Pepperoni Cream Cheese Bites — The Perfect Keto Party Snack
These Pepperoni Cream Cheese Bites are the kind of snack that disappears faster than you can make them. Each bite combines crispy, salty pepperoni with a warm, creamy cheese filling that melts perfectly together — it’s like a mini pizza without the crust. They’re keto-friendly, simple to make, and ready in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for parties, game nights, or when you just want a quick savory treat.
A Bite-Sized Favorite
When I first made these, it was almost by accident — a craving for something cheesy and crunchy that didn’t take forever. Pressing pepperoni into muffin cups turned out to be a little stroke of genius. The slices crisp into perfect “shells” while the cream cheese filling bubbles up golden and irresistible. It’s everything you love about pepperoni pizza, shrunk down into a snack-sized keto version.
Key Ingredients That Make It Work
- Pepperoni: Acts as the crispy, flavorful cup. Choose thinner slices so they mold easily.
- Cream Cheese: The base of the creamy filling — soft and rich.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan: For that melty stretch and salty punch.
- Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: The simple blend that gives these bites their pizzeria-style flavor.
Pro Tip for Crispy Cups
Bake the pepperoni cups on their own first — just for a few minutes. This helps them crisp up and hold their shape before you add the filling. Blotting with paper towels afterward keeps them perfectly crunchy, not greasy.
Fun Ways to Customize
- Add jalapeños for a little heat.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Finish with fresh herbs or red pepper flakes for a pop of color and spice.
Final Thoughts
These Pepperoni Cream Cheese Bites are proof that keto snacks can be easy, fun, and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to hit the spot — warm, crispy, and oh-so-cheesy. Keep this recipe in your back pocket; once you serve them, everyone will ask for it.
Pepperoni Cream Cheese Bites
Equipment
- Mini Muffin Pan
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 slices pepperoni thinly sliced
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- Press two pepperoni slices into each muffin cup to form a small cup shape. Overlap if necessary to cover the bottom and sides.
- Bake for 5 minutes until the edges are crispy. Remove from oven and carefully blot excess grease with paper towels.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture into each pepperoni cup. Return to the oven and bake for another 3–4 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Cool slightly before removing from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
