If you love the irresistible flavors of pepperoni pizza but crave a fun twist on tradition, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Pepperoni Pizza Tacos. Imagine everything you love about classic pizza—melty mozzarella, zesty tomato sauce, and crispy pepperoni—all tucked into a golden, crisped tortilla shell. These are quick to make, wildly satisfying, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a big hit at dinner, game night, or any time the pizza mood strikes. Plus, they bring all the joy of taco night to the pizza party!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pepperoni Pizza Tacos is in their simplicity: every ingredient here plays its own savvy part, making each bite pop with flavor, texture, and color. Grab these humble kitchen staples and get ready for a dish that comes together in minutes but tastes like something truly special.
- Flour tortillas (8 small): Soft enough to fold and bake up crisp, these are the perfect vehicle for our pizza fillings.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): The tangy, savory base that brings the whole pizza vibe together—choose your favorite jar or go homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): For that essential gooey, stretchy top-layer—don’t skimp, because more cheese equals more joy.
- Pepperoni slices (24): Classic, spicy rounds for the signature flavor; or swap for turkey or plant-based options for a lighter take.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle of this herby blend adds that unmistakable pizzeria aroma with every bite.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Brushed on the tortillas, it helps them crisp up beautifully while lending a touch of richness.
- Optional toppings: Sliced olives, diced bell peppers, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil bring bright flavor and a splash of color—make each taco your own!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Tacos
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This gets everything ready so your Pepperoni Pizza Tacos come out perfectly golden and the cheese melts in all the right ways. While the oven heats, warm your tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds or in a dry skillet—just enough so they’re nicely pliable and won’t crack when folding.
Step 2: Oil and Sauce the Tortillas
Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. This is the secret to that irresistible golden, crispy shell. Flip the tortillas over and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on the unbrushed side, reaching all the way to the edges for max flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Pile On the Cheese and Pepperoni
Next comes the cheese! Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella over the saucy side of each tortilla. Layer on 3 slices of pepperoni per taco, making sure everyone gets their fair share of pepperoni goodness. Finish with a pinch of Italian seasoning for that little taste of Italy in every taco.
Step 4: Fold and Arrange
Fold each prepared tortilla gently in half, forming that classic taco shape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil—the lining keeps any cheesy spillover easy to clean and helps you get those tacos off without sticking.
Step 5: Bake and Flip
Bake your Pepperoni Pizza Tacos for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through so both sides get wonderfully crispy. When they’re done, the cheese will be melted and bubbling, and the tortillas should be toasted and golden. Get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely amazing.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
As soon as the tacos come out of the oven, hit them with any optional toppings you love—like bright bell peppers, briny olives, a few shakes of red pepper flakes, or ribbons of fresh basil. Serve them hot and listen to the happy crunch!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Tacos
Garnishes
Garnishing is the joyfully creative finish here. A scatter of fresh basil gives a burst of color and aroma, while a dusting of red pepper flakes dials up the heat for spice lovers. If you want a little more pizzeria pizzazz, try some grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
A fresh, zippy salad (think greens tossed with vinaigrette) balances the richness of these Pepperoni Pizza Tacos perfectly. Garlic knots or a simple bowl of minestrone soup on the side round out the meal and bring mega comfort food vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your tacos in a big, colorful platter lined with parchment or arrange them upright in a taco holder for a playful look. For parties, try slicing each taco in half and layering them on a big board surrounded by dipping sauces like ranch, extra pizza sauce, or herby pesto. Your guests will love the DIY feel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Pepperoni Pizza Tacos, let them cool completely before popping them into an airtight container lined with a paper towel (this absorbs extra moisture). They’ll stay tasty in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these tacos for future cravings. Once baked and cooled, wrap each taco individually in foil and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready, just pull out as many as you need!
Reheating
To bring back that crispy texture, reheat the tacos in a 375°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbling again and the shell is crunchy. The microwave works in a pinch, but the texture is best from the oven or air fryer.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
You can, but flour tortillas hold their shape and crisp up better for Pepperoni Pizza Tacos. If you go with corn, warm them thoroughly and be gentle—they’re more likely to crack, but the flavor is delicious!
What other cheeses work besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar all melt beautifully. Mix and match to create your own ideal cheese blend!
How can I make these vegetarian?
Simple—just swap in your favorite plant-based pepperoni or load up on extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms and spinach. The results are just as crave-worthy as the original.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Fill and fold the tacos ahead, then store them, unbaked, in the fridge. When it’s party time, just bake them straight from the fridge. Easy and impressive.
What’s the best way to get them extra crispy?
An air fryer works magic for super crispy Pepperoni Pizza Tacos—375°F for 5 to 6 minutes does the trick. Brushing the outsides of the tortillas with oil before baking also guarantees a satisfying crunch!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try Pepperoni Pizza Tacos, it’s hard not to crave them all the time. Whether you make them for an easy weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing party snack, you’re just a few simple steps away from handheld pizza happiness. Give them a whirl and watch smiles pop up around your table!
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Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per person) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Tacos are a fun twist on traditional pizza, combining all the flavors you love in a convenient handheld taco form. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients
Tortillas:
- 8 small flour tortillas
Toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, red pepper flakes, fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the tortillas: Warm the tortillas and brush one side with olive oil.
- Assemble the tacos: Spread pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and seasoning on each tortilla.
- Bake: Fold the tortillas, bake for 10–12 minutes until crispy and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Add desired toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- To make these extra crispy, try cooking them in an air fryer instead of the oven.
- For a lighter or vegetarian version, consider using turkey pepperoni or plant-based pepperoni.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
