Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Dip (Printable version)
A creamy, savory blend with pepperoni and cheese. Perfect party dish served warm with bread.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/2 cup sour cream
→ Sauces
05 - 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
→ Meats
06 - 2.8 ounces sliced pepperoni, cut into quarters
→ Vegetables
07 - 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
08 - 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
→ Seasonings
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
11 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
13 - Sliced baguette, breadsticks, or crackers
# How to Prepare:
01 - Set oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even baking temperature.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Stir until a smooth, uniform mixture forms.
03 - Spread the cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of an 8-inch oven-safe baking dish.
04 - Evenly spread pizza sauce or marinara over the cheese mixture.
05 - Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously over the sauce.
06 - Distribute quartered pepperoni slices and, if desired, chopped bell pepper and red onion on top.
07 - Add dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the surface.
08 - Place dish in preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and the top turns golden.
09 - Let the dish stand for 5 minutes. Serve warm with sliced baguette, breadsticks, or crackers.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- Easy to assemble with familiar ingredients
- Full of classic pizza flavor and plenty of cheesy pull
- Customizable to please both meat lovers and vegetarians
- Bakes in under half an hour and feeds a hungry crowd
02 -
- High in protein and calcium so it is filling
- Great for making ahead and baking later
- You can serve with gluten-free crackers for guests with allergies
03 -
- Let the cream cheese fully soften before mixing to avoid lumps
- Chop your pepperoni and vegetables small enough to get every flavor in each bite
- If you want extra brown cheesy bits broil the dip for two minutes at the end
- For big parties set up a serve yourself dip bar with several topping options
- Remember do not skimp on buying fresh dried herbs or freshly shredding your own cheese It genuinely makes every bite taste fresher and more flavorful