Description
A warm, cheesy, and savory dip that tastes like deep-dish pizza but is infinitely easier to make. Perfect for parties, game days, or weeknight cravings, this crowd-pleaser combines cream cheese, marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups (170g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 oz (115g) sliced pepperoni, chopped into small pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Let cream cheese soften for 15-20 minutes.
- Shred mozzarella cheese and chop pepperoni into 1/4-inch chunks. Chop fresh basil and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Mix with a rubber spatula until smooth and no streaks remain.
- Transfer the mixture to a 10-inch oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the top, then scatter chopped pepperoni evenly.
- Drizzle olive oil over the entire surface.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. Pepperoni should be slightly curled and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to set slightly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, baguette slices, or sturdy crackers.
Notes
[‘Do not use pre-shredded cheese as anti-caking agents prevent smooth melting.’, ‘Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.’, ‘Chopping pepperoni ensures flavor distribution in every bite.’, ‘If the dip is too runny, simmer the marinara sauce down before mixing or bake longer to evaporate moisture.’, ‘Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.’, ‘Does not freeze well due to texture changes in dairy.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1/8 of the d
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 15
Keywords: pepperoni pizza dip, game day snacks, party dip, easy appetizer, cheesy dip, pizza dip, crowd pleaser, oven baked dip