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 tablespoon sweet chilli jam; 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry; 1/4 cup grated parmesan; 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)

There's something incredibly fun and delicious about turning the classic pizza experience upside down — literally! The Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe brings all those familiar, cozy flavors nestled inside crisp, flaky puff pastry, giving you a perfect handheld treat that’s just bursting with cheesy, garlicky goodness.

The image shows four pieces of crispy rectangular flatbread pizzas on white parchment laid over a white marbled surface. Each piece has a golden-brown crispy crust with melted cheese on the edges. Three pieces have a layer of red tomato sauce topped with scattered fresh green basil leaves. One piece is covered with browned melted cheese only, and it looks thicker and puffier than the others. Some small green basil pieces are scattered around the flatbreads. A small bowl with dark sauce is visible in the bottom left corner, and a honey dipper with some honey is placed in the top right corner. 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

I genuinely adore this recipe because it takes a quick puff pastry and transforms it into a crowd-pleaser that’s impossible not to smile about. It’s like pizza, but reinvented — way more elegant yet still super easy to pull off.

Incredibly Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a gourmet-looking treat on the table in no time.
No More Soggy Bottoms: The upside-down technique keeps the puff pastry perfectly crisp rather than soggy.
Loads of Flavor: Pepperoni, garlic, mozzarella, and sweet chili jam come together for that unbeatable sweet-savory combo.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch, appetizer, or a party snack, these tarts always impress.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind these Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts is how simple ingredients come together perfectly. Each element adds a little sparkle — from the spicy pepperoni to the creamy mozzarella, and that kick from the sweet chili jam. Shopping tip? Grab good-quality pepperoni and fresh basil for best flavor.

Flat lay of eighteen slices of bright red pepperoni arranged naturally, three whole uncracked brown eggs with smooth shells, three large crushed garlic cloves with papery skin remnants, one small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red pizza sauce, one small white ceramic bowl containing a fine grain of salt, a small white bowl holding a coarse grind of black pepper, one small pile of shredded white mozzarella cheese, one rectangular sheet of golden ready-rolled puff pastry with a slightly flaky texture, one small white bowl with finely grated pale parmesan cheese, a handful of fresh bright green chopped basil leaves, one small white ceramic bowl of glossy deep red sweet chilli jam, all ingredients evenly spaced with perfect symmetry, 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: I love using classic sliced pepperoni for that authentic pizza vibe and bit of spice.
Garlic cloves (or confit garlic): Fresh garlic punches up the flavor, but confit garlic adds a lovely mellow touch if you want less bite.
Pizza sauce (or crushed tinned tomatoes): Either works, just make sure the sauce is rich and well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out the best in your tomato base.
Mozzarella: Freshly grated mozzarella melts beautifully, giving that gooey pizza feeling inside the tarts.
Ready-rolled puff pastry sheet: The flaky star of the show that holds everything together perfectly.
Parmesan: Sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy, crispy crust layer.
Fresh basil leaves: These brighten up the tarts with a fresh herbal note that pairs amazingly with the rich cheese and pepperoni.
Sweet chili jam: This unexpected touch adds a gorgeous sweet-spicy finish that you might not expect but will love.

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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 like to mix things up depending on the season or mood—sometimes I swap the pepperoni for spicy chorizo or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Feel free to add your own spin; these tarts are super forgiving and fun to customize.

Vegetarian Version: Swap pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms and roasted red peppers—still delicious and satisfying.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or a smoky paprika blend to the sauce for a little extra kick.
Cheese Swap: Try a mix of mozzarella and fontina or even some crumbled feta for a tangy twist.

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

Four rectangular pastries lie on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Each pastry has a base layer of golden, slightly shiny dough, topped with a thick layer of white, shredded flakes that look like coconut. The pastries are arranged in two rows of two, casting soft shadows on the paper. The edges of the dough are uneven and folded slightly in places, and some flakes have fallen onto the tray. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Layer the Pepperoni and Garlic

First things first: preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) fan and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Divide your pepperoni slices into six small piles on the tray—three pepperonis per spot works perfectly. Then, scatter one crushed garlic clove (or confit garlic if you prefer a mellow flavor) over each pepperoni stack. This layering step is key to locking in the savory richness right at the base.

Step 2: Add the Sauce and Mozzarella

Next, spoon the pizza sauce or seasoned crushed tomatoes over each pepperoni pile. Don’t be shy here — enough to have a saucy base but not so much that it leaks everywhere. Then, generously sprinkle your grated mozzarella on top. This gooey layer is what makes these little tarts irresistible once baked.

Step 3: Seal with Puff Pastry

Unwrap your ready-rolled puff pastry and cut it into six rectangles that will comfortably cover each filling mound. Lay each piece over your prepared filling and gently press the edges with your fingers to seal the filling inside. This step traps the flavors and juices so the puff pastry stays flaky and crisp.

Step 4: Brush, Sprinkle, and Bake

Whisk an egg in a small bowl, then brush the entire top of each puff pastry square with the egg wash. This gives a beautiful glossy finish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan for a golden, cheesy crust. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and deeply golden.

Step 5: Flip, Garnish, and Enjoy!

Once baked, carefully flip each tart upside down using a spatula. This reveals the crisp pastry bottom and the luscious pizza topping. Drizzle a little sweet chili jam on each tart and scatter fresh basil on top for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the edges are crunch-tastic.

Top Tip

From my experience making these tarts, a few little tricks really take the recipe to the next level and help you avoid common pitfalls. These tips ensure your tarts come out crispy, flavorful, and picture-perfect every time.

Seal the Edges Well: Use your fingertips to firmly press the puff pastry edges around the filling—this prevents leaks and sogginess.
Don’t Overload with Sauce: Too much sauce can make the pastry soggy, so spoon just enough for a nice layer.
Use Egg Wash: Brushing the puff pastry with egg wash is the secret to that stunning golden, shiny crust.
Flip with Confidence: Give the tarts enough time to cool slightly before flipping to keep them intact and looking polished.

How to Serve Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe

Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always stick with fresh chopped basil after flipping because it adds a fresh, aromatic pop against the rich cheese and pepperoni. If I’m feeling fancy, a little drizzle of balsamic glaze or a pinch of red chili flakes works beautifully too.

Side Dishes

Serve these tarts alongside a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies for a balanced meal. When I want to keep things casual, crunchy garlic bread or a tangy coleslaw always pairs nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to present these tarts on a wooden serving board lined with parchment, sprinkled with extra basil and Parmesan shavings. You can also skewer mini tarts on toothpicks for easy, bite-sized appetizers that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tarts store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend popping them back into a hot oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy crust and melty cheese rather than microwaving.

Freezing

I've frozen these tarts uncooked after assembling and sealing them on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just pop them from frozen into the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to refresh the crispiness and warm the cheese without drying it out. The air fryer is also a quick way to get that perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade pizza sauce for the Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza sauce works beautifully and lets you control the seasoning perfectly. Just ensure it’s not too watery to avoid sogginess in the tarts.

What can I substitute if I don’t have puff pastry?

You could use shortcrust pastry, though the texture will be less flaky and more crumbly. For a quicker alternative, even pre-made biscuit dough can work for a different but tasty base.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

The secret to avoiding soggy pastry is layering the pepperoni and garlic first, then adding just a moderate amount of sauce and cheese before sealing with the puff pastry. The upside-down baking method also helps keep the bottom crisp.

Can I prepare these tarts in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the tarts, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead snack or appetizer for busy days or parties.

Final Thoughts

Making the Upside Down Pepperoni Pizza Tarts Recipe has become one of my favorite quick fixes — it feels like a little gourmet gift to myself any day of the week. I hope you’ll enjoy the crispy pastry shells filled with gooey cheese, tangy sauce, and spicy pepperoni just as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own — your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you!