Description
This creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Pepperoni Pizza Dip combines spicy pepperoni, melty mozzarella, Parmesan, and a rich tomato sauce base for a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dip captures all the best elements of classic pizza in a warm, indulgent dish that’s ideal for dipping with chips, breadsticks, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses & Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meats
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (plus extra for topping)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 3/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip will bake evenly, melting all the cheeses perfectly without burning.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is fully blended and smooth.
- Add Sauce and Pepperoni: Fold in the marinara or pizza sauce and most of the pepperoni slices, saving some for the topping. This creates that signature pizza flavor in every spoonful.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Spread the remaining pepperoni slices on top and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the dip is bubbly.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dip to set slightly — making it easier to scoop and even more delicious.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for the creamiest texture.
- Pat the pepperoni slices dry to avoid excess oil in your dip.
- Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for variation.
- Add fresh basil or oregano after baking for added brightness.
- Keep the dip warm during serving by placing it in a warm dish or slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pepperoni pizza dip, cheesy dip, appetizer, party snack, game day recipe, pizza flavors, easy dip, crowd-pleaser, pizza dip