Name: 2-Bite Pizza Pepper Poppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485687H20M43S
Total time: PT-485687H20M43S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10–12 mini sweet peppers (halved and deseeded); 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup mini pepperoni (or chopped regular pepperoni); 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional); Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

These 2-Bite Pizza Pepper Poppers are a fun, bite-sized twist on classic pizza flavors. Mini sweet peppers stuffed with tangy pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni create the perfect easy appetizer or snack. I love how quick they come together and how they deliver all the pizza goodness without the heaviness of crust.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

10–12 mini sweet peppers (halved and deseeded)

1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup mini pepperoni (or chopped regular pepperoni)

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Slice the mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.

Arrange the pepper halves on a baking sheet.

Spoon a little pizza sauce into each pepper half.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Add a few pieces of mini pepperoni on top.

Sprinkle Italian seasoning and, if desired, Parmesan cheese over the poppers.

Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 20-24 pepper poppers, depending on the number of mini peppers used, which is great for serving 4-6 people as an appetizer. Prep and bake time combined is roughly 20-25 minutes, making it a fast and convenient snack or party food.

Variations

Swap the mini pepperoni for cooked sausage crumbles or bacon bits for a different meaty flavor.

Use different cheeses like cheddar or a spicy pepper jack to change up the taste profile.

Add finely chopped olives or mushrooms for extra toppings inside the poppers.

For a vegetarian version, omit pepperoni and add sautéed spinach or artichoke hearts.

Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the peppers can get soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized bell peppers instead of mini sweet peppers?

Yes, but the poppers won’t be bite-sized anymore. You’ll want to cut them into smaller pieces and adjust the baking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have mini pepperoni?

You can chop regular pepperoni slices or use other pizza toppings like cooked sausage or even pepperoni-flavored plant-based alternatives.

Can these be made ahead of time?

You can assemble them a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Bake just before serving to keep the peppers crisp and cheese fresh.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes! As long as your pizza sauce and pepperoni are gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free because it doesn’t include any dough or bread.

Can I freeze the poppers?

I haven’t tried freezing them, but you could bake them first, freeze in a single layer, and then reheat in the oven. Keep in mind the peppers might lose some texture after freezing.

Conclusion

I find these 2-Bite Pizza Pepper Poppers to be an absolute crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy pizza flavors in a fresh, fun format. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a casual snack or part of a party spread, these poppers always disappear fast.

Recipe: