Can I make this spicy pizza dip vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers. You can also use plant-based pepperoni or sausage alternatives to keep the texture and flavor rich.

How spicy is this dip really?

This recipe has a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes that most people find pleasantly spicy but not overwhelming. You can easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add jalapeños for more kick, or leave them out for a milder version.

Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dip in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 20-25 minutes before placing it in the oven.

What should I serve with spicy pizza dip?

Crusty bread is my top choice to serve with this dip, but pita chips, baguette slices, or crunchy veggies also work well. The goal is something sturdy enough to scoop up the cheesy dip without falling apart.

Spicy Pizza Dip with Pepperoni | Irresistible & Easy to Make

Description

This Pizza Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for pizza lovers. It features a smooth blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian herbs, topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni. Baked to bubbly perfection and served hot with crusty bread or chips, it's an irresistible crowd-pleaser for parties or casual snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon dried garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Toppings

1 cup marinara sauce
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
15 slices pepperoni

For Serving

Crusty bread

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the dip.
Mix Base Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, dried garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, ensuring the sour cream isn’t cold to maintain a smooth consistency.
Spread Base: Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, baking dish, or cast iron skillet.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the base mixture, then sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan and shredded Mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Add Toppings: Arrange the 15 slices of pepperoni or any desired pizza toppings over the cheese layer.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the top is bubbly and starting to brown.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with more red pepper flakes, freshly ground pepper, and chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread, pita chips, tortilla chips, bagel chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

You can assemble the dip up to 3 days in advance; cover and refrigerate, then let sit at room temperature for 25 minutes before baking.
For best flavor, shred your own mozzarella and grate your own Parmesan from blocks.
Marinara sauce options include store-bought like Rao’s or homemade for richer taste.
Additional toppings can include sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, beef, ham, pineapple, feta, and more.
Sour cream can be substituted with mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese if preferred.
Serve with homemade no-knead crusty bread for a perfect dipping experience.
Try pairing this dip with other favorites like Spinach and Artichoke Dip or Jalapeno Popper Dip for variety.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 290 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 11 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg