4-Ingredient Pepper Pizza Bites
These 4-ingredient pepper pizza bites stack pepperoni pizza ingredients on a mini bell pepper base. Baked until golden and bubbly, these crunchy, saucy, cheesy bites will be the first appetizer to go at your party.
- 20 min
- Serves 8
- 4 ingredients
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Place sliced mini bells on the baking sheet, cut sides up.
- Divide marinara sauce between peppers using a small spoon. Top peppers with cheese. Place 3 slices of mini pepperoni on top of cheese in each pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Turn the oven’s broiler to High, and broil peppers until cheese is melted and starting to brown, about 3 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my pepper pizza bites watery?
Peppers release liquid as they bake and it collects in the halves. Seed them thoroughly, keep the marinara to the three quarters of a cup the recipe allows across eight peppers, and tip off any pooled juice before the broiler stage.
Can I use regular bell peppers instead of mini ones?
Yes, cut a full-size pepper into wide strips or squares that will hold a spoonful of sauce. They hold more water than minis so give them a few extra minutes at 180C before broiling.
Are pepper pizza bites low carb?
Yes. There is no base beyond the pepper itself, so the only carbohydrate comes from the marinara. Check the sauce label if that matters to you, since jarred marinara varies a lot in added sugar.
Can I make pizza bites ahead for a party?
Assemble them on the tray ahead and keep them chilled, then bake when guests arrive. They are best hot, since the cheese sets and the peppers soften as they cool.
Do I have to use the broiler?
No, but it is what browns the cheese. Without it, give them longer at 180C until the cheese is fully melted and just colouring. The broiler stage is only about 3 minutes, so watch it rather than walking away.
What else can I put on pepper pizza bites?
Anything that would go on a pizza and is already cooked, such as cooked sausage, olives or sliced mushrooms. Keep the toppings light, since a heavily loaded pepper half tips over and takes longer to heat through.