Description
This Easy Cheesy Pizza Dip is a crowd-pleaser perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. Cream cheese blended with a mix of shredded mozzarella and cheddar, seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with pizza sauce, more cheese, and pepperoni slices, then baked until bubbly and golden. Serve warm with crunchy tortilla chips or crusty sourdough bread cubes for a deliciously cheesy appetizer reminiscent of your favorite pizza flavors.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Approximately ¼ cup pepperoni slices (to taste)
For Serving
- Tortilla chips or 1 loaf sourdough bread, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the dip mixture is assembled.
- Mix the cheese base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 ¾ cups of shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, evenly seasoned cheese blend.
- Assemble the dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a pie pan or a 2-quart casserole dish. Carefully spread the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely for balanced flavor.
- Add the toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese and the shredded Parmesan evenly over the sauce. Then, distribute the pepperoni slices on top according to your preference.
- Bake: Place the assembled dip in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is browned and slightly crispy.
- Cool and serve: Allow the dip to cool for about 5 minutes after baking. Serve warm with tortilla chips or cubed sourdough bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian option.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture but reduce other cheeses slightly to balance moisture.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Serve immediately after cooling to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
