Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Pizza Dip with Pepperoni is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Creamy, gooey, and packed with classic pizza flavors, this dip is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 20-25 slices pepperoni

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring the cream cheese to room temperature and spread it evenly in a baking dish to create a creamy base.
2. Step 2: Pour the marinara sauce over the cream cheese, then sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) on top.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce to ensure a gooey texture.
4. Step 4: Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, overlapping slightly if needed for full coverage and flavor in every bite.
5. Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or swap pepperoni for spicy salami.
• Try adding chopped green bell peppers or black olives under the cheese for extra texture and flavor.
• Use a cast-iron skillet instead of a baking dish for a crispier edge on the dip.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly. Avoid microwaving to keep the cheese texture smooth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack for a different melting quality and flavor. Just keep the total cheese amount the same.

Is this dip gluten-free?

The dip itself is gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free dippers like vegetable sticks or gluten-free crackers if needed.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

This Cheesy Pizza Dip with Pepperoni is a deliciously gooey and savory appetizer that combines a creamy cream cheese base layered with marinara sauce, Italian seasonings, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and topped with slices of pepperoni. Baked until golden and bubbling, this dip delivers all the iconic flavors of a pizza in a warm, shareable form that’s perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

Sauce & Seasonings

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping

• 20–25 slices pepperoni

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: Bring the cream cheese to room temperature so it’s soft and spreadable, then evenly spread it in the bottom of a baking dish to form a creamy base layer.
2. Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the cream cheese base. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes evenly over the sauce to infuse the dip with classic pizza flavors.
3. Layer the Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the seasoned sauce layer to ensure a rich, cheesy consistency in every bite.
4. Top with Pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the top of the cheese layer, overlapping slightly if needed to maximize coverage and meaty flavor.
5. Bake Until Hot and Bubbling: Place the dip dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling, creating a deliciously warm and inviting pizza dip.

Notes

• For an extra spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
• Serve with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheeses for a lighter version.
• This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.

Keywords: pizza dip, cheesy dip, pepperoni dip, party appetizer, baked dip