Description
Creamy pizza dip brings classic Italian flavors to your appetizer spread with irresistible cheesy goodness. Loaded with pepperoni, herbs, and melted cheese, this quick crowd-pleaser promises to deliver maximum satisfaction for you at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Topping and Garnish Ingredients:
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices (mini or chopped)
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare an oven-safe vessel by applying a light coating of grease, selecting a 9-inch pie dish or compact casserole container. Position the oven rack to 375F (190C) for optimal heat distribution.
- Create a creamy foundation by blending softened cream cheese with aromatic Italian seasoning and pungent garlic powder until the mixture achieves a velvety, uniform consistency. Carefully spread this mixture across the entire bottom of the prepared dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Transform the base by generously coating the cream cheese layer with rich marinara sauce, creating a vibrant red canvas. Liberally scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce, allowing the dairy elements to intermingle and promise a decadent texture.
- Enhance the dip’s character by artfully arranging pepperoni slices, briny olives, crisp bell peppers, and a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes across the cheese surface. Feel free to customize with personal favorite pizza-inspired ingredients.
- Slide the assembled dip into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 18-20 minutes. The cheese should melt completely and bubble enticingly, signaling the dip’s readiness.
- For an optional golden finish, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a perfect caramelized top without burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip rest momentarily. Garnish with fresh, verdant basil or parsley to add a final aromatic touch. Serve immediately alongside crisp breadsticks, crunchy crackers, or raw vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Customize toppings by swapping pepperoni for vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based sausage crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Lighten the dip by using low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
- Create a gluten-free version by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks instead of traditional breadsticks.
- Make ahead by preparing the base layer and topping ingredients separately, then assemble and bake just before serving to maintain optimal texture and warmth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg