Aunt Denise calls these her game-day secret weapon because the tray is empty before the first commercial break

Aunt Denise really nailed it with this one. These Pepperoni Pizza Bites capture the best part of a pizza—the crispy, golden edges—and turn them into a satisfying low-carb snack. The addition of an egg gives the mozzarella structure, helping it bake into a firm, cracker-like base instead of melting flat. The result? Salty, slightly spicy bites that are perfect for dipping and sharing.

Aunt Denise’s Game-Day Pizza Bites

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 36–40 slices pepperoni (regular or turkey)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheets
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line three rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray or a thin layer of olive oil.

Tip: Don’t skip greasing the parchment. Melted Parmesan can stick, and a light coating helps ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly blended and the mixture begins to hold together.

Step 3: Lay Out the Pepperoni
Arrange the pepperoni slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each. You should fit around 12–14 slices per sheet.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Place a generous tablespoon of the cheese mixture on top of each pepperoni slice. Gently press down so it adheres. If some cheese spreads beyond the edges, that’s perfect—it will create those crisp, golden edges.

Step 5: Bake and Finish Under Broiler
Bake for 8–10 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even cooking. For extra color and bubbling on top, broil for the final 30–60 seconds. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 6: Let Them Firm Up
Allow the bites to cool on the baking sheets for 3–5 minutes. As they cool slightly, the cheese will set and become firm enough to lift easily.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully transfer the bites to a serving platter using a thin spatula. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.