Name: Pepperoni Pizza Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 24 slices of pepperoni; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup pizza sauce; ½ cup cooked Italian sausage (optional); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Pepperoni Pizza Tacos are a fun and delicious fusion of two of my favorite comfort foods: pizza and tacos. This unique recipe combines the crispy, savory goodness of pepperoni pizza with the crunchy, handheld convenience of tacos. The taco shell is made from pepperoni slices that bake up crisp and golden, and they’re filled with gooey melted cheese and pizza toppings. It’s a game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Pepperoni Pizza Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how this recipe takes the best parts of both pizza and tacos and merges them into one fun dish. The crispy pepperoni taco shell gives each bite a burst of flavor and crunch, while the melted cheese and savory toppings make it feel just like a pizza in taco form. It’s a perfect party dish or a creative dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to switch up Taco Tuesday or pizza night!

Ingredients

24 slices of pepperoni
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup of pizza sauce
½ cup of cooked Italian sausage (optional)
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the pepperoni slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Place them in a circle, overlapping slightly, so they form a taco shell shape.
Bake the pepperoni slices in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until they become crisp and slightly golden.
While the pepperoni shells are baking, prepare your taco fillings. In a small bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese with the pizza sauce, dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
Once the pepperoni shells are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to a serving plate.
Spoon the cheese mixture into the center of each shell, then top with a sprinkle of cooked Italian sausage if using.
Return the filled taco shells to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes 4-6 tacos, depending on how much filling you use.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and load up your tacos with extra veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Spicy Pepperoni: For a spicier version, use spicy pepperoni or add a drizzle of hot sauce inside the taco shells.
Cheese Variety: Switch up the cheese! I like using mozzarella, but a combination of cheddar, provolone, or parmesan would be great too.
Make It Saucy: Add extra pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping or drizzle over the top of the tacos.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the taco shells separate from the filling to avoid sogginess.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the tacos back in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in the tacos?

Yes, you can! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work well as substitutes for the Italian sausage.

Can I make the pepperoni taco shells ahead of time?

I recommend baking the pepperoni shells fresh to maintain their crispy texture. However, you can prepare the pepperoni in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before assembling the tacos.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use any flour-based tortillas. Just make sure to check that your pepperoni is gluten-free.

Can I freeze these tacos?

While the tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the taco shells once they are cooked. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

What can I serve with these tacos?

I like serving these with a side of salad, garlic breadsticks, or some roasted vegetables. They’re also great with a side of marinara for dipping!

Conclusion

Pepperoni Pizza Tacos are a creative and delicious twist on two classic favorites. The combination of crispy pepperoni, melted cheese, and pizza toppings in a taco shell is sure to impress your taste buds. It’s the perfect dish for a fun dinner or a unique party snack. Whether you keep it simple or add your favorite toppings, I’m sure you’ll love this fun fusion of pizza and tacos!