Pepperoni Pizza Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza, combining crispy taco shells loaded with gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and all the beloved pizza toppings. They’re quick to make, easy to eat, and perfect for a casual meal or party snack that everyone enjoys.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it brings together the best of two favorites—pizza and tacos—in one handheld delight. The crispy taco shell adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the melted cheese and savory pepperoni. Plus, it’s super customizable, allowing me to add whatever toppings I like, making it a fun, versatile meal that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
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8 small taco shells or tortillas
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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20-24 slices pepperoni
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1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
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1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
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1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Arrange the taco shells upright on a baking sheet.
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Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce inside each taco shell.
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Fill each shell with shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing evenly.
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Layer 2-3 pepperoni slices inside each taco. Add optional toppings like olives and bell peppers if using.
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Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the filled tacos.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the taco shells are crispy.
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Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 8 tacos and takes about 15-20 minutes total, including prep and baking.
Variations
I like to add sliced mushrooms, jalapeños, or cooked sausage to mix up the flavors. Using different cheeses like cheddar or provolone changes the taste profile. For a vegetarian option, I skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Storage/Reheating
Pepperoni Pizza Tacos are best enjoyed fresh for the crispy texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, I prefer warming them in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use soft tortillas instead of hard taco shells?
Yes, soft tortillas work well but won’t have the same crunch. I like to warm and slightly crisp them in a pan before filling.
What’s the best way to keep the tacos from getting soggy?
Using a thicker pizza sauce and not overfilling helps keep the shells crispy. Baking just until cheese melts also prevents sogginess.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I prefer assembling them right before baking for the best texture, but they can be prepped and refrigerated for a few hours.
Are these tacos spicy?
They have a mild kick from the pepperoni and Italian seasoning. I can add jalapeños or hot sauce if I want more heat.
Can I freeze assembled tacos?
I don’t recommend freezing them assembled, but you can freeze cooked toppings separately and assemble fresh.
Conclusion
Pepperoni Pizza Tacos are one of my favorite easy and delicious meals that combine the comforting flavors of pizza with the fun crunch of tacos. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for casual dinners or game day snacks. Whenever I want a creative twist on pizza night, these tacos always deliver.
Pepperoni Pizza Tacos
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Pepperoni Pizza Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza, combining crispy taco shells loaded with gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and all the beloved pizza toppings. They’re quick to make, easy to eat, and perfect for a casual meal or party snack.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 small taco shells or tortillas
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20–24 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange taco shells upright on a baking sheet.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon pizza sauce inside each taco shell.
- Fill each shell with shredded mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Layer 2-3 pepperoni slices inside each taco. Add optional olives and bell peppers if using.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the filled tacos.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and shells are crispy.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add sliced mushrooms, jalapeños, or cooked sausage for flavor variations.
- Use different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for different taste profiles.
- For vegetarian option, omit pepperoni and add veggies like spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
- Best enjoyed fresh for crispy texture.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 day.
- Reheat in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg