Description
This delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Dip layers creamy seasoned cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella topped with pepperoni for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, it’s served warm with crusty bread or chips for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup sour cream (can substitute with mayonnaise)
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus more for topping)
Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 ¼ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 15 slices pepperoni
For Serving
- Crusty bread, pita, tortilla or bagel chips, or vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the dip.
- Prepare Cheese Layer: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or mayo), dried garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. For best results, ensure the sour cream is not cold before mixing to maintain a smooth texture during baking. Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, baking dish, or cast iron skillet.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Evenly spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the cheese mixture. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
- Add Pepperoni: Arrange 15 slices of pepperoni or your choice of pizza toppings evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the uncovered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and begins to brown.
- Garnish (Optional): Once baked, optionally garnish with extra red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, and roughly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve the warm dip immediately with crusty bread, pita, tortilla or bagel chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the pepperoni or substitute with veggie-friendly toppings.
- Use room temperature sour cream to ensure even mixing and a smooth dip texture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Try serving with a variety of dippers like sliced bell peppers, carrot sticks, or pretzel chips for added crunch.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: pizza dip, creamy dip, party appetizer, baked dip, pepperoni dip, cheesy dip, easy dip recipe
