If you’ve ever had a fierce craving for both crispy, cheesy pizza and handheld tacos at the same time, Pepperoni Pizza Tacos will absolutely thrill you! They combine everything you cherish about pizza—melty mozzarella, tangy marinara, and zesty pepperoni—packed into warm, crunchy taco shells for the ultimate fusion bite. These are as fun to make as they are to eat, making them a fantastic choice for family dinners, parties, or whenever you want to serve up something unexpected but approachable. Whether you’re cooking with kids or just want to impress your friends on game night, Pepperoni Pizza Tacos deliver bold flavor with minimum fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Pepperoni Pizza Tacos so irresistible is their simplicity. Each ingredient brings something important to the table—whether it’s stretchy cheese, zippy sauce, or that classic pepperoni punch. Don’t skip on fresh garnishes; they add a beautiful finishing touch and a pop of color!
- 8 small flour tortillas: The perfect vehicle for holding all your pizza-inspired fillings and getting that crispy taco shape.
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce: Go for your favorite brand or homemade—the sauce adds tang and moisture to every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, pull-apart pizza texture everyone loves.
- 24 slices pepperoni: The star of the show! Adds a savory, slightly spicy kick and classic pizza flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in those herby, pizzeria notes that take it over the top.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushing the tortillas gives you maximum crunch and gorgeous golden color.
- Optional toppings (chopped fresh basil, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan): Add a splash of color, freshness, and extra flavor—choose your favorites or offer a mix!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Tacos
Step 1: Crisp Up the Tortillas
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot. Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with olive oil—this is the secret to golden, crunchy shells. Drape each tortilla over the bars of your oven rack (or use a taco shell mold if you have one) to form that signature taco shape, then bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them! They’re ready when they’re crisp, golden, and starting to hold their form.
Step 2: Warm the Sauce
While your taco shells bake, pour the marinara or pizza sauce into a skillet and set it over medium heat. Gently simmer for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally—it should thicken slightly and become deliciously fragrant. Warmed sauce clings beautifully to the inside of your tacos and won’t make them soggy.
Step 3: Assemble and Fill the Tacos
Once your shells are cool enough to handle, spoon a generous bit of the warm sauce into each one. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella, making sure to get cheese in every nook and cranny. Tuck in three slices of pepperoni per taco (layer them or fold if you like), and arrange them all on a baking sheet. Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over the top for that classic pizza shop flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your filled tacos back into the oven for 5–7 minutes. This quick bake melts the cheese until it’s bubbly and starting to brown in spots—just like your favorite slice. When you see the cheese reaching peak gooeyness, they’re done!
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Take your Pepperoni Pizza Tacos out of the oven and let them cool slightly so the cheese sets but they’re still warm. Now’s the time to go wild with toppings—think fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. Serve immediately for maximum crispness and melty cheese magic.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Tacos
Garnishes
A finishing touch makes all the difference! Try showering your Pepperoni Pizza Tacos with fresh basil for a burst of freshness, or finely grated Parmesan for a nutty, salty bite. Red pepper flakes give a gentle tickle of heat, and you can even drizzle a bit of garlic-infused olive oil for extra richness. Let everyone customize their own tacos to suit their taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these alongside a bright, zesty salad for a refreshing contrast to all that gooey cheese. Garlic knots or breadsticks make a cozy pairing, or keep things light with cucumber spears or carrot sticks for dipping. They also go brilliantly with a fizzy soda, icy lemonade, or sparkling water for a full pizza night experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want your Pepperoni Pizza Tacos to have some wow factor? Arrange them upright in a taco holder or even in mason jars for easy grabbing at parties. Set up a DIY topping bar so guests can dress their own tacos, or serve them in mini taco size for bite-sized appetizers. A rustic wooden board or pizza stone also makes a fantastic serving platter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Pepperoni Pizza Tacos, no worries—they keep surprisingly well! Let any leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shells will lose some crunch, but the flavor remains delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze completely assembled tacos before their final bake. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before finishing them in the oven for melted, fresh flavor.
Reheating
To restore crispness, reheat Pepperoni Pizza Tacos in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that crunchy shell. For best results, line your baking sheet with foil and avoid covering the tacos so they stay crispy.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas give a whole new flavor and a little more chew. Just brush them well with olive oil and watch closely as they crisp up quickly. If they’re small, you may want to warm them a bit first to help them form into taco shapes without cracking.
What are some good vegetarian alternatives to pepperoni?
You’ve got plenty of tasty options! Try sautéed mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or cooked Italian sausage (meat-free if you wish). Even roasted zucchini or spinach works beautifully with the cheese and sauce for a delicious veggie version.
How do I keep the taco shells from getting soggy?
The key step is briefly thickening your marinara sauce before filling—that way, it isn’t too liquidy. Also, don’t overload with sauce, and serve right after baking for the most satisfying crunch!
Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Tacos ahead of time for a party?
You can prep the shells and ingredients a few hours ahead, then assemble and bake right before serving. If you need to make them in advance, reheat in the oven to help the shells regain crispness and the cheese to remelt.
What’s the best way to get the tortillas into taco shape if I don’t have a taco mold?
The easiest trick is to drape brushed tortillas right over the bars of your oven rack, spacing them so they don’t touch. If you want a higher arc, drape them over balled-up foil or the edge of a loaf pan. Just watch them closely—they go from soft to crisp fast!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to spark excitement at the table (or just need an excuse for pizza any night of the week), you can’t go wrong with these Pepperoni Pizza Tacos. They’re pure comfort food wrapped up taco-style, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Give them a try—you’ll find yourself craving them again and again!
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Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the fusion of two favorites with these Pepperoni Pizza Tacos. A fun twist on traditional tacos, these are easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner or party snack.
Ingredients
Tortillas:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings:
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh basil, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare tortillas: Lightly brush tortillas with olive oil and shape into tacos. Bake for 6–8 minutes until crispy.
- Warm marinara sauce: Heat marinara sauce in a skillet until thickened.
- Fill tacos: Spoon sauce into tacos, add cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Bake filled tacos for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve: Top with favorite pizza toppings and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage, mushrooms, or veggies for variety.
- Great for parties or game day snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
