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Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip Delight

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip - featured image

A quick and easy cheesy pepperoni pizza dip that delivers bold pizza flavors without the fuss of dough. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or casual snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Chop about 1 cup of pepperoni slices into small pieces. Optionally, toss them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to render fat and intensify flavor.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in ½ cup marinara sauce, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Fold in the chopped or pre-crisped pepperoni, reserving a few pieces for topping.
  6. Spread the mixture evenly in an 8-inch oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle reserved pepperoni and extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top if desired.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve warm with toasted bread, crackers, or veggie sticks.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 15 minutes. Let dip rest 5 minutes after baking for easier scooping. For a crispy pepperoni texture, pre-cook pepperoni in a skillet. Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

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