Ultimate Layered Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Indulge in this crowd-pleasing Ultimate Layered Pepperoni Pizza Dip, a delightful appetizer perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights in. This dish brings all the fantastic flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza into a creamy, cheesy dip that’s layered to perfection. Prepare it ahead of time for easy entertaining—just chill it for at least an hour and pop it in the microwave when your guests are ready to indulge. Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño, or omit it altogether for a milder experience. Served warm and gooey, this dip pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Fresh Minced Garlic
2 teaspoons (or to taste)
Dried Oregano
1 pinch
Dried Basil
1 pinch
Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups (finely shredded, divided)
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (grated, divided)
Pizza Sauce
1 cup
Jalapeno Pepper
1 small (seeded and finely chopped, or to taste)
Green Bell Peppers
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Pepperoni
1 cup (finely chopped, or to taste)
Black Olives
1/3 cup (chopped, or to taste)
Green Onions
to taste (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, fresh minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended and smooth.
2
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of a microwave-safe pie plate or shallow baking dish (9 or 10 inches).
3
Layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese mixture, followed by 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
4
Evenly spread the pizza sauce on top of the cheese layers.
5
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pizza sauce.
6
On top of the cheese, distribute the finely chopped jalapeño, green bell peppers, chopped pepperoni, and black olives.
7
Cover the dish with wax paper or a microwave-safe lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
8
When ready to serve, microwave the dip on high for 5-6 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
9
Optionally, sprinkle chopped green onions on top just before serving for added flavor and garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Layered Pepperoni Pizza Dip?
The Ultimate Layered Pepperoni Pizza Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that features layers of seasoned cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, pizza sauce, and classic pizza toppings.
How is the cream cheese base prepared?
To prepare the base, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, a pinch of dried oregano, and a pinch of dried basil until smooth.
What size dish should I use for this dip?
A 9 or 10-inch microwave-safe pie plate or a shallow baking dish is recommended for layering this dip.
How much mozzarella cheese is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of finely shredded mozzarella cheese, which is divided and used in two separate layers.
Is this pizza dip spicy?
It contains one small jalapeno, but the heat level is adjustable; you can add more, use less, or omit it entirely for a milder taste.
How do I cook the pepperoni pizza dip?
Cover the dish with wax paper or a microwave-safe lid and microwave on high for 5-6 minutes or until the dip is heated through and bubbly.
Should the dip be chilled before serving?
Yes, the dip should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before heating to allow the flavors to meld together.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
This gooey dip pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
What toppings are added to the final layer?
The top layer includes finely chopped pepperoni, green bell peppers, seeded and chopped jalapeno, and chopped black olives.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until your guests are ready to eat.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, which is divided between the cheese layers.
What kind of pizza sauce should I use?
You can use 1 cup of your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce to spread over the cheese layers.
Does the pepperoni need to be cooked beforehand?
No, the pepperoni should be finely chopped and added raw; it will heat through when the dip is microwaved.
What is the optional garnish for this recipe?
Chopped green onions can be sprinkled on top of the hot dip just before serving for extra flavor and garnish.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic, though you can adjust this amount to your personal preference.
Can I use a different type of olive?
While the recipe specifies black olives, you can substitute them with green olives or omit them entirely if you prefer.
Is the cream cheese used at room temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it mixes easily and spreads smoothly across the bottom of the dish.
How many ingredients are in the Ultimate Layered Pepperoni Pizza Dip?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including the cream cheese base, cheeses, sauce, various vegetable toppings, and seasonings.
What herbs are mixed into the cream cheese?
Dried oregano and dried basil are used to season the cream cheese layer.
How long does it take to heat the dip?
It takes approximately 5 to 6 minutes in the microwave on high power.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger dish or two separate pie plates, adjusting heating times as needed.
Do I need to seed the jalapeno?
Yes, the recipe recommends seeding the jalapeno before finely chopping it to control the heat levels.
What is the texture of the finished dip?
The finished dip is warm, creamy, and gooey, similar to the experience of eating melted cheese on a pizza.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh oregano and basil, though you may want to increase the amount slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is this dip suitable for game days?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a perfect appetizer for game days, parties, or cozy nights in.
How do I layer the cheese?
The cheese is divided: one layer goes over the cream cheese, and the remaining portion goes over the pizza sauce.
Can I substitute the pepperoni?
Yes, you can use turkey pepperoni, cooked sausage, or keep it vegetarian by adding more mushrooms or peppers.
What should I cover the dish with in the microwave?
Use wax paper or a microwave-safe lid to prevent splattering and ensure even heating.
How much green bell pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped green bell peppers.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it involves simple mixing and layering steps with no complex cooking techniques required.