Pizza Crackers

Pizza crackers have recently taken my kitchen by storm, and I’m not at all surprised. This quick and easy recipe is a favorite after-school snack that my kids recently discovered and have been making on repeat ever since. The recipe requires only five simple ingredients and comes together in about 15 minutes.

To make pizza crackers, grab a sleeve of crackers, a few slices of pepperoni, a jar of pizza sauce, some shredded cheese and oregano. Then arrange the crackers on a sheet pan and pile the ingredients on top. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the crackers are lightly golden, and you’re done.

Rest assured, this appetizer isn’t just for kids. Adults love Ritz pizza crackers too. They’re a terrific football food anytime we host friends for the big game or late-night snack while playing cards with family. While the original recipe is great, it’s also fun to play with other toppings, cheeses and sauces. The possibilities are truly endless.

Ingredients for Pizza Crackers

• Ritz crackers: If you have a party menu to plan, Ritz cracker recipes are a great crowd-pleasing option.
• Pepperoni: A single slice of pepperoni on each crack offers a salty, meaty pop of flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect way to use up what’s left after making this pepperoni macaroni.
• Pizza sauce: To prevent the crackers from becoming soggy, layer the sauce on top of the pepperoni slice.
• Colby-Monterey Jack cheese: This mild-tasting cheese melts like a dream and gives the pizza crackers a beautiful marbled appearance for plating.
• Oregano: A sprinkle of fresh or dried oregano on top of each pizza cracker adds the perfect finishing touch, authentic pizzeria flavor and aroma to the recipe.

Directions

Step 1: Assemble

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place crackers on a baking sheet. Top each with a pepperoni slice, then a dollop of pizza sauce followed by cheese and a sprinkle of oregano.

Step 2: Bake

Bake until the cheese is melted, five to seven minutes.

Pizza Cracker Variations

• Cheesy choices: Other melting cheeses that work well on pizza crackers include mozzarella, provolone, Brie, cheddar, fontina and Gouda. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan would be great too!
• More meats: Swap in Canadian bacon, sliced ham, bacon pieces, grilled chicken or crumbled Italian sausage for the pepperoni slices.
• Other toppings: Try adding colorful vegetables to this pizza crackers recipe. Sliced black olives, bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, pineapple, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and chopped roasted garlic would all be tasty variations to try.
• Saucy swaps: Red sauce is classic, but you can experiment with other sauces. Try pesto with zesty Italian sausage, creamy Alfredo sauce with bacon, or experiment with barbecue or Buffalo sauce over a piece of grilled chicken.

How to Store Pizza Crackers

Leftover Ritz pizza crackers should be stored in an airtight food storage container and kept refrigerated.

How long do pizza crackers last?

Pizza crackers should be enjoyed within one or two days for the best taste; otherwise, the crackers may begin to soften and lose their crispness.

Can you reheat pizza crackers?

Yes. To reheat this pizza crackers recipe, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350° until heated through. Microwaving pizza crackers is not recommended, as it may make them soggy.

Pizza Cracker Tips

Can you use other types of crackers for pizza crackers?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with other types of crackers you enjoy. Buttery Club crackers or saltines would also work well for pizza crackers. Alternatively, experiment with flavored Ritz crackers, such as garlic butter, roasted vegetable or everything.

Can you make pizza crackers in the air fryer?

Yes! To make this recipe in an air fryer, assemble the pizza crackers as directed in the air-fryer basket. Cook at 400° for three to five minutes until the cheese is melted. Keep in mind that all air fryers cook a little differently, so keep a close eye on the crackers, particularly the first time you make the recipe, to ensure they do not burn.