Pepperoni Pizza Dip brings all the beloved flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza into a scrumptious hot dip form. Perfect for pizza enthusiasts, this appetizer is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers.
Flavorful Ingredients
- Pepperoni: Chopped for the dip and whole slices for the topping. Mini pepperoni pieces are also a great alternative or mix in other favorite pizza toppings for variety.
- Pizza Sauce: Essential for that authentic pizza flavor, use your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce for added depth.
- Cheese: A creamy base of softened cream cheese combined with shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully to create a gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pizza dip hot for the best experience. It’s exceptionally delicious when scooped up with homemade focaccia breadsticks, but bagel chips, toasted baguettes, or crackers also make excellent accompaniments. This dip is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party!
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave when ready to enjoy again.
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 ounces [227g]) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup (about 25 slices) pepperoni slices, diced (reserve 10-12 whole slices for topping)
- 2 cups (226g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup (257g) pizza sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch (23 cm) pie pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Dip Base:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and diced pepperoni.
- Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie pan.
Layer the Dip:
- Sprinkle 1 cup (113g) of shredded mozzarella over the cream cheese layer.
- Evenly pour the pizza sauce over the mozzarella.
- Add the remaining cup (113g) of mozzarella on top of the sauce.
- Arrange the reserved whole pepperoni slices on top.
Bake:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and heated through.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the hot dip right before serving.
Enjoy this Pepperoni Pizza Dip at your next gathering or family movie night as a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza. Whether spread on a crispy breadstick or a simple cracker, it captures the essence of pizza in every bite!
