Name: Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 18 slices pepperoni; 6 garlic cloves, crushed (or use confit garlic); 3/4 cup pizza sauce (or crushed tinned tomatoes); 1 teaspoon salt; Good grind of black pepper; 1 cup grated mozzarella; A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry; 1/4 cup grated parmesan; 1 tablespoon sweet chilli jam; 1 egg (for egg wash)

There’s something incredibly fun about flipping the usual pizza idea on its head — or in this case, upside down! This Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe is a clever, crispy, and delightfully cheesy treat that’s not only delicious but a real crowd-pleaser. You’re going to love how the puff pastry crisps up around the melty filling, giving a satisfying contrast to that spicy pepperoni and savory sauce.

The image shows four pieces of square-shaped pizza on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each pizza has a golden-brown crust that looks crispy and slightly uneven around the edges. Three of the pizzas have a vibrant red tomato sauce layer topped with melted cheese that has a light brown, bubbly texture, and fresh green basil leaves scattered on top. One pizza, in the top left corner, looks more solid with a thick cheese layer that is browned and bubbly without visible tomato sauce or basil. There is also a wooden honey dipper with some honey on the right side and a small white bowl with a dark dipping sauce at the bottom left. Some basil leaves are scattered around the pizzas. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get enough of these upside down pizza tarts because they’re just so darn easy and packed with flavor. Every bite gives you that perfect combo of crispy pastry, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni — but with a fun twist that’s sure to wow everyone at your table.

Quick and Simple: Made with just a handful of ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
No Soggy Bottoms: The upside-down method means the pastry stays crispy and buttery, avoiding the dreaded soggy base.
Perfect Portions: Individual tarts mean everyone gets their own, and leftovers are easy to handle without any mess.
Customizable: You can easily swap toppings or add your favorites to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a star role in making these tarts irresistible. Puff pastry gives that flaky, buttery exterior, while the combination of pepperoni, mozzarella, and parmesan layers in bold, classic pizza flavors. Fresh basil and sweet chili jam at the end add freshness and a hint of sweetness that balances the spice perfectly.

Flat lay of six bright red pepperoni slices arranged neatly, three whole uncracked brown eggs with smooth shells, a small pile of crushed fresh garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red pizza sauce, a small white bowl holding finely grated white mozzarella cheese, a pristine sheet of golden puff pastry, a small mound of finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a handful of bright green chopped basil leaves, and a small white bowl with glossy deep red sweet chili jam, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pepperoni: Provides spicy, savory bites that crisp up nicely under the pastry.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh or confit, garlic adds a punch of flavor that elevates the whole tart.
Pizza Sauce: A robust, tangy base that ties all the toppings together; homemade or store-bought works.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce and bringing out the full depth of flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, dreamy cheese pull everyone loves.
Puff Pastry Sheet: Ready-rolled for convenience; creates the flaky crust that encases all the goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top, it crisps up and adds a nutty, salty finish.
Fresh Basil Leaves: A fresh, herbaceous touch to brighten every bite.
Sweet Chilli Jam: The surprise sweet heat drizzle that perfectly complements the spicy pepperoni.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with these tarts depending on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. They’re very forgiving, so you can swap ingredients or adjust the heat level quite easily to make them just right for you.

Vegetarian Version: Swap pepperoni for roasted veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers — I’ve tried this and it’s a hit with veggie lovers!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes into the sauce or on top before baking if you want to turn up the heat.
Cheese Swap: Mix in some cheddar or provolone with mozzarella for a different flavor blend.
Mini Tarts: Use a muffin tin to make bite-sized versions – perfect for parties or kids' lunchboxes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe

The image shows four rectangular pieces of dough on parchment paper with a light brown tone, placed on a white marbled surface. Each dough piece has a slightly uneven edge and is topped with a yellowish layer, likely egg wash, giving a shiny texture. On top of this, there is a thick layer of white shredded cheese scattered unevenly across all four pieces, some cheese spilling onto the parchment paper. The dough pieces are arranged in a loose grid with even spacing between them. Bright natural light casts soft shadows around, highlighting the texture of the dough and cheese photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepping the Pepperoni and Garlic Base

Start by heating your oven to 200°C (400°F fan). Line a baking tray with parchment paper — I avoid foil here since it can cause the pastry to stick. Divide 18 slices of pepperoni into six groups (three slices each) and arrange six little pepperoni piles evenly on the tray. Then, scatter one crushed garlic clove (or a confit garlic clove if you have it) on top of each pepperoni group — this way, the garlic infuses the base while baking without burning.

Step 2: Adding Sauce and Cheese

Mix your pizza sauce (or crushed tomatoes) with a teaspoon of salt and a good grind of black pepper if using plain tomatoes. Spoon the sauce evenly over each pepperoni pile, making sure to cover the garlic. Then sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella on top. If you like your cheese extra gooey, add a bit more here — I never skimp!

Step 3: Covering with Puff Pastry

Unwrap your ready-rolled puff pastry, and cut it into six equal-sized rectangles. Before slicing, measure to make sure each piece can fully cover and “seal” the filling underneath. Gently place each rectangle over the sauce and cheese stacks, pressing down the edges with your fingers to create a little parcel. This seals in all the juicy filling and makes flipping easier later on.

Step 4: Brushing and Baking

Whisk an egg in a small bowl, then brush the whole surface of each pastry tart with the egg wash. This gives the pastry that beautiful golden sheen. Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the top evenly — it crisps up and adds a lovely nutty flavor during baking. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and deeply golden brown.

Step 5: The Flip and Final Touches

This is where the magic happens. Carefully remove the tray from the oven and, using a spatula, flip each tart upside down so the filling is exposed on top. Drizzle about a tablespoon of sweet chili jam over each tart right away — it adds a surprising sweet-spicy zing that cuts through the richness beautifully. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves on top for freshness and aroma. Serve immediately while the pastry is still crunchy and the cheese warm and gooey.

Top Tip

I learned the hard way that keeping the filling well-contained under the pastry before baking is key to avoid leaks and mess. Also, flipping the tarts while hot but not too scorching helps keep everything intact and makes flipping easier without breaking the pastry.

Patience When Flipping: Let the tarts cool for a minute or two after baking so the filling firms up slightly, preventing spills when flipped.
Use a Thin Spatula: A fish slice or a thin, wide spatula slides under the tarts effortlessly, making the flip smooth and clean.
Egg Wash for Shine and Seal: Don’t skip brushing the pastry with egg wash — it crisps up beautifully and helps seal the edges for a neat look.
Don’t Overload the Filling: Keeping the pepperoni, sauce, and cheese moderate means it cooks through and seals nicely under the pastry without becoming soggy.

How to Serve Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe

Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for fresh chopped basil because its bright, herbal notes balance the rich pepperoni and cheese perfectly. Sometimes, I add a light drizzle of extra sweet chili jam or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if I want a bit of extra heat. Freshly cracked black pepper on top right before serving really wakes up the flavors too.

Side Dishes

These tarts pair so nicely with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. A light bowl of tomato soup or roasted vegetables also complement the flavors without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served these on rustic wooden boards with little bowls of extra chili jam and fresh herbs for dipping and garnishing. For parties, try making mini versions in a muffin tin, then arrange them on a platter with colorful napkins — guests always love the individual servings and cute presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover tarts into an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them, just reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispiness — the microwave tends to make the pastry soggy, so I avoid that.

Freezing

These tarts freeze beautifully! I wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want a quick snack, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a hot oven at 180°C (350°F) until warm and crisp. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead of a party or busy week.

Reheating

To bring tarts back to life, I preheat my oven to around 180°C and place the tarts on a baking tray for about 10 minutes. This melts the cheese back nicely and crisps up the puff pastry without drying out the filling. Using a toaster oven or air fryer works just as well and speeds things up!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry works perfectly for these tarts. Just make sure to thaw it according to package instructions before assembling to ensure it’s pliable and seals well.

What if I don’t have sweet chilli jam?

No worries! You can substitute sweet chilli jam with a drizzle of honey mixed with a splash of hot sauce or even a sweet balsamic glaze. It adds that sweet heat contrast that complements the pepperoni.

Can I prepare these tarts ahead and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the tarts and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 6 hours before baking. This is helpful if you want to save time on the day of serving.

What’s the best cheese to use for these pizza tarts?

Mozzarella is ideal for its meltiness and mild flavor, but mixing in parmesan on top adds great texture and a nutty taste. Feel free to experiment with provolone or cheddar for variations.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe because it’s just so satisfying and simple. Whether for a casual snack, a fun appetizer, or a quick lunch, these little tarts always impress. Once you’ve tried flipping your pizza this way, you might never go back to the usual style — and that, my friend, is a win in my book!