Cream Cheese Pepperoni Snack

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Cream Cheese Pepperoni Snack is a simple baked snack made with sliced pepperoni, cream cheese, and parmesan. The pepperoni turns crisp in the oven, while the cream cheese stays soft in the center. It’s easy to make, ready in minutes, and works well as an appetizer or quick party snack.

Close-up of a plate stacked with cream cheese-filled pepperoni rounds.

This snack is perfect for any casual gathering, such as game nights, holiday parties, or simple after-school treats. I first created it while looking for an easy, cheesy crowd-pleaser that also works as a finger food. It’s great on its own, but it also pairs well with cool dips like the Creamy 2‑Ingredient Ranch Dip or the bold Simple Loaded Queso Dip. These pairings keep the prep quick and the flavors balanced.

Close-up photo of a plate stacked with cream cheese-filled pepperoni rounds.

Ingredients

Pepperoni slices crisp up nicely in the oven and act as the snack’s base. Use regular, not thick-cut, for best results.
Cream cheese soft and creamy, it balances the salty pepperoni.
Parmesan chees adds extra flavor and helps brown the top.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Cream Cheese Pepperoni Snack

Pepperoni slices neatly arranged in rows on parchment paper in a baking pan.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 30 pepperoni slices on the sheet.

Single slice of pepperoni topped with cream cheese and grated parmesan on a plate.

Spread some cream cheese on each slice, then sprinkle a little parmesan on top.

Cover each with another slice of pepperoni.

A baking pan with cream cheese pepperoni snacks stacked and arranged neatly, showing the golden baked pepperoni and creamy filling.

Bake for 15 minutes, until the pepperoni edges start to crisp. Remove from the oven and place on a paper towel to soak up extra grease.

Serve warm on their own or with marinara sauce for dipping.

Hint: Let the oven preheat fully before baking to ensure the pepperoni crisps perfectly. After baking, place snacks on a paper towel to soak up extra grease.

Substitutions & Variations

Vegetarian: Use vegetarian or vegan pepperoni slices and dairy-free cream cheese to make it vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
Spicy: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for a little heat.
Cheesy: Swap parmesan with shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
Kid-Friendly: Use milder pepperoni or omit spicy toppings to suit kids’ tastes.

See this spicy version of this recipe on my website! (placeholder for in-content link)

💭Crucial Success Tips

Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each snack enough space to crisp up evenly. Keep an eye on the baking time, the edges should be crispy but not burnt.

FAQ

What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or omit it altogether. Parmesan adds a nice umami flavor but isn’t essential.

Can I use thick-cut pepperoni?

It’s best to use regular, thin-cut pepperoni so they crisp up well. Thick slices won’t get as crispy and might stay chewy.

How spicy is this snack?

The recipe uses regular pepperoni which has a mild spice level. For more heat, try spicy pepperoni or add red pepper flakes.

📖 Recipe

30 pieces

Cream Cheese Pepperoni Snack

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

This Cream Cheese Pepperoni Snack is quick to make and full of flavor. It combines smooth cream cheese with crispy pepperoni and a touch of parmesan for a simple, tasty bite.

Ingredients

60 pepperoni slices
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 30 pepperoni slices on the sheet.
Spread some cream cheese on each slice, then sprinkle a little parmesan on top.
Cover each with another slice of pepperoni.
Bake for 15 minutes, until the pepperoni edges start to crisp.
Remove from the oven and place on a paper towel to soak up extra grease.
Serve warm on their own or with marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 48Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 93mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

How to Store Cream Cheese Pepperoni Snack

Store the assembled pepperoni and cream cheese snack in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

This snack does not freeze well, as the texture of the cream cheese and pepperoni can change after thawing.