Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pepper pizza bites are incredibly simple to make, with just four basic ingredients. The mini bell peppers act as the perfect low-carb base for pizza toppings, providing a crunchy bite without the guilt of traditional pizza crust. The melted mozzarella cheese and savory mini pepperoni create the ultimate flavor combination, while the marinara sauce adds a touch of tang. Quick to prepare, these bites are ideal for any occasion, from a Super Bowl party to a casual snack.
Ingredients
8 ounces mini bell peppers (about 8 peppers), sliced in half lengthwise and seeded
3/4 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 ounce mini pepperoni slices
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the sliced mini bell peppers on the baking sheet, cut sides up.
- Using a small spoon, divide the marinara sauce between the peppers.
- Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place 3 mini pepperoni slices on top of the cheese in each pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
- Switch the oven’s broiler to High and broil the peppers for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Veggie Option: Swap the mini pepperoni for sliced vegetables like mushrooms, olives, or onions for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Herb-Infused: Sprinkle some dried oregano, basil, or garlic powder on top of the cheese for an extra flavor boost.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pepper pizza bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore the crispiness. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of their crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use larger bell peppers instead of mini peppers?
Yes, you can use larger bell peppers, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time as they may take longer to bake.
2. Can I make these pizza bites ahead of time?
You can prepare the pizza bites and store them in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes longer.
3. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara sauce?
Yes, pizza sauce would work perfectly in place of marinara sauce. Both are flavorful options for this recipe.
4. Can I make these pizza bites with vegan cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute shredded vegan cheese for the mozzarella to make the recipe dairy-free.
5. How do I make these pizza bites spicier?
Add some spicy pepperoni or sliced jalapeños on top before baking for an extra kick of heat.
6. Can I freeze these pizza bites?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared, uncooked pizza bites for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
7. How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?
Be sure to remove the seeds from the peppers and bake them cut side up. This helps reduce moisture buildup during baking.
8. Can I use a different type of meat topping?
Yes, feel free to substitute mini pepperoni with other types of meat, like sausage, turkey pepperoni
9. Can I use a different cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a different flavor.
10. How long can I store leftover pepper pizza bites?
Leftover pizza bites can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
Conclusion
These 4-ingredient pepper pizza bites are a simple, quick, and flavorful way to enjoy pizza in a healthier, low-carb form. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an easy weeknight treat, these pizza bites will quickly become a favorite!
4-Ingredient Pepper Pizza Bites
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These 4-ingredient pepper pizza bites are the perfect low-carb, quick, and delicious snack for pizza lovers. Made with mini bell peppers, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and mini pepperoni, these pizza bites are the perfect way to enjoy a healthier, crunchy version of pizza in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
8 ounces mini bell peppers (about 8 peppers), sliced in half lengthwise and seeded
3/4 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 ounce mini pepperoni slices
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Place the sliced mini bell peppers on the baking sheet, cut sides up.
-
Using a small spoon, divide the marinara sauce between the peppers.
-
Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.
-
Place 3 mini pepperoni slices on top of the cheese in each pepper.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
-
Switch the oven’s broiler to High and broil the peppers for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
-
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Veggie Option: Swap mini pepperoni for sliced vegetables like mushrooms, olives, or onions for a vegetarian option.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Herb-Infused: Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, or garlic powder on top for additional flavor.
