Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these pepperoni cheese puffs! They’re like little bites of heaven, bursting with cheesy goodness and savory pepperoni. I remember the first time I made them for a game night with friends; they were gone in a flash! The moment you pop one in your mouth, the warm, gooey cheese melts and blends perfectly with the flavor of the pepperoni. It’s such a satisfying snack! Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging in a cozy night at home, these puffs are guaranteed to be a hit. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup packed shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
How to Prepare Pepperoni Cheese Puffs
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is key! It ensures that your pepperoni cheese puffs bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Mix the Cheese and Pepperoni
Now, grab a mixing bowl and combine that packed shredded mozzarella, chopped pepperoni, and softened cream cheese. You want to mix them until they’re well incorporated, and oh boy, the smell will make your kitchen feel like a pizzeria! Just be sure the cream cheese is nice and soft so everything blends smoothly.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. This is where the magic begins! Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure everything gets evenly distributed later on, so don’t rush this part.
Whisk Wet Ingredients
Next up, take a separate bowl and whisk together the egg and milk. You want this mix to be smooth and well combined—no lumps allowed! This will help keep your puffs light and fluffy.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can lead to tough puffs, and we definitely don’t want that!
Fold in Cheese and Pepperoni Mixture
Now, here’s my favorite part: gently fold in that cheesy pepperoni mixture we made earlier. This is where those delicious flavors come together, and you’ll want to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bake the Puffs
Finally, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you’ll want to take them out just as they’re reaching that perfect crispy edge. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why these pepperoni cheese puffs are an absolute game-changer! First off, they’re incredibly quick to prepare—seriously, you can whip up a batch in just 35 minutes. That means more time enjoying your snack and less time in the kitchen! The savory flavor is another reason to love them; each bite is bursting with that delightful cheesy goodness mixed with the irresistible taste of pepperoni. It’s like a mini pizza party in your mouth!
But wait, there’s more! These puffs are perfect for gatherings. Whether it’s a game night, a potluck, or just a casual get-together, they’re always a hit with friends and family. Plus, they’re super versatile—enjoy them as an appetizer, a snack, or even a fun addition to your lunchbox. Trust me, once you serve these, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your pepperoni cheese puffs are nothing short of perfection! Here are some handy tips that I swear by:
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients, giving you that creamy texture we’re after!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: When you’re dropping those spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, give them some space! If they’re too close together, they might stick or not cook evenly. Trust me, you want each puff to have room to expand and get that perfect golden edge.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your puffs as they bake. You want them golden brown, not too dark! You’ll know they’re ready when they’re puffed up and smell divine!
- Experiment with Cheese: If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in different cheeses! Cheddar or pepper jack can add a fun twist to the flavor. Just remember to adjust the ratios if needed.
- Serve Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve these puffs warm right out of the oven. They’re at their gooey, cheesy best when enjoyed fresh!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some truly mouthwatering pepperoni cheese puffs. Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Each pepperoni cheese puff is an estimated delight, coming in at about 80 calories. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. But hey, with that cheesy flavor and savory goodness, it’s hard to complain about these little bites of joy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious pepperoni cheese puffs left over? Lucky you! Storing them properly is key to keeping that incredible cheesy flavor and texture intact. First off, let them cool completely before you store them. Once they’re cooled, pop them in an airtight container. This will help keep them nice and fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Just remember, they won’t last long because they’re so tasty!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I’ve got a little trick up my sleeve. The best way to bring back that warm, gooey goodness is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the puffs on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and the edges are crispy again. It’s like they just came out of the oven! If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be careful—microwaving can make them a bit soggy. If you go that route, just heat them in short bursts of 15-20 seconds. Now you’re all set to enjoy those cheesy bites again!
FAQ Section
Alright, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about these delicious pepperoni cheese puffs!
Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is a classic choice for that gooey texture, feel free to get creative! Cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites can add a unique flavor twist. Just keep in mind that different cheeses can change the texture a bit, so have fun experimenting!
How do I make these puffs spicy?
If you’re a fan of heat, you can easily spice things up! Try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the dough or mix in some diced jalapeños for a kick. You could even use spicy pepperoni if you can find it. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
What can I serve with pepperoni cheese puffs?
These puffs are super versatile! They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping, giving you that pizza vibe. A side of ranch dressing or even a zesty garlic aioli can elevate your snacking experience. They’re also great alongside a fresh salad or veggies for a complete meal!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, you can bake them and then reheat when you’re ready to serve!
How do I store leftovers?
Make sure to let your puffs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. Just remember, they taste best when enjoyed warm, so don’t forget to reheat them for that perfect cheesy goodness!

Pepperoni Cheese Puffs: 7 Bites of Cheesy Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 puffs 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Cheesy and savory bites filled with pepperoni.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella, pepperoni, and cream cheese.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg and milk together.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in the cheese and pepperoni mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can substitute turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pepperoni cheese puffs, appetizer, snacks, cheese puffs