Description

This Easy Pizza Dip recipe combines a creamy base of softened cream cheese and sour cream with flavorful marinara sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni. Baked until bubbly and golden, this savory dip is perfect for parties or game nights, served warm with breadsticks, chips, or veggie sticks for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Base

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream

Pizza Layer

1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pepperoni, sliced (or other toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers)

Seasonings

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish and Serving

Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Breadsticks, tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the dip evenly.
Prepare the Dip Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, which forms a creamy base for the dip.
Layer the Dip: Spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture evenly into the bottom of a small baking dish, about 9-inch square or an equivalent size, creating the foundation layer for your pizza dip.
Add the Pizza Sauce: Spoon the marinara or pizza sauce over the creamy base and spread it out evenly to cover the surface, adding that classic pizza flavor.
Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce. Then, evenly distribute the sliced pepperoni or your preferred pizza toppings over the cheese.
Season the Dip: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you want a bit of heat) over the top to enhance the flavor profile.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has golden brown edges, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the dip from the oven and, if desired, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your choice of breadsticks, tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping.

Notes

You can customize the toppings to your preference with veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage.
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce layer.
If you want to prepare ahead, assemble the dip and refrigerate it, then bake about 30 minutes before serving.
This dip is best served warm, so reheat leftovers gently in the oven.
Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to reduce fat content for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American