Description
This Quick & Easy Pizza Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Made with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and classic pizza flavors baked until bubbly, it’s delicious served warm with crostini, breadsticks, chips, or veggies.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 8 ounces (226g) brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (180g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Toppings
- 1 cup (240g) pizza sauce
- 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (60g) pepperoni slices
- 2 Tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley and/or basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the dip.
- Mix the base: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, cake pan, or similar casserole dish sized between 1.5 to 2 quarts.
- Add toppings: Spread the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese, and finally sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake the dip: Place the assembled dip in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and/or basil if desired. Serve the dip hot with crostini, breadsticks, chips, raw veggies, pita wedges, or your preferred dippers.
- Store leftovers: Cover any remaining dip and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Feel free to swap pepperoni with other favorite pizza toppings like cooked sausage or olives.
- To make the dip spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the dip.
- Serve warm for the best melty, gooey texture, but it can be eaten cold as well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
