Mini Pepperoni Pizza Boats

• Prep Time: 8 minutes

• Cook Time: 5–7 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings (4 boats)

• Difficulty: Easy

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Intensity Ratings

To help you gauge the effort and sensory impact of this recipe, we’ve broken down the intensities on a scale of 1 to 5.

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Ingredients

• 4 small Italian sub rolls or hoagie rolls (about 6 inches long) – Note: Do not use pre-sliced hot dog buns; you need a sturdy crust.

• ½ cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)

• 1 ½ cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 48 slices pepperoni (mini or standard size; about 4 oz)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Fresh basil, chiffonade, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Boats

Slice the tops off the sub rolls (like you would for a lobster roll). Using your fingers or a small spoon, gently hollow out the soft interior of the bottom half of each roll, creating a “canoe” shape. Tip: Leave about a ½-inch border of bread on the bottom and sides to prevent leaking. Save the removed breadcrumbs for breadcrumbs later, or discard them if you prefer a lighter meal.

2. Season the Base

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the inside of each hollowed-out boat and the rim with the garlic butter. This step ensures the bread toasts to a golden crisp rather than becoming soggy.

3. Assemble the Boats

Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly along the bottom of each boat. Sprinkle a thin layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce (this acts as a moisture barrier). Layer 12 slices of pepperoni per boat (or enough to cover the surface in a single layer). Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring the pepperoni is slightly visible.

4. Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2 minutes. Carefully place the assembled boats into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in two batches.

Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, the edges of the pepperoni are slightly curled and crisp, and the bread is golden brown.

5. Garnish and Serve

Carefully remove the boats from the air fryer using tongs (they will be hot!). Sprinkle with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil if using. Serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving size: 1 Mini Pepperoni Pizza Boat