Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip is the ultimate party appetizer, combining creamy cheeses, spicy pepperoni, and a sweet yet fiery drizzle of hot honey. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for serving with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers to delight any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Spices & Cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Additional Ingredients
- 4 ounces pepperoni, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper)
- Crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers, for serving
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened by microwaving it in 15-second intervals if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Combine the base ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise together until completely smooth.
- Add the spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spiciness.
- Incorporate the Parmesan cheese: Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Fold in the mozzarella: Add half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and gently fold it into the mixture.
- Add the chopped pepperoni: Incorporate the finely chopped pepperoni pieces into the dip with gentle folding to combine.
- Drizzle with hot honey: Pour the hot honey (or honey with cayenne pepper) over the mixture and gently fold to integrate the sweet and spicy flavor.
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet.
- Transfer the dip: Pour the cheese and pepperoni mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with remaining mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden brown on top.
- Let it cool slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the dip to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful presentation.
- Serve with dippers: Serve the hot dip alongside crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy this irresistible hot honey pepperoni pizza dip!
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper directly into the dip.
- If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper as a substitute.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the dip.
- Allow the dip to cool slightly after baking to prevent burns and to let the flavors meld.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- Feel free to swap pepperoni for other favorite pizza meats or add vegetables like chopped bell peppers or olives for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
