It’s probably no secret that I love pizza . I mean, who doesn’t? I think it’s fun turning the classic pepperoni pizza, loved by everyone, into different recipes. Enjoy pizza parlor pleasures in an alternate form like pepperoni pizza grilled cheese, pizza burgers, pizza pasta, and stuffed pizza bites, or healthier versions of pizza like zucchini pizza bites, and pizza stuffed spaghetti squash. How long it takes: 10 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to bake, 10 minutes to cool Equipment you’ll need: mixing bowl, shallow baking dish Servings: 15 And why not a pepperoni pizza dip? It goes without saying that this dip is perfect for any game day party. It’s easy to make, too!
About this pepperoni pizza dip
Lots of cheese! This dip starts with a trifecta of cheeses: mozzarella for stringy melty goodness, cream cheese to hold it all together, and salty parmesan gives that boost of flavor we all enjoy. Tasty garnishes. I like to use mini pepperoni but if you can’t find them or don’t want to stray from your favorite pepperoni brand, just cut regular sliced pepperoni into smaller pieces to make for easier dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or basil leaves for a burst fresh flavor. Dippers. Toasted bread (crostini), crackers, pita chips, pretzel flats, crisp breadsticks, fresh bread, pretty much anything goes well with pepperoni pizza dip!
How To Make Pizza Dip
In a large mixing bowl, blend together softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and seasonings (basil and oregano, either fresh or dried, garlic powder, and black pepper). Spread the cheese mixture in a shallow baking dish. I like to use a red ceramic pie dish but use whatever you have. It doesn’t necessarily have to be round. Top the cheese with marinara or pizza sauce. Scatter pepperoni over the dip and pop it into the oven for just 20 minutes, until the cheese is all melty and stringy. Let the dip cool for ten minutes or so before you serve it. It’s just too hot to eat right away and the dip gets a bit firmer when it’s cooler.
Change It Up
The cheese base can be topped with any pizza toppings that you like. You can combine a few toppings, too, for a deluxe pizza or a garden vegetable pizza. Just make sure the toppings are bite-sized so they’ll be “dippable”.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
To make ahead, assemble the dip ahead of time and refrigerate for up to three to four hours. Bake as directed, adding a few minutes baking time. Refrigerate leftover dip in a covered container for up to three days, If the dip has sat out for more than two hours, it should be discarded. Reheat gently in the microwave. Don’t overheat the dip; the cheese may separate. Quick-Start Guide!
