If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible snack that perfectly captures the magic of your favorite takeout in a crispy, golden form, then you absolutely need to try this Pizza Chips Recipe. These little bites combine the comforting crunch of homemade potato chips with all the classic pizza flavors you love—herbs, garlic, melty cheese, and just the right amount of pepperoni. Whether you’re craving something snackable for game day, a fun appetizer for guests, or just a savory treat to enjoy any time, this delightfully simple recipe will quickly become your go-to. Trust me, once you dig in, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these pizza-inspired chips!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this Pizza Chips Recipe plays an essential role in bringing out that full, savory pizza flavor with perfect texture and color. From the humble russet potato providing crispiness to the blend of herbs and cheese delivering that unmistakable taste, you’ll appreciate how straightforward yet impactful each element is.
- 2 large russet potatoes: These classic potatoes offer the perfect starchiness and crisp up nicely for the chip base.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps achieve that beautiful golden finish while keeping chips crisp.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A punch of garlic flavor that mimics your favorite pizza sauce seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: The quintessential pizza herb to bring an earthy, aromatic note.
- 1/2 tsp dried basil: Adds a hint of sweetness and freshness that complements the oregano perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances every flavor and balances the seasoning.
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty layer that melts beautifully over the chips.
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices: The star topping that delivers that meaty, slightly spicy kick.
How to Make Pizza Chips Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready by Heating Your Oven or Air Fryer
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F to ensure everything cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly. Getting the temperature right from the start is key to that ideal chip crunch.
Step 2: Slice and Prep the Potatoes
Start by scrubbing your russet potatoes clean—no need to peel, just a good scrub will do. Slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, so they crisp evenly without burning or staying soft. Pat each slice dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture, which helps with crispy results.
Step 3: Toss with Seasonings and Oil
Place your potato slices in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Then sprinkle the garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper over them. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure every chip is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake or Air Fry
Lay the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for uniform crispness. If you’re using an air fryer, cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket once partway through for the same effect.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Pepperoni
Remove the chips briefly and sprinkle shredded Parmesan all over, then top each chip with a mini pepperoni slice. The cheese will melt over those golden potatoes, while the pepperoni gives it that classic pizza bite.
Step 6: Finish Baking to Melt and Brown
Pop the tray back in the oven or air fryer for an additional 3–5 minutes until the cheese bubbles and melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheesy layer. Keep an eye on them so nothing burns!
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Let the chips cool slightly so they firm up just a bit. For that final touch, sprinkle with extra dried herbs or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick, and get ready to serve!
How to Serve Pizza Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a lovely pop of color and brightness. You can also dust the chips lightly with grated Parmesan or drizzle with a little garlic-infused olive oil for an elevated twist.
Side Dishes
These pizza chips pair beautifully with a side of marinara or garlic-infused sour cream for dipping. A crisp Caesar salad or a bowl of chilled antipasto makes for a fantastic complement to balance out the crunchy, cheesy chips.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pizza chips piled high on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of dipping sauces for an inviting sharing platter. You can also layer them on top of a fresh arugula salad for a loaded appetizer or sprinkle crumbled chips over soup for texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Try to keep them in a single layer or separated with parchment paper to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness.
Freezing
While these chips are best fresh, you can freeze the unbaked, seasoned potato slices on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, bake or air fry straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To re-crisp leftover chips, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes. This will help restore some of their original crunch and refresh the melted cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile with natural sweetness and a nice orange color. Just be sure to slice them thinly and watch the cooking time, as they may crisp a little faster.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the chips, but you can substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder melt or even cheddar for a sharper bite. Just keep in mind texture changes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses potatoes and simple seasonings. Just double-check any prepackaged ingredients, like pepperoni, to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.
What’s the best way to get the chips extra crispy?
Drying the potato slices thoroughly before seasoning and baking is key. Also, avoid overlapping the slices on your baking sheet or air fryer basket, as even heat circulation is crucial for crispiness.
Can I make these on the stovetop instead of oven or air fryer?
You can pan-fry the slices in a bit of oil over medium heat, but it takes more attention to avoid burning. The oven and air fryer methods are more hands-off and give a more even crisp.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up this Pizza Chips Recipe! It’s the perfect blend of crispy potato goodness and classic pizza flavors that come together in such a fun, shareable way. Give these chips a try the next time you want a snack that’s guaranteed to impress—you might just find yourself making them again and again!
Print
Pizza Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These homemade Pizza Chips are a crispy, flavorful snack made from thinly sliced russet potatoes seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and topped with melted Parmesan and mini pepperoni slices. Perfect as a party appetizer or a fun twist on classic chips, they bake or air fry quickly to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Potato Chips
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F, depending on your preferred cooking method.
- Slice Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for crispiness.
- Season: Toss the potato slices with olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat each slice with the flavorful seasonings.
- Arrange: Lay the seasoned potato slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet if baking, or evenly arrange them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the Chips: Bake the potato slices for 15-20 minutes in the oven, flipping them halfway through for even crisping; or air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket once to ensure even cooking.
- Add Toppings: Remove the chips from the oven or air fryer and immediately sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese on each chip, then place a mini pepperoni slice on top of each one.
- Finish Cooking: Return the chips to the oven or air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the pizza chips cool slightly, optionally garnish with extra herbs if desired, and serve warm for a delicious snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure potato slices are dried thoroughly before seasoning.
- You can substitute the mini pepperoni with other toppings like sliced olives or diced bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking when baking in the oven.
- If using an air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper air circulation.
- These chips are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
