Pepperoni Pizza Dip

The first time I brought this dip to a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah literally hovered over the dish with a breadstick, refusing to let anyone else near it until she had her fair share. Now it is the most requested item at every gathering we host, and I have learned to make double batches just to be safe.

Last winter, my sister arrived unexpectedly during a snowstorm with three friends in tow. I threw this together with ingredients I had on hand, and they ended up staying for three hours, just dipping bread and talking while the fire crackled in the background.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Soften this properly at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or you will end up with lumps in your base layer
• Shredded mozzarella: Divide this amount in half since you need some for the creamy base and more for the bubbly top
• Shredded Parmesan: Also split this cheese between layers for the best depth of flavor throughout the dip
• Beef pepperoni: Slice these as thin as possible so they crisp up beautifully in the oven
• Pizza sauce: Choose a sauce you actually enjoy eating on pizza because the flavor really comes through here
• Dried oregano: This gives it that authentic pizzeria aroma we all recognize immediately
• Garlic powder: Sprinkle evenly so every bite has that savory kick without overwhelming the other flavors

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Get it to 190°C (375°F) so you are ready to bake as soon as the layers are assembled

Mix the creamy base:

Combine the softened cream cheese with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan until completely smooth

Build the foundation:

Spread this cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of your ovenproof baking dish, creating a solid layer for toppings

Add the sauce layer:

Pour the pizza sauce over the cream cheese base, spreading it gently so you do not disturb the layer underneath

Layer on more cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce so every inch is covered

Arrange the pepperoni:

Lay the beef pepperoni slices across the top, overlapping them slightly so they cover as much surface area as possible

Season the top:

Sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you want some extra heat

Bake until bubbly:

Put it in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden at the edges

Let it rest briefly:

Wait about 5 minutes before serving so the dip sets up slightly and is not too runny

Garnish and serve:

Scatter fresh basil on top if you like and bring it to the table with baguette slices or crackers

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My neighbor texted me at 11 PM one Friday night asking for this recipe after she had it at our block party. She made it for her family the next day and sent me a photo of an empty dish with the caption help, they ate it all.

Make It Your Own

I have experimented with so many variations over the years. Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms under the pepperoni layer, or swap in turkey pepperoni when I am serving friends who do not eat beef. The base remains the same, but the toppings can change with whatever I have in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

Breadsticks are the classic choice, but toasted pita triangles or even sturdy tortilla chips work beautifully. Once I served it with garlic knots and people could not stop talking about the combination. Just make sure whatever you choose can handle a thick, heavy dip without breaking.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the entire dip up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator. Add 5 minutes to the baking time if you are putting a cold dish straight into the oven.

• Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing for the smoothest texture
• Have all your ingredients measured out before you start layering
• Use a light hand when spreading each layer so they do not get mixed together

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There is something magical about watching friends gather around a bubbling dish of this dip, bread in hand, waiting for that first dip. It turns a regular Tuesday into a mini celebration.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use turkey pepperoni instead of beef?

Yes, turkey pepperoni is a great alternative and provides a milder flavor while maintaining a similar texture.

→ What cheeses are best for this dip?

A combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy, gooey, and slightly sharp flavor that melts beautifully.

→ How can I make this dip spicier?

Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or use hot pepperoni varieties to bring additional heat to the dish.

→ Is it possible to add vegetables to this dip?

Yes, diced green bell peppers and sliced black olives can be added for extra texture and flavor.

→ What are good options for serving this dip?

Serve warm with sliced baguette, breadsticks, or crackers to complement its creamy and savory layers.

→ Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

It’s best baked fresh but can be assembled earlier and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.