Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe

I am a fan of mixing classic ingredients into an indulgent snack. My favorite version of Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip features cream cheese, pizza sauce, and pepperoni slices paired with Italian seasoning and a medley of cheeses for a rich flavor. I love sharing this twist on a game day favorite.

I recently discovered a Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip recipe that totally blew my mind during game day. I always start with 8 oz of softened cream cheese mixed with 1/2 cup pizza sauce for that rich, tangy base.

Then I stir in 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to bring out bold flavors. I layer in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese which makes it extra gooey.

But what really steals the show are the pepperoni slices – about 30 of them – that get crispy at the edges, adding a fantastic crunch to every bite. Sometimes I even serve it with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

This dip is a great spin on classic pepperoni pizza and it definitely makes any finger food spread more exciting. Enjoy every flavorful bite as it takes your tastebuds on a fun ride!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super easy to make and doesn’t take a lot of time. I mix cream cheese and pizza sauce together and it’s just so simple and satisfying.

I really enjoy how the blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives it that awesome cheesy flavor that covers the whole dish. Even though its a dip, it feels like a full pizza experience in one bite.

I love the pepperoni on top because I find that crispy little edge adds a fun crunch and savory kick that makes every bite exciting.

Plus, its perfect for game day; I always share it with my friends and we all end up licking the dish clean, which just shows how good it is!

Ingredients

• Cream cheese is rich and creamy, adds smooth texture and essential protein for the dip.
• Pizza sauce is tangy and tomatoey, brings natural sweetness along with vitamins.
• Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that really boost flavor without extra calories.
• Garlic powder offers a zesty, subtle kick, and its full of natural antioxidants.
• Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, giving a gooey, mild flavor and some protein too.
• Cheddar cheese has a robust, slightly sharp taste that adds extra calcium.
• Pepperoni slices are savory, loaded with protein, and give a smoky, spicy punch.
• Extra marinara sauce is optional but its tangy and perfect for dipping along with flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 package pepperoni slices (about 30 slices)
• Optional extra marinara sauce for dipping

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the pizza sauce until the mixture is smooth.

3. Stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder to blend in the flavors.

4. Spread the mixture in an even layer over a baking dish.

5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and shredded cheddar evenly on top.

6. Lay the pepperoni slices on the cheese, making sure to cover the dip well.

7. Place it in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden.

8. Take it out of the oven and let it cool a bit before serving.

9. If you want, serve it with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

10. Enjoy the dip while its hot and share with your friends on game day!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Spatula or mixing spoon
5. Baking dish
6. Cooling rack or plate for resting the baked dip
7. Small serving bowl (if you want extra marinara sauce on the side)

FAQ

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Cream Cheese: You can try Neufchatel cheese if you wanna cut back on fat or even mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor.
• Pizza Sauce: If you’re out of pizza sauce, marinara sauce works just fine or you could thin out tomato paste with a bit of water.
• Italian Seasoning: Mix up dried oregano, basil, and thyme as a simple substitute if you don’t have premade Italian seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic is a great alternative, just use a little extra because it’s more potent.
• Pepperoni Slices: You could swap them for salami or even cooked sausage slices if you’re looking for a twist.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before mixin it up so you dont get any lumpy bits and it spreads more evenly.
2. If you like a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a squirt of hot sauce to the mix for some extra flavor; it really makes a difference.
3. Keep an eye on it in the oven – every oven heats differently, so start checking a minute early to avoid burning your cheese.
4. For even easier clean-up, line your baking dish with parchment paper so theres less mess when it’s time to serve.