Description
This Quick & Easy Pizza Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Featuring layers of cream cheese, sour cream, pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, it bakes to bubbly perfection in under 35 minutes. Serve hot with breadsticks, chips, or veggies for a crowd-pleasing, savory treat.
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 prepare for baking the dip evenly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. This forms the flavorful base layer of the dip.
- Layer the Dip: Spread the creamy mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, cake pan, or similar-sized casserole dish (1.5–2 quarts). Then spread the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, add the pepperoni slices, and finally sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled dip in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and/or basil if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dippers such as crostini, breadsticks, chips, raw veggies, or pita wedges.
- Storage: Cover any leftover dip and refrigerate for up to 3 days to enjoy later.
Notes
- Softening the cream cheese to room temperature ensures a smoother, more even mixture.
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds protein and a tangy flavor.
- You can customize toppings by adding olives, mushrooms, or other pizza favorites.
- This dip is best served warm for optimum melty cheese texture.
- Store leftovers tightly covered to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
