These low carb 3-ingredient pepperoni Carlton bombs are the kind of old-school snack that disappears fast, especially on game day or movie night. They have that familiar pizza-shop flavor in a tiny bite, with crisp pepperoni wrapped around gooey cheese and baked until bubbling. Since they use just a few simple ingredients, they are perfect when you need something warm, savory, and crowd-pleasing without much fuss.
Serve these little bites with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping, plus a big crunchy salad, celery sticks, or a tray of raw veggies to round things out. They also fit right in on an appetizer spread with wings, pickle spears, and sparkling water or iced tea for a casual family snack table.
Low Carb 3-Ingredient Pepperoni Carlton Bombs
Servings: 6
Ingredients
24 slices pepperoni
12 small cubes low-moisture mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a foil tray or baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Lay out 12 pepperoni slices, place 1 cube of mozzarella in the center of each, then top each one with a second pepperoni slice to make little sandwiches.
3. Sprinkle the tops generously with grated Parmesan, pressing lightly so some of the cheese sticks around the edges.
4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the pepperoni is curled and crisp at the edges and the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
5. Let them cool for 2 minutes before serving so the cheese can set just a bit, then enjoy warm.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: If someone in the family likes milder flavors, use turkey pepperoni or a very mild mozzarella string cheese cut into little pieces. That keeps the bites familiar and a little less bold.
Extra cheesy: Tuck in a slightly larger cube of mozzarella if you want more cheese pull, but do not overfill or it can ooze out too much onto the tray. A small cube usually gives the best balance.
Dipping idea: These are especially fun with warm marinara on the side, but ranch dressing or a little garlic butter also works well for a snack-board style spread.
Crispy tip: Bake just until the pepperoni edges curl and the bottoms release easily from the parchment. If you leave them too long, the cheese can leak out and the bites can get a little greasy.
Make-ahead note: You can assemble these a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until baking time. That makes them especially handy for parties, halftime snacks, or busy family evenings.