There’s something magical about bite-sized snacks that burst with flavor in every mouthful. These 2-Bite Pizza Pepper Poppers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser cheesy, savory, and packed with all the pizza goodness you love in a cute, poppable form. Whether you need a quick appetizer for game night, a fun snack for the kids, or just a reason to indulge in melty, gooey goodness, this recipe has you covered. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love 2-Bite Pizza Pepper Poppers
Versatile: Perfect for quick snacks, party appetizers, or even a fun side dish. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or pack them for a lunchbox treat.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have. No fancy ingredients just classic pizza flavors in a new, exciting form.
Quick and Easy: No need for pizza dough or long wait times. These come together in minutes and bake quickly.
Customizable: You can swap out the fillings to fit your cravings think different cheeses, extra spice, or even a veggie-loaded version.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, and everyone in between will devour these in no time. If you love pizza (and who doesn’t?), you’ll adore these poppers!
Ingredients in 2-Bite Pizza Pepper Poppers
Mini Bell Peppers: These serve as the perfect vessel sweet, crunchy, and just the right size for bite-sized goodness.
Mozzarella Cheese: The ultimate cheese pull! Melty, gooey, and packed with creamy texture.
Pepperoni: Adds that classic, slightly spicy, and smoky pizza flavor. You can also use turkey pepperoni or a plant-based alternative.
Pizza Sauce: A rich, tangy tomato sauce that ties everything together. Choose your favorite store-bought version or make your own.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives these poppers that signature pizzeria taste.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of nutty, salty goodness to enhance every bite.
Olive Oil: Helps the peppers roast to perfection with a slightly crispy edge.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you love a little heat, this adds a spicy kick!
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to ensure even cooking and a perfectly roasted texture.
Prepare the Peppers: Slice each mini bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. This creates little “boats” for your filling.
Fill the Peppers: Spread a small amount of pizza sauce inside each pepper half. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, then add a few pieces of chopped pepperoni.
Season and Bake: Place the peppers on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan, then bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Finishing Touches: Let the poppers cool slightly before serving. If you like, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange them on a plate and watch them disappear!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 150
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve 2-Bite Pizza Pepper Poppers
Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with balsamic dressing pairs perfectly with the cheesy richness.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Dips: Ranch dressing, marinara, or a creamy garlic dip take these poppers to the next level.
As a Standalone: These are satisfying on their own just sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for an extra touch.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Slice and deseed the peppers in advance for a quicker assembly.
Spice It Up: Try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce inside the peppers.
Dietary Adjustments: Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version or turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Double the Batch: These freeze well! Make extra and freeze before baking for an easy snack later.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use regular bell peppers instead of mini peppers? Yes, but you may need to cut them into smaller pieces or adjust the baking time.
2. Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble them in advance and bake when ready to serve.
3. What’s the best way to reheat them? Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
4. Can I use a different cheese? Definitely! Try cheddar, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack.
5. How do I make them vegetarian? Just skip the pepperoni or use a plant-based alternative.
6. Can I add extra toppings? Of course! Diced mushrooms, olives, or jalapeños work great.
7. Can I freeze them? Yes! Freeze unbaked poppers, then bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes.
8. Do I need to cook the pepperoni first? Nope! It will crisp up nicely in the oven.
9. Can I use an air fryer? Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 8 minutes.
10. What other seasonings work well? Try smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried basil for a twist.
Conclusion
These 2-Bite Pizza Pepper Poppers are a game-changer! They’re quick, delicious, and a fun way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the dough. Whether you make them for yourself or share with friends, they’ll disappear fast. Give them a try you won’t regret it!
Print
2-Bite Pizza Pepper Poppers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 poppers 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable 2-Bite Pizza Pepper Poppers are the perfect party snack or appetizer! Mini peppers are stuffed with marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and mini pepperoni, then baked to perfection. They’re low-carb, keto-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Easy to make and even easier to devour!
Ingredients
5 mini peppers, sliced in half
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Mini pepperoni slices
Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
Prep the Peppers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
Stuff the Peppers:
Drizzle the pepper halves lightly with olive oil. Fill each half with a spoonful of marinara sauce, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a few mini pepperoni slices.
Bake:
Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy:
Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy these bite-sized pizza delights!
Notes
For a spicier kick, use jalapeños instead of mini peppers.
Customize the toppings with your favorite pizza ingredients, like mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage.
These poppers can be prepped ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 poppers (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg