If you are craving something that brings together the irresistible flavors of pizza with the fun, handheld appeal of tacos, look no further because this Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy taco shells loaded with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and bright pizza sauce, all topped off with herbs and cheese for that authentic pizza vibe. It’s like your favorite pizza transformed into a taco, combining comfort food favorites into one delightful dish that’s perfect for quick dinners, parties, or just a delicious snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crispy taco shells that add crunch to the rich cheeses and pepperoni which create those crave-worthy flavors. These pantry staples come together effortlessly to deliver an unforgettable taste experience.
- 8 small taco shells (soft or hard, your choice): Choose soft for pliability or hard for extra crunch; both work beautifully.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: The tangy, herb-infused base that gives every bite that classic pizza flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy goodness you want on your pizza tacos.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni: Pepperoni is the star topping, bringing spiced meatiness that balances the cheese and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A sprinkle of this herb introduces that signature pizza aroma and taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile with a subtle garlic kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing): Used to crisp up soft taco shells, adding to the texture contrast.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, aromatic finish if you want to take the presentation to the next level.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is hot enough to get the cheese bubbling and the shells crisp just right, which is key to nailing the texture and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Taco Shells
If you’re using soft taco shells, lightly brushing each one with olive oil and popping them in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes will give you that perfect crisp without losing flexibility. For hard taco shells, feel free to skip this step — they’re already crunchy and ready to hold all those delicious toppings.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
This is where the magic happens. Spoon about a tablespoon of pizza sauce into each taco shell to create that saucy base. Next, pile on the shredded mozzarella for melty cheesiness, then arrange a few pepperoni slices on top. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni and finish with a dash of oregano and garlic powder. Each layer builds flavor and texture, making these tacos truly mouthwatering.
Step 4: Bake the Tacos
Place your assembled tacos on a baking sheet, then bake them in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling, golden cheese and shells that are perfectly crisp. This step melds all the flavors together and ensures every bite is warm and gooey.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove your pepperoni pizza tacos from the oven. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of textures and flavors — the melty cheese, the spicy pepperoni, and that crisp taco shell all play beautifully together.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is an excellent garnish for the Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe, as it brightens the richness with herbal notes. You can also try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a surprising sweet contrast that pairs wonderfully with the savory toppings.
Side Dishes
These tacos are a meal on their own but pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, some roasted vegetables, or even classic garlic breadsticks. For a more casual meal, serve with chips and salsa or a tangy coleslaw to balance out the comforting richness of the tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve these Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper. Add small bowls of extra pizza sauce, ranch dressing, or hot honey for dipping. You could even present them as a taco platter with a variety of toppings so guests can customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the taco shells separate if possible to prevent them from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked tacos by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make the shells soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses to mix up the flavor profile.
Are soft or hard taco shells better for this recipe?
Both work wonderfully. Soft shells provide a tender chew with a crisp finish when brushed with olive oil and baked, while hard shells offer a satisfying crunch without extra prep.
Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and consider adding your favorite pizza veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to keep the pizza spirit alive.
What’s the best pizza sauce to use?
Go for a quality store-bought pizza sauce or homemade if you’re up for it. The sauce sets the flavor tone, so something with robust herbs and good tomato flavor works best.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level mainly comes from the pepperoni, which tends to have a mild to medium heat. You can adjust the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or swapping the pepperoni for a spicier salami.
Final Thoughts
This Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe truly combines the best of two worlds in a fun, delicious way that’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a unique twist on pizza night, these tacos are easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Give them a try and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness that only pizza tacos can deliver!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Pepperoni Pizza Tacos combine the best of two favorite foods: pizza and tacos. Crispy taco shells are filled with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, tangy Parmesan, and spicy pepperoni, then baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or party snack!
Ingredients
Taco Shells
- 8 small taco shells (soft or hard, your choice)
Fillings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20–25 slices of pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the tacos to crispy, melty perfection.
- Prepare the taco shells: If using soft taco shells, lightly brush each shell with olive oil and place them in the oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp up. Skip this step if using hard taco shells.
- Assemble the tacos: Spread about a spoonful of pizza sauce into the bottom of each taco shell. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, layer several slices of pepperoni on top, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder evenly over each taco.
- Bake the tacos: Arrange the assembled tacos on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the taco shells turn golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the tacos from the oven and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious pepperoni pizza tacos!
Notes
- Soft taco shells can be brushed with olive oil and baked to add crispiness and prevent sogginess from the sauce.
- Feel free to use hard taco shells if you prefer added crunch without pre-baking.
- Customize toppings by adding bell peppers, olives, or extra cheeses for variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
- Fresh basil adds a nice aromatic finish but is optional.
