Description
Cheesy Pizza Dip with Pepperoni is a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese with tangy marinara sauce and savory pepperoni slices, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for parties, game days, or any casual get-together, this dip brings all the classic pizza flavors in one creamy, shareable dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: Bring the cream cheese to room temperature, then spread it in an even layer in a baking dish. This creamy base acts as the perfect canvas for all the other flavors.
- Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the cream cheese, then sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes on top. These layers bring that classic pizza flavor into the dip.
- Layer the Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, ensuring every scoop will be gooey and flavorful.
- Top with Pepperoni: Arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese for that iconic meaty bite in every dip. Feel free to overlap or nestle slices for maximum taste in every scoop.
- Bake Until Hot and Bubbling: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling for that irresistible pizza dip experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier spreading and smoother texture.
- Choose good-quality or homemade marinara sauce for the freshest flavor.
- Avoid over-baking to keep cheese gooey and prevent drying out.
- Mixing mozzarella and Parmesan balances stretchiness with flavor.
- Serve the dip warm straight from the oven for best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg