We know you would probably eat pepperoni pizza every day if you could. Who wouldn’t? But while this Italian meat is known to be the most popular pizza topping, the flavor and boldness of Italian pepperoni lends itself to other dishes. From breakfast to dinner, here are seven scrumptious pepperoni recipes that even the most amateur cook can whip up!
Pepperoni and Egg Breakfast Baskets
Mini egg baskets are a creative and adorable way to make breakfast more enjoyable, but it’s a whole new ball game when you throw Italian pepperoni into the mix! Make mini edible baskets by placing several slices of pepperoni in a cupcake tray and baking them in the oven. The cupcake tray acts as a mold, creating the perfect edible container. When the pepperoni molds are done, take them out of the oven and crack one egg into each basket. Top the egg with shredded cheese and pepperoni crumbles and bake in the oven. This recipe idea is inspired by Food Network’s recipe for Eggs in Baskets and Shareably’s recipe for pepperoni pizza cups.
Pepperoni Pasta Bake
The most basic version of this recipe requires only four ingredients: pasta, pasta sauce, pepperoni, and cheese. But if you want something a little more exciting, try this recipe for zucchini stuffed shells and pepperoni pasta bake from Martha Stewart. The pepperoni gives this dish the spice and salt that it needs, while the ricotta cheese stuffing gives the pasta an incredible richness.
Pepperoni Pinwheels
Pepperoni Pinwheels have taken up their place next to garlic knots at pizza shops, and for good reason. These small pepperoni puffs are basically bite-sized pizzas without the sauce. (Use tomato sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.) Chop some pepperoni—and any other meat of your choice—into little pieces. Place these, along with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese, on pizza dough and roll it into a log. Cut the log into even slices and bake! Check out LifeMadeSimpleBakes.com for a more detailed pepperoni pinwheels recipe.
Pepperoni Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms and other stuffed vegetables are an easy way to get creative in the kitchen. One way to make a bombshell appetizer that your guests will love is to follow Taste of Home’s extremely easy recipe for pepperoni stuffed mushrooms. For the stuffing, all you need is chopped pepperoni, onions, mushroom stems, garlic and breadcrumbs. Top the stuffed mushrooms with mozzarella cheese, pop them in the oven, and you have the perfect game day snack!
Pepperoni Cheese Dip
Hosting a successful party really comes down to one crucial detail: the cheese dip. No one can resist a gooey, mouthwatering cheese dip, especially when it tastes like a pepperoni pizza! Check out SouthernSoul.com for an easy recipe for pepperoni cheese dip. Enjoy with crostini, toast points, or parmesan crisps for even more cheese flavor.
Pepperoni & Spinach Strata
A strata is an egg and bread casserole, somewhat similar to a quiche. Other than those two main ingredients, a strata can consist of virtually anything—including pepperoni! This is a wonderful meal to bake the night before a big family breakfast. NoblePig.com has a delicious, savory recipe for a cheesy pepperoni strata with spinach.
Roasted Red Pepper & Pepperoni Panini
One of the beautiful things about paninis (and there are many) is that they can be made with a wide variety of ingredients. Make a pepperoni panini with your favorite cheese and produce, such as provolone cheese and roasted red peppers. Take a break from your boring sandwich rut with this pepperoni panini recipe from Diethood.com.