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Crispy Pepperoni Pizza Dip

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A quick and easy appetizer featuring a creamy cheese base layered with marinara and crispy pepperoni, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or casual family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup thin-cut pepperoni slices
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1½ cups shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  3. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch oven-safe baking dish.
  4. Layer the marinara sauce gently over the cheese base, spreading it to the edges.
  5. Sprinkle half of the pepperoni slices over the marinara.
  6. Top with the remaining cheese mixture, smoothing it out evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices on top.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and pepperoni edges are crispy and slightly caramelized.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes to set.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
  11. Serve warm with crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette.

Notes

[‘Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother dip.’, ‘Freshly shred mozzarella and Parmesan for best melt quality.’, ‘Avoid overcrowding pepperoni slices to keep them crispy.’, ‘Let dip rest after baking to firm up for easier serving.’, ‘Optional: sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking for heat.’, “If pepperoni isn’t crisping enough, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.”, ‘For vegan or dairy-free versions, use dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella alternatives.’, ‘For gluten-free, serve with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks.’, ‘Dip can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking; add extra baking time if chilled.’, ‘Leftovers keep up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: pepperoni pizza dip, crispy pepperoni dip, gooey cheese dip, easy appetizer, game night snack, party dip

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-pepperoni-pizza-dip-recipe-easy-gooey-cheese-appetizer/