Description
This Easy Pizza Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Combining creamy layers of cream cheese and sour cream with classic pizza sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan, and savory pepperoni, it’s baked until bubbly and golden. Serve it hot with your favorite dippers like breadsticks, chips, or vegetables for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Pizza Layer
- 1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni, sliced (or other toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Breadsticks, tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly.
- Prepare the Dip Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and well combined to create a creamy base layer.
- Layer the Dip: Spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture evenly into the bottom of a small baking dish (about 9-inch square or equivalent). This forms the foundation of the dip.
- Add the Pizza Sauce: Spoon the marinara or pizza sauce over the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly to cover the base layer.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce. Add the sliced pepperoni or your choice of toppings evenly over the cheese.
- Season the Dip: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top for enhanced flavor and a slight kick.
- Bake: Place the dip in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with breadsticks, tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings to suit your preference by adding sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives instead of pepperoni.
- For a spicier dip, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the pizza sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker dip, use less sour cream or replace it with Greek yogurt for extra tang.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth dip base.
- The dip can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving to save time.
