Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Dip

If crowd-pleasing appetizers are what you are after this pepperoni pizza dip delivers all the gooey cheesy comfort of a slice without the need to roll dough It is perfect for parties game days or when you just want a cozy bite that tastes like pure nostalgia

There is something about the combination of warm melted cheese and pepperoni that brings everyone to the kitchen I made this for my family’s holiday get-together once and now it is the first appetizer we run out of every year

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: This is the indulgent base that makes the dip creamy Try to use full-fat for the richest texture
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: This gives the classic pizza stretch and melt Look for a block and shred it yourself for the best melt
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory salty bite High-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano takes this over the top
• Sour cream: Brings extra tanginess and blends beautifully with the melted cheeses
• Pizza sauce or marinara sauce: This soaks into the cheese for true pizza flavor Use a thick robust sauce for best results
• Sliced pepperoni: Brings spicy meaty flavor Choose a bold uncured variety and chop into quarters so each scoop catches a bite
• Chopped green bell pepper: Bright crunch and fresh flavor Select firm glossy peppers for best color
• Chopped red onion: Adds signature sweetness and sharpness Choose a small one with tight skin
• Dried oregano and dried basil: These provide classic pizzeria flavor Buy dried herbs in small amounts and refresh every year
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth
• Freshly ground black pepper: Brings balance to the richness Use cracked black pepper for a little spice
• Sliced baguette breadsticks or crackers: Choose a sturdy bread so you get the whole cheesy scoop with each bite

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 190°C or 375°F so the dip bakes evenly without burning the cheese

Mix the Cheese Base:

In a medium bowl combine softened cream cheese sour cream half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan Mix until smooth and creamy You want this layer silky so it bakes up fluffy and not grainy

Layer into the Dish:

Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the base of a 20 cm or 8 inch oven-safe baking dish Use the back of a spatula to get into the corners so every bite is covered

Add the Pizza Sauce:

Carefully spread the pizza sauce over the cheese Try to get it even so every scoop has sauce and cheese

Add Cheese Topping:

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce Distribute it well for a gooey cheesy crust

Arrange the Toppings:

Scatter chopped pepperoni all over and then top with green bell pepper and red onion if you are using them Distribute the toppings for colorful bites

Season and Bake:

Sprinkle with oregano basil garlic powder and a few grinds of black pepper This is what will make it smell just like pizza Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese bubbles at the edges and the top is golden

Let Cool and Serve:

Let the dip rest for five minutes out of the oven so it sets a bit and no one burns their mouth Serve warm with the bread or crackers

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Pepperoni is my personal favorite because it brings out the kid in me but freshly shredded cheese makes the biggest difference in taste and texture For my family the dip rarely lasts long enough to cool and I still remember my niece’s face the first time she dipped her bread in and got that perfect cheese pull

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat covered in the oven or microwave until hot For best flavor eat within three days This dip does not freeze well as dairy can separate when thawed

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version use turkey pepperoni or skip the meat and double up on bell peppers and mushrooms You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for extra protein and tang

Serving Suggestions

This is best with slices of toasted baguette sturdy breadsticks or hearty crackers You can offer an array of veggie sticks for dunking or even use as a filling for warm pita pockets

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Serve this at your next gathering and watch it disappear If you want to make it ahead just prep all the layers and bake when guests arrive