Name: Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce; ½ cup mini pepperoni slices; ¼ tsp dried oregano; ¼ tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional); Crackers, baguette slices, or breadsticks

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If you love the ultimate comfort food combo of cheesy, savory, and zesty flavors, this Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the classic pizza ingredients coming together in one divine, creamy dip that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family. It’s gooey, bubbly, and loaded with that rich tomato sauce and pepperoni punch you crave — but way easier to scoop up and dunk into than a slice! Whether you’re gearing up for a game day, party, or just a cozy night in, this dip hits every note of deliciousness while being incredibly simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a pizza recipe arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese, a white bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, and two rectangular blocks of cream cheese wrapped in plastic placed side by side. A small clear container holds red tomato sauce, and there is a small pile of dried herbs next to it. Several round slices of pepperoni are scattered around the ingredients. The colors include bright red from the sauce and pepperoni, creamy white from the cheese blocks, and vibrant orange from the shredded cheddar cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe right depends on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that balance creaminess, tang, and bold flavor. Each one plays a vital role, from the luscious smooth base to the melty cheese topping to the zesty pepperoni that brings it all home.

Cream cheese, 8 oz: Softened for that luscious, creamy foundation that binds everything together.
Sour cream, ½ cup: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the dip perfectly.
Mayonnaise, ½ cup: Ensures extra creaminess and a smooth texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup: Classic melty, stringy goodness that’s essential for pizza flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup: Brings a sharp, salty edge to enhance the cheesy mix.
Pizza or marinara sauce, ½ cup: Rich and flavorful tomato sauce is the heart of the pizza taste.
Mini pepperoni slices, ½ cup: The star ingredient that adds spice, texture, and meaty richness.
Dried oregano, ¼ tsp: A pinch of Italian herb that elevates the savory notes.
Garlic powder, ¼ tsp: For a mellow, aromatic punch of garlic flavor.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley, 2 tbsp (optional): Fresh herbs add a bright pop of color and fragrant aroma.
Crackers, baguette slices, or breadsticks: Perfect dippers to scoop up every cheesy bite.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Base Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) so it’s nice and hot when the dip is ready to bake. While it heats up, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a bowl until everything is silky smooth. This mixture forms the deliciously creamy base of your dip and makes every bite luscious.

Step 2: Layer the Dip

Spread that creamy base evenly into a small baking dish — something around 8×8 inches works perfectly. Next, spoon the pizza or marinara sauce on top in an even layer, creating that essential tomato foundation. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan generously over the sauce to get that irresistible cheesy crust forming.

Step 3: Add the Pepperoni and Seasonings

Distribute your mini pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese layer to ensure each scoop has that spicy, savory flavor. Lightly dust dried oregano and garlic powder over the top to add a hint of Italian-inspired seasoning that complements the rest beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your dish into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is hot and bubbling and the cheese has melted into a golden, gooey dream. Keep an eye on it as it bakes to make sure it doesn’t overcook — you’re aiming for that perfect bubbly, melty texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately with those crunchy crackers, baguette slices, or breadsticks ready for dunking. This step turns your Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe into an eye-catching, irresistible appetizer.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe

The image shows a baked pizza with a golden-brown melted cheese layer on the top. On this cheese layer, there are many round, reddish-brown pepperoni slices evenly spread out. The cheese looks soft and stretchy, with some browned spots showing it is cooked well. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled lightly over the pizza, adding color contrast. A spoon is lifting a cheesy slice from the pizza, showing melted cheese stretching between the slice and the remaining pizza. The pizza is in a white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a lovely aroma and vibrant green pop against the rich reds and golden cheeses. You could also add a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor and visual appeal. These small touches make all the difference when serving friends or guests.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with an array of dippers — from toasted baguette slices and crunchy pita chips to crispy breadsticks or classic crackers. For a heartier spread, offer a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some sliced veggies for a fresh crunch balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the dip inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl for a festive, shareable centerpiece. Alternatively, serve several small ramekins for individual portions at parties. Even layering with extra pepperoni and cheese on top before baking can add a dramatic touch that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be tough), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen when chilled, making it great for enjoying the next day with minimal fuss.

Freezing

This Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Transfer the unbaked dip in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350 °F until hot and bubbly again, usually about 15 minutes. You can also microwave smaller portions, but the oven method preserves the texture and keeps the cheese melty just like fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular pepperoni instead of mini pepperoni?

Absolutely! Just slice the regular pepperoni thinly so it spreads evenly across the dip. Mini pepperoni just makes for easier distribution and bite-sized pieces.

Is this dip spicy?

This recipe has a mild, slightly smoky spiciness from the pepperoni and garlic powder, but it’s not very hot. Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes if you want more heat.

Can I make this dip vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and consider adding veggies like diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella is essential for that classic stringy texture, and Parmesan adds a lovely depth of flavor. You could experiment with provolone or a bit of cheddar for different twists.

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the dip, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. It’s perfect for prepping in advance for parties or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser that combines all your favorite pizza flavors into one fun, shareable dish, this Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe is your answer. It’s easy to whip up, endlessly comforting, and guaranteed to be the star of any party or cozy night in. Don’t wait to make it your own and watch how quickly it disappears!