Description
A quick and easy game day snack featuring a creamy, cheesy base topped with crispy pepperoni and marinara sauce, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1.75 oz)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (approx. 30 slices)
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, shredded Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into your oven-safe baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the cream cheese layer and spread gently but thoroughly.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices on top in a single layer, overlapping slightly if needed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until edges bubble and pepperoni crisps up.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to set the dip.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
- Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or crunchy veggie sticks.
Notes
If pepperoni isn’t crispy enough, broil for the last 1-2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning. Rest dip for 5 minutes after baking to set. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. For lactose-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives. For vegetarian, omit pepperoni or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or olives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/8 of the dip
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 6
Keywords: pepperoni pizza dip, game day snack, cheesy dip, easy appetizer, party food, pizza dip