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Savory Pizza Dip with Pepperoni and Mozzarella

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A creamy, cheesy dip layered with spicy pepperoni and tangy tomato sauce, perfect for parties and game days. This easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 200g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (240ml)
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices (about 20 slices)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A few fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
  • Crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese using a spatula or handheld mixer until smooth and spreadable, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan to the cream cheese and mix gently but thoroughly.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of marinara or a splash of milk to loosen it slightly.
  5. Fold in half of the pepperoni slices.
  6. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top in a single layer.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top and drizzle with olive oil if desired. Serve warm with crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette.

Notes

Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds to avoid lumps. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting. If dip isn’t bubbly after 20 minutes, bake for an additional 5 minutes. Stir gently before baking to avoid dry pockets. Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for kids.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza dip, pepperoni dip, mozzarella dip, party appetizer, game day snack, easy dip recipe, cheesy dip

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/savory-pizza-dip-with-pepperoni-and-mozzarella-easy-recipe-for-parties/