If you’re looking for a quick and delicious snack that always hits the spot, you’ve got to try these pepperoni cheese puffs! They’re the perfect little bites for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game night, throwing a casual get-together, or just need something to munch on while binge-watching your favorite show. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; everyone kept asking for more! They disappeared in a flash, and I ended up making a second batch. Trust me, the combination of gooey mozzarella and flavorful pepperoni is absolutely irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, so you can focus on enjoying those precious moments with your friends and family. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients!
Ingredients for Pepperoni Cheese Puffs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – This gives the puffs that melty, gooey goodness!
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped – Adds that classic, zesty flavor that makes these puffs irresistible.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – This helps bind everything together for that perfect puff texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder – A little lift to make sure they puff up nicely in the oven.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Just a hint of garlic flavor to enhance the savory taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – To bring out all those delicious flavors.
- 1 large egg – Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- 1/4 cup milk – Adds moisture for a soft, tender inside.
How to Prepare Pepperoni Cheese Puffs
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your puffs cook evenly and get that nice, golden color. So, don’t skip this step—trust me, it makes a difference!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Now, grab a mixing bowl and combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly mixed. Just be careful not to overmix; we want to keep things light and airy for those fluffy puffs!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next up, add 1 large egg and 1/4 cup of milk to the dry mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; we’re not looking for perfection here—just a nicely blended mixture!
Fold in Cheese and Pepperoni
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of chopped pepperoni into the batter. Use a spatula and be gentle to keep that lovely texture; we want every bite to be cheesy and packed with flavor!
Form the Puffs
It’s time to shape those puffs! Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I like to use a cookie scoop for this—it gives you nice, even puffs!
Bake and Cool
Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before diving in. This will help them set and make them easier to handle. Trust me, your nose will be in heaven while they bake!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each pepperoni cheese puff, based on typical values:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 0g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, with these tasty little bites, you can feel good about indulging every once in a while!
Tips for Success
To make sure your pepperoni cheese puffs come out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, remember not to overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients. A few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to dense puffs, and we want them light and airy.
Also, keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 15-minute mark. You want them golden brown and puffed up, but if they’re underbaked, they might be a bit gooey inside. If that happens, just pop them back in for a couple more minutes. Trust me, with these little tweaks, you’ll be a pepperoni puff pro in no time!
Variations of Pepperoni Cheese Puffs
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with these pepperoni cheese puffs! For instance, you can swap out the pepperoni for cooked sausage—Italian sausage adds a nice kick, while breakfast sausage gives a different flavor profile that’s equally delicious. If you’re looking to keep things veggie-friendly, try adding some finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for a fresh twist!
Feeling cheesy? You can experiment with different types of cheese, like sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor or pepper jack if you want a little spice. You could even mix cheeses for a unique taste! And don’t forget about seasonings! A sprinkle of Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a dash of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor even more.
The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes these puffs so delightful! Go ahead, get creative and find your favorite combo. I promise you’ll love the results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these delicious pepperoni cheese puffs, you’ll probably want to save some for later—if they last that long! To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but honestly, I doubt they’ll stick around that long!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze. You can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat them for about 30 seconds, but be careful, they can get a bit chewy. I always find that the oven gives the best results for that perfect puffiness, but hey, you do you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for last-minute snacks!
- Flavor-packed with gooey cheese and zesty pepperoni in every bite.
- Great for parties, game nights, or casual gatherings—everyone loves them!
- Customizable with different meats, veggies, and cheeses for endless variety.
- Leftovers are easy to store and reheat, so you can enjoy them later!
Pepperoni Cheese Puffs: 7 Irresistible Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy pepperoni cheese puffs that are perfect for snacks or appetizers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add the egg and milk to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fold in the mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter.
- You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or vegetables.
- These puffs can be frozen and reheated later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pepperoni cheese puffs, easy snack recipes, baking recipes
