Ah, the joy of a hot, bubbling dip—it’s like a warm hug, isn’t it? Especially when it tastes like your favorite pizza! This Creamy Pepperoni Pizza Dip is the kind of dish that disappears faster than you can say “extra cheese.” I remember making it for a family gathering last summer, and my cousin, who usually picks off the pepperoni from pizza, couldn’t stop dipping.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix together softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or similar baking pan. Pour marinara sauce over the top and then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Layer the pepperoni slices or your chosen pizza toppings over the cheese. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden.
- Optionally, garnish the finished dip with extra red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for added flavor. Serve immediately with crusty bread or your choice of chips or vegetables for dipping.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sour cream (can substitute with mayonnaise)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus additional for topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 slices of pepperoni
- Crusty bread, for serving
FAQ
- Can I prepare the pizza dip in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the pizza dip up to three days before you plan to bake it. Simply cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-25 minutes before placing it in the oven.
- What can I use instead of sour cream in this recipe?
- You can substitute sour cream with mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese, depending on your preference.
- What are some topping ideas for the pizza dip?
- You can add a variety of toppings to this dip, such as sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions, sliced tomatoes, beef, ham, pineapple, or feta cheese.
- How should I store leftover pizza dip?
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Note that this dip does not freeze well because the dairy tends to separate upon freezing and reheating.
- What are some serving suggestions for the pizza dip?
- Serve the pizza dip with crusty bread, breadsticks, tortilla chips, pita chips, bagel chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Tips
- For the best flavor and consistency, grate your Parmesan and shred your mozzarella from a block rather than using pre-packaged options.
- If you prefer a milder taste, opt for marinara sauce instead of pizza sauce, as it blends well with the other ingredients in the dip.
- Consider trying alternative toppings like sausage, mushrooms, olives, or even pineapple to customize the dip to your liking.
- If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Equipment
- 9-inch Pie Pan, Baking Dish, or Cast Iron Skillet – If someone doesn’t already have the appropriate dish for baking the dip.
- Box Cheese Grater – Recommended for grating Parmesan and shredding mozzarella from a block for the best flavor and consistency.
- Serving Spoons – Useful for serving the dip.
