20-Minute Pepperoni Pizza Crostini Recipe
These 20-Minute Pepperoni Pizza Crostini combine the classic flavors of pizza in a quick and easy appetizer. Crispy toasted crostini are topped with roasted tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, mini bell peppers, and fresh basil, then baked and broiled for a perfect melty, crispy finish. Ideal for parties or a tasty snack, this recipe delivers pizza goodness in a bite-sized form with minimal preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 crostini 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crostini
- 24 homemade crostini (or store-bought)
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups roasted tomato sauce (or store-bought pizza sauce, 400 milliliters)
- 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella, thinly sliced (454 grams)
- 2 1/2 ounces pepperoni, cut into quarters (70 grams)
- 6 mini bell peppers, de-seeded & thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped (12 grams)
For Serving
- Red pepper flakes
- Dried oregano
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and arrange the crostini in a single layer on a sheet pan to prepare for topping.
- Assemble Crostini: Spread about 1 tablespoon (16 milliliters) of tomato sauce evenly on each crostini. Layer each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese, several quarters of pepperoni, and thin slices of mini bell peppers. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top for fresh flavor.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the crostini in the preheated oven for 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese melts. Then switch your oven to the broil setting on HIGH, and broil the crostini for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely to ensure the pepperoni crisps up and the cheese bubbles without burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish the crostini with red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious bite-sized pizza treat!
Notes
- You can use store-bought crostini or make your own by thinly slicing baguette and toasting it until crisp.
- The recipe works well with any pizza sauce or roasted tomato sauce you prefer.
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- Keep a close watch during broiling to prevent burning, as oven broilers vary in intensity.
- These crostini are best eaten fresh but can be warmed up briefly in the oven if needed.
Keywords: pepperoni pizza crostini, pizza appetizers, quick pizza bites, easy party snacks, baked crostini, Italian appetizers
