Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Dip
Indulge in the comforting flavors of pizza with this Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Dip! This creamy, cheesy dip combines the best elements of your favorite pizza into a warm, bubbly concoction that’s perfect for gatherings, game nights, or even a cozy dinner at home. Inspired by various dips that felt like they were missing that special touch, this recipe encapsulates the classic flavors of marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni, making it irresistibly delicious. Whether served with crispy toasted baguette slices or your go-to crackers, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to customize it by adding your choice of meats or veggies for a personal twist!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened to room temperature)
sour cream
8 ounces (plain)
marinara sauce
1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded, divided)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated, divided)
Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
onion powder
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
pepperoni
6 ounces (chopped, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
3
Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature for easier mixing.
4
In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
5
Next, fold in the marinara sauce gently until fully incorporated.
6
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion powder to the mixture and stir well to combine all the flavors.
7
Fold in half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the parmesan cheese, and half of the chopped pepperoni, mixing until evenly distributed.
8
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom.
9
Top the dip with the remaining chopped pepperoni, followed by the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese, ensuring a generous layer.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
11
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
12
Serve with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or your favorite crackers for a delicious dip experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Dip?
It is a warm, bubbly appetizer that combines the flavors of a classic pizza, including marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni, into a creamy dip.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 9 ingredients: cream cheese, sour cream, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic, and pepperoni.
What oven temperature is needed?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the dip from sticking to the pan?
Lightly grease the baking dish before adding the mixture to prevent sticking.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, allowing the cream cheese to reach room temperature makes it much easier to mix with the other ingredients.
What should I use to mix the cream cheese and sour cream?
You can use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend them until smooth.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
What seasonings are included in the dip?
The recipe calls for dried Italian seasoning, onion powder, and minced garlic.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What types of cheese are used?
This dip uses a combination of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
How is the pepperoni prepared?
The pepperoni should be chopped and divided into two portions.
Is all the cheese mixed into the dip?
No, half of the mozzarella and parmesan are mixed into the dip, while the remaining half is used as a topping.
How long does the dip need to bake?
Bake the dip for approximately 15 minutes.
How do I know when the pizza dip is done?
The dip is ready when it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top has turned golden brown.
What should I serve with this dip?
It pairs perfectly with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or your favorite crackers.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Yes, you can add your choice of meats or vegetables for a personal twist on the classic flavor.
Is this dip suitable for parties?
Yes, it is designed to be a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, game nights, or cozy dinners.
How much pepperoni is needed in total?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of chopped pepperoni.
Can I use different seasonings?
While the recipe specifies Italian seasoning and onion powder, you can adjust these to your personal taste.
Does the recipe include sour cream?
Yes, 8 ounces of plain sour cream are used to provide a creamy texture.
Is the marinara sauce mixed in or layered?
In this specific recipe, the marinara sauce is folded into the cream cheese and sour cream mixture.
Should I let the dip cool before eating?
Yes, it is recommended to let it cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.
How much marinara sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of marinara sauce.
What is the primary base of the dip?
The base consists of 16 ounces of softened cream cheese and 8 ounces of sour cream.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan, which can be store-bought.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe with simple mixing and baking steps.
How do I spread the mixture in the pan?
Transfer the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom before adding the toppings.
Can I add more cheese than the recipe calls for?
Yes, you can ensure a generous layer on top by using the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
What tags describe this recipe?
It is tagged as a dip, cheesy, pizza, appetizer, snack, and party food.