Description
This delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Creamy layers of seasoned cream cheese topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and mini pepperonis create a cheesy, savory dip that pairs perfectly with toast or mini naan for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese (from 12 ounces, divided)
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan cheese (from ½ cup, divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (from 1.5 teaspoons, divided)
- ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 4 ounces Mini pepperonis (from 5 ounces, divided)
Toppings
- 1 cup Marinara sauce
- Remaining 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Remaining ¼ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- Remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Remaining 1 ounce Mini pepperonis
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray an 8×8 inch baking dish or 9-inch pie dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and 4 ounces of mini pepperonis. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or hand mixer until well blended and smooth.
- Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread this cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking or pie dish as the base layer of the dip.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Spoon and spread the marinara sauce gently over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the marinara sauce layer.
- Sprinkle Parmesan Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the remaining Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add Remaining Pepperonis: Top the layered dip with the rest of the mini pepperonis, distributing them evenly.
- Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted completely and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve hot with toast bread slices or mini naan for dipping. For best texture, stir the dip well after baking to make it easier to scoop and enjoy.
Notes
- To enhance the flavor, use a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for a fresher taste.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; just bake when ready to serve.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the mini pepperonis and add sautéed mushrooms or olives instead.
- Serve immediately for best gooey cheese texture and freshness.
