Description
Dive into a flavor explosion with this mouthwatering Pizza Dip that brings Italian pizzeria vibes right to your kitchen. Creamy cheese, zesty marinara, and classic pizza toppings blend seamlessly, creating an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
Protein and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices (mini or chopped)
Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Serving Suggestions:
- Breadsticks
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
- Garlic bread
- Sliced bell peppers
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare an oven-safe dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Blend softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning and garlic powder until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Carefully distribute the cream cheese mixture across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundational layer.
- Pour marinara sauce over the cream cheese layer, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese atop the marinara sauce, creating a rich dairy foundation.
- Decorate the cheese surface with pepperoni slices, chopped olives, diced bell peppers, and a dusting of red pepper flakes for added complexity and visual appeal.
- Transfer the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling landscape.
- Optional: Activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown caramelized surface that adds depth and visual intrigue.
- Remove from oven and embellish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
- Serve immediately alongside crisp breadsticks, artisan crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités for delightful dipping experiences.
Notes
- Customize toppings by swapping pepperoni with vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms or plant-based sausage crumbles for a meat-free version.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild marinara sauce for those with sensitive palates.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline assembly and reduce last-minute cooking stress, making this a perfect make-ahead appetizer for gatherings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently in the oven to maintain the creamy texture and prevent cheese from becoming oily.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg