Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip
A quick and easy cheesy pepperoni pizza dip that combines creamy cheeses, spicy pepperoni, and tangy marinara sauce for a crowd-pleasing comfort snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (oven) or 2-3 minutes (microwave)
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes (oven) or 7-8 minutes (microwave)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (30 g) mini pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking traditionally. If using the microwave, skip this step.
- In your baking dish or microwave-safe bowl, combine 8 oz (225 g) softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup (120 ml) marinara sauce. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Fold in 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently so the cheeses are evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle in 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to combine.
- Fold in 1 cup (30 g) mini pepperoni slices, spreading them evenly throughout the dip.
- If baking, place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are slightly golden. If microwaving, heat on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot and melted (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or crunchy veggies.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for best results. If dip looks dry on top, drizzle olive oil before baking. Do not overbake or microwave too long to avoid dryness or burning. Cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for smooth mixing. Stir frequently when microwaving to prevent hot spots. Prepare ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenience. Leftovers keep up to 3 days refrigerated and can be reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6 of the rec
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: cheesy pepperoni pizza dip, pizza dip, easy appetizer, party snack, comfort food, quick dip, pepperoni dip