Creamy Bagel Seasoned Pepperoni Bites with Dipping Marinara Recipe
These creamy and crunchy pepperoni pockets combine the rich smoothness of cream cheese with crispy baked pepperoni coated in everything bagel seasoning. Perfect as a keto-friendly snack or appetizer, they offer a delightful burst of flavor and texture with every bite, especially when dipped in savory marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings (2 pockets per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 40 pepperoni slices
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 tbsp Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
For Serving
- Keto-friendly marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp up the pepperoni pockets evenly.
- Prepare Pepperoni Slices: Lay out 20 pepperoni slices and spread a dollop of cream cheese onto each one, covering the surface but leaving edges clear for sealing.
- Season Cream Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of Everything but the Bagel Seasoning over the cream cheese to add a savory, crunchy flavor.
- Seal Pockets: Place another pepperoni slice on top of each cream cheese-covered slice. Press the edges firmly together to seal the pockets and keep the filling inside during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sealed pepperoni pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pepperoni becomes crispy and the edges are golden brown.
- Drain Excess Grease: Remove from the oven and carefully transfer the pockets onto paper towels. Pat gently to remove excess grease for a less oily snack.
- Serve: Serve warm with keto-friendly marinara sauce for dipping. Optionally, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or grated parmesan cheese to enhance flavor and add spice.
Notes
- For extra spice, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on the cream cheese before sealing.
- Make sure edges of the pepperoni slices are well sealed to prevent cream cheese from leaking out.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor.
- Allow baked pockets to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot filling.
- This recipe is keto-friendly and low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for ketogenic diets.
Keywords: pepperoni pockets, cream cheese, keto snack, appetizer, baked pepperoni, everything bagel seasoning, low carb snack
