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Cheesy Pizza Dip with Pepperoni

Cheesy Pizza Dip with Pepperoni

A quick and indulgent Cheesy Pizza Dip with Pepperoni that combines creamy cheeses, tangy marinara, and savory pepperoni in a warm, dippable dish. Perfect for game day, parties, or a comforting snack, this easy recipe delivers gooey melted cheese and bold pizza flavors in under 15 minutes of prep plus baking.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Add-ins and Toppings

  • 1 cup pepperoni slices, sliced bite-sized, divided
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather and measure all ingredients. Slice the pepperoni into bite-sized pieces if not pre-sliced.
  2. Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until fully blended and creamy.
  3. Fold in the Pepperoni: Add most of the pepperoni slices into the mixture, reserving some for topping. Fold gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dip.
  4. Transfer and Top: Spread the dip evenly in a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and reserved pepperoni on top for a golden, bubbly finish once baked.
  5. Bake and Serve: Place the dish in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown edges. Garnish with optional fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite dippers.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure the dip blends smoothly without lumps.
  • Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese, as it adds savory depth balancing the richness of mozzarella and cream cheese.
  • Watch your bake time carefully; overbaking can dry out the dip.
  • Choose a shallow, wide baking dish to achieve a nice bubbly crust on top.
  • Allow the dip to rest for 5 minutes after baking to thicken slightly for improved texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy pizza dip, pepperoni dip, game day dip, party appetizer, cheesy appetizer, gluten free dip