Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Creamy Base
01 -
12 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (from the 2 cups total)
03 -
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Toppings
05 -
1 cup marinara sauce
06 -
1 cup remaining shredded mozzarella cheese
07 -
1 cup mini pepperoni slices
→ For Serving (Optional)
08 -
Sliced baguette or Italian bread
09 -
Breadsticks or garlic knots
10 -
Tortilla chips or pita chips
11 -
Sliced bell peppers or other vegetables for dipping
# Instructions:
01 -
Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or similar sized oven-safe baking dish if your skillet isn't already well-seasoned.
02 -
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Use a spatula or electric mixer on low speed to blend until smooth and well incorporated. The mixture should be spreadable but thick.
03 -
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared skillet or baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create a smooth, even layer that covers the entire bottom of the dish.
04 -
Pour the marinara sauce over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently with a spoon to create an even layer. Try not to disturb the cream cheese mixture underneath too much.
05 -
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce layer. Distribute the mini pepperoni slices across the top. If using additional toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives, add them now.
06 -
Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, with edges turning golden brown. For extra browning on top, you can switch to the broiler for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
07 -
Remove the hot dip from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly and prevents burning mouths on the very hot cheese. Serve warm with your choice of dippers arranged around the skillet for easy access.
# Notes:
01 -
This dip is best served hot and fresh from the oven when the cheese is at its melty, gooey best.
02 -
Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
03 -
For extra flavor, try sprinkling some grated Parmesan or a few pinches of red pepper flakes on top before baking.