin rounds of pepperoni topped with melted, lacy cheese, offering a sophisticated balance of spice and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 thin slices of pepperoni (well-chilled for clean edges)
- 1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar or aged Asiago
- 1/2 cup warmed marinara (for serving)
- 1 tsp honey or balsamic reduction (optional drizzle)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley or oregano, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, light sprinkle)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and arrange pepperoni slices in a single layer, spaced slightly apart.
- Sprinkle about 1–1½ teaspoons of the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano onto each pepperoni slice, then top with a light dusting of sharp cheddar.
- Season each mound with smoked paprika and black pepper.
- Bake for 6–9 minutes, watching closely after 6 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and edges are golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 1–2 minutes on the sheet.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and drizzle of honey or balsamic reduction if using. Serve warm.
Notes
For best results, use finely grated cheeses and keep the pepperoni cold until baking. Store in an airtight container after cooling to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg