It’s funny how some of the best culinary discoveries come from moments of sheer laziness or the delightful realization that you have very little in the pantry. That was precisely how these 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips were born in my kitchen. Picture this: a Friday night, the kids clamoring for pizza, and the fridge looking rather… bare. A quick scan revealed pizza dough and mozzarella cheese – that’s it. Thinking on my feet, I decided to ditch the traditional pizza base and instead, transform these two humble ingredients into something crispy, snackable, and utterly addictive. Let me tell you, it was a resounding success. The kids devoured them, my husband declared them genius, and I was left wondering why I hadn’t thought of this sooner. These 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips are not just easy; they’re a game-changer for quick snacks, party appetizers, or even a fun side dish. They’re customizable, incredibly versatile, and most importantly, they taste absolutely incredible. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s ridiculously simple yet delivers big on flavor and satisfaction, you’ve just found your new best friend in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: You’ll need 1 pound of pizza dough. You can use store-bought dough for ultimate convenience, or if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade dough works wonderfully too. The key is to have fresh, pliable dough that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese is perfect for this recipe. Pre-shredded is easiest, but you can also shred a block yourself. Mozzarella is classic for pizza flavor and melts beautifully, creating those irresistible cheesy chips. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is recommended for optimal crispness.
Instructions
Making these 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips is unbelievably simple, but following these step-by-step instructions will ensure perfect results every time.
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the chips until they are golden brown and crispy without burning. While the oven is preheating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is crucial as it prevents the chips from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet, but parchment is definitely recommended for the best results.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Take your pound of pizza dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought dough, it’s often pre-portioned and ready to roll. If you’re using homemade dough, ensure it has rested and is easy to handle. Using a rolling pin or your hands, gently roll out the pizza dough into a thin, large rectangle or circle, approximately 1/8 inch thick. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your chips will be. Try to aim for an even thickness to ensure they bake uniformly. Don’t worry too much about the shape being perfect; rustic is part of the charm!
- Cut the Dough into Chip Shapes: Once your dough is rolled out, it’s time to cut it into chip-sized pieces. You have a few options here, depending on your preference and the desired look of your pizza chips. For classic triangle chips, use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into strips, and then cut the strips diagonally to create triangles. Alternatively, for a more rustic look, you can simply cut the dough into squares or even irregular shapes. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1 to 2 inches in size. Smaller pieces will cook faster and be crispier, while slightly larger pieces will be a bit chewier in the center. Arrange the cut dough pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each chip to allow for even baking and crisping. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can lead to steaming rather than baking, resulting in less crispy chips. You may need to bake in batches if your baking sheet is not large enough.
- Add the Mozzarella Cheese: Now comes the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cut dough pieces on the baking sheet. Make sure each chip gets a generous topping of cheese, but avoid piling it too high in the center, as this can lead to uneven melting and baking. You want a nice, even layer of cheese across all the chips to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes these pizza chips truly irresistible!
- Bake Until Golden and Crispy: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the pizza chips are golden brown and crispy, and the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your dough. You’ll know they’re done when the edges of the chips are nicely browned and the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden in spots. For extra crispy chips, you can bake them for a minute or two longer, but be careful not to burn them.
- Cool and Serve: Once the pizza chips are perfectly baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the pizza chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter or bowl. This cooling period allows them to crisp up further and makes them easier to handle. Serve them warm for the best cheesy, crispy experience. They are absolutely delicious on their own, but even better when paired with your favorite dipping sauces or toppings. Get creative and enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips!
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving, approximate, based on 6 servings using 1 lb pizza dough and 8 oz mozzarella, nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands)
- Serving Size: Approximately 6-8 chips
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 12-15g
Note: These nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on the specific pizza dough and mozzarella cheese used. For precise nutritional information, refer to the packaging of your ingredients.
Preparation Time
These 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips are a dream for anyone short on time but craving a delicious snack. The active preparation time is incredibly minimal, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. From taking out the ingredients to popping them in the oven, you’ll spend approximately 10-15 minutes preparing these chips. The majority of the time is hands-off baking time, allowing you to multitask or relax while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of cheesy pizza chips. This recipe truly exemplifies quick, easy, and delicious!
How to Serve
These 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips are incredibly versatile and can be served in countless delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick snack, or want to elevate your dinner, here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Classic Dipping Sauces:
- Marinara Sauce: A timeless pairing! Warm marinara sauce in a small bowl for dipping. The acidity of the tomato sauce complements the cheesy chips perfectly.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing offers a cool and tangy contrast to the warm, savory chips. A crowd-pleaser, especially with kids.
- Garlic Aioli: Elevate your dipping game with a homemade or store-bought garlic aioli. The garlicky, creamy sauce adds a sophisticated touch.
- Pesto: For a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor, serve with pesto. Basil pesto is classic, but sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto also work wonderfully.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Add a kick with sriracha mayo. Simply mix mayonnaise with sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.
- Toppings for Loaded Pizza Chips (Served immediately after baking):
- Pepperoni: Dice cooked pepperoni and sprinkle over the hot chips for extra pizza flavor.
- Cooked Sausage: Crumble cooked Italian sausage or chorizo over the chips for a heartier snack.
- Black Olives: Sliced black olives add a salty, briny element.
- Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add sliced pickled or fresh jalapeños.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, pungent flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) add sweetness and crunch.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh basil, oregano, or parsley after baking for added freshness and aroma.
- Alongside Meals:
- Soup and Salad: Serve pizza chips as a fun and flavorful side with tomato soup, minestrone, or a fresh garden salad.
- Pasta Dishes: Complement pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti with these cheesy chips instead of traditional garlic bread.
- Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or steak for a unique and unexpected side dish.
- Snack Platters and Appetizer Boards:
- Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Include pizza chips on a cheese and charcuterie board for a playful and crowd-pleasing element.
- Game Day Platter: Add them to your game day snack platter along with wings, sliders, and dips.
- Movie Night Snack: Perfect for a cozy movie night! Serve them with a selection of dips for everyone to enjoy.
- Creative Serving Vessels:
- Mini Pizza Chip Bowls: Bake larger, slightly thicker dough pieces and shape them into bowls before baking. Fill the baked bowls with dips or toppings for individual servings.
- Serving Cones: Fill paper cones with pizza chips for a fun and festive presentation, especially for parties.
- Tiered Serving Stand: Arrange the chips on a tiered serving stand for an elegant appetizer display.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips are guaranteed to be a hit. Their simple ingredients and incredible taste make them a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
Additional Tips for Perfect Pizza Chips
To ensure your 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips are absolutely perfect every time, here are eight essential tips to keep in mind:
- Roll the Dough Thinly for Maximum Crispiness: The key to achieving truly crispy pizza chips is to roll the pizza dough as thinly as possible, ideally around 1/8 inch thick. Thinner dough will crisp up beautifully in the oven, resulting in chips that are light and crunchy rather than chewy. Use a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface and aim for an even thickness throughout. If you find the dough is sticking, lightly dust your rolling pin and the surface with more flour.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: When arranging the cut dough pieces on the baking sheet, make sure to leave a little space between each chip. Overcrowding the baking sheet can trap steam, preventing the chips from crisping up properly and leading to soggy chips instead of crispy ones. If you need to bake a large batch, work in batches and use multiple baking sheets or bake in sequential batches to ensure each chip has enough space to bake evenly and crisp up.
- Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella for Best Results: While any mozzarella will melt, low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is highly recommended for making pizza chips. This type of mozzarella contains less moisture than fresh mozzarella, which helps prevent the chips from becoming soggy during baking. It also melts beautifully and browns nicely, creating that classic pizza cheese texture and flavor. Pre-shredded mozzarella is often low-moisture and convenient to use.
- Adjust Baking Time Based on Dough Thickness and Oven: Baking times can vary depending on the thickness of your rolled dough, the accuracy of your oven temperature, and even your oven’s specific characteristics. The recipe suggests 10-15 minutes, but it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the chips as they bake. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark. The chips are ready when they are golden brown around the edges, and the cheese is melted and bubbly, possibly with some golden brown spots. If they are not quite crispy enough after 15 minutes, you can bake them for another minute or two, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with Different Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is classic and delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheese varieties to customize the flavor of your pizza chips. Consider using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper flavor, or try adding Parmesan cheese for a nutty, savory note. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Gruyere can also add interesting flavor dimensions. Just ensure the cheeses you choose melt well for the best results.
- Add Seasonings for Extra Flavor: While the 2-ingredient simplicity is the beauty of this recipe, you can easily enhance the flavor with a few simple seasonings. Before baking, sprinkle the dough with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, or Italian seasoning for a more pronounced pizza flavor. A light sprinkle of salt and black pepper is also a good idea to season the dough and cheese. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Let the Chips Cool Slightly Before Serving for Optimal Crispiness: Resist the temptation to eat the pizza chips immediately straight from the oven. While they are incredibly tempting when hot and cheesy, letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking is crucial for achieving optimal crispiness. As they cool, they will firm up and become even more crunchy. This cooling period also makes them easier to handle and less likely to burn your fingers!
- Store Leftovers Properly to Maintain Crispness (If Any Left!): Although these pizza chips are best enjoyed fresh and warm, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them properly to maintain as much crispness as possible. Let the chips cool completely to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can make them lose their crispness and become soggy. Reheating is not generally recommended as they may not regain their original crispness, but they are still tasty cold or at room temperature as a snack. However, they are truly best enjoyed fresh from the oven!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about making 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips to help you master this simple and delicious recipe:
Q1: Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully for this recipe and can even elevate the flavor. If you prefer the taste and control of homemade dough, feel free to use your favorite recipe. Just ensure your dough is properly proofed and easy to roll out. Store-bought dough is convenient, but homemade dough can add a more artisanal touch to your pizza chips.
Q2: What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese? Can I use another type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses! While mozzarella is classic for pizza flavor and melts beautifully, you can use other melting cheeses like cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. Each cheese will impart a slightly different flavor profile. For example, cheddar will add a sharper, more robust flavor, while provolone will offer a milder, slightly nutty taste. Consider using a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Q3: Can I add toppings to these pizza chips before baking?
A: While these are primarily 2-ingredient pizza chips, you can certainly add extra toppings to enhance the flavor and make them more like mini loaded pizzas. Consider adding a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or basil before baking. You can also add finely minced garlic or onion powder to the dough for extra flavor. For toppings that require cooking, like pepperoni or sausage, it’s best to cook them beforehand and then add them to the chips before baking to ensure they are heated through and crispy.
Q4: Can I make these pizza chips ahead of time?
A: Pizza chips are best enjoyed fresh and warm right out of the oven for optimal crispiness. However, you can prepare the dough and cut it into chip shapes ahead of time. Store the cut dough pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply sprinkle with cheese and bake as directed. Baking them fresh will always yield the best texture and flavor.
Q5: My pizza chips are not crispy. What did I do wrong?
A: Several factors can contribute to pizza chips that are not crispy. The most common reasons are rolling the dough too thick, overcrowding the baking sheet, or not baking them long enough. Ensure you roll the dough as thinly as possible (about 1/8 inch). Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; bake in batches if necessary. Also, make sure you bake them until they are golden brown and crispy, which may require a few extra minutes in the oven. Using low-moisture mozzarella also helps with crispness.
Q6: Can I bake these pizza chips in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can absolutely bake these pizza chips in an air fryer! Air fryers are excellent for achieving crispy results quickly. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pizza chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to work in batches. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as air fryers cook quickly. Air frying can be a faster alternative to oven baking and often results in extra crispy chips.
Q7: Are these pizza chips suitable for gluten-free diets?
A: This recipe as written is not gluten-free as it uses traditional pizza dough. However, you can easily adapt it to be gluten-free by using gluten-free pizza dough. Many grocery stores now offer pre-made gluten-free pizza dough, or you can make your own from scratch using gluten-free flour blends. Ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you are strictly following a gluten-free diet.
Q8: Can I freeze leftover pizza chips?
A: Freezing leftover pizza chips is not recommended as it can significantly affect their texture. Freezing and thawing can make them lose their crispness and become soggy. Pizza chips are best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers, store them at room temperature in an airtight container and consume them within a day or two. They may not be as crispy as fresh chips, but they are still tasty as a snack. It’s generally best to make only as many pizza chips as you plan to eat in one sitting to enjoy them at their best.
Print2 Ingredient Pizza Chips
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: You’ll need 1 pound of pizza dough. You can use store-bought dough for ultimate convenience, or if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade dough works wonderfully too. The key is to have fresh, pliable dough that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese is perfect for this recipe. Pre-shredded is easiest, but you can also shred a block yourself. Mozzarella is classic for pizza flavor and melts beautifully, creating those irresistible cheesy chips. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is recommended for optimal crispness.
Instructions
Making these 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips is unbelievably simple, but following these step-by-step instructions will ensure perfect results every time.
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the chips until they are golden brown and crispy without burning. While the oven is preheating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is crucial as it prevents the chips from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet, but parchment is definitely recommended for the best results.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Take your pound of pizza dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought dough, it’s often pre-portioned and ready to roll. If you’re using homemade dough, ensure it has rested and is easy to handle. Using a rolling pin or your hands, gently roll out the pizza dough into a thin, large rectangle or circle, approximately 1/8 inch thick. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your chips will be. Try to aim for an even thickness to ensure they bake uniformly. Don’t worry too much about the shape being perfect; rustic is part of the charm!
- Cut the Dough into Chip Shapes: Once your dough is rolled out, it’s time to cut it into chip-sized pieces. You have a few options here, depending on your preference and the desired look of your pizza chips. For classic triangle chips, use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into strips, and then cut the strips diagonally to create triangles. Alternatively, for a more rustic look, you can simply cut the dough into squares or even irregular shapes. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1 to 2 inches in size. Smaller pieces will cook faster and be crispier, while slightly larger pieces will be a bit chewier in the center. Arrange the cut dough pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each chip to allow for even baking and crisping. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can lead to steaming rather than baking, resulting in less crispy chips. You may need to bake in batches if your baking sheet is not large enough.
- Add the Mozzarella Cheese: Now comes the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cut dough pieces on the baking sheet. Make sure each chip gets a generous topping of cheese, but avoid piling it too high in the center, as this can lead to uneven melting and baking. You want a nice, even layer of cheese across all the chips to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes these pizza chips truly irresistible!
- Bake Until Golden and Crispy: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the pizza chips are golden brown and crispy, and the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your dough. You’ll know they’re done when the edges of the chips are nicely browned and the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden in spots. For extra crispy chips, you can bake them for a minute or two longer, but be careful not to burn them.
- Cool and Serve: Once the pizza chips are perfectly baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the pizza chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter or bowl. This cooling period allows them to crisp up further and makes them easier to handle. Serve them warm for the best cheesy, crispy experience. They are absolutely delicious on their own, but even better when paired with your favorite dipping sauces or toppings. Get creative and enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious 2-Ingredient Pizza Chips!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g