Pepperoni Dip Recipe
Trust me, you’ll want this Pepperoni Dip Recipe on repeat for every party, game day, or casual hangout. Imagine all the rich, cheesy goodness of a pizza in one bubbling, crowd-pleasing skillet—every scoop is packed with irresistible tangy cream cheese, savory pepperoni, and melty mozzarella. It’s deliciously simple, a total show-stopper, and always a hit no matter the occasion. Get ready to meet your new favorite appetizer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pepperoni Dip Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to deliver maximum flavor, meltiness, and that classic pizzeria vibe. With just a few staples, you’ll quickly have a dip that’s creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Gives the base a luxurious, tangy creaminess you can’t beat. Let it sit at room temp for easier mixing!
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds a light, tangy finish and helps the dip stay perfectly scoopable, never too thick.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a mellow garlic flavor that weaves through every bite without overpowering.
- Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of herbs balances out the richness and gives the dip a truly classic pizza aroma.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): The ultimate melt factor, creating those perfect cheesy strings when you scoop in.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty kick that pairs so well with mozzarella.
- Chopped Pepperoni (1 cup, plus extra for topping): The star of the show! Use classic or turkey pepperoni for a lighter twist.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle on top for just the right amount of heat, or skip for a milder dip.
- Chopped Green Onions (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Adds bright color and a fresh, zippy bite at the end.
How to Make Pepperoni Dip Recipe
Step 1: Mix Creamy Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Grab a sturdy spatula (or electric mixer if you prefer), and stir until smooth and evenly blended. This creamy base will hold all the flavor together and ensure every bite is rich and dippable.
Step 2: Add Cheeses & Pepperoni
Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and most of the chopped pepperoni (save a small handful for topping!). Mix until all ingredients are well combined, evenly distributing the pepperoni and cheeses for flavor in every scoop.
Step 3: Transfer and Top
Spoon and spread the creamy mixture into a small baking dish. Use the back of your spoon to create an even layer, then scatter the reserved pepperoni over the top for pockets of crispy edges after baking. If you like a little spice, sprinkle on the crushed red pepper flakes too.
Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. You’ll see those cheesy edges sizzle and the pepperoni start to crisp. That’s your cue it’s ready!
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Once out of the oven, immediately top with your chopped green onions. Their fresh pop of color and flavor is the finishing touch. Serve your Pepperoni Dip Recipe while it’s hot with your choice of crackers, sliced baguette, or sturdy tortilla chips.
How to Serve Pepperoni Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions are a classic topper for this dip, giving it vibrant color and just the right hit of freshness. You could also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dusting of Italian herbs for a little extra flair. If you love a spicy kick, those crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving really wake up the taste buds!
Side Dishes
This Pepperoni Dip Recipe loves company! Pair it with crisp veggie sticks (think celery, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks) for crunch and color. Toothsome breadsticks, toasted pita, or buttery garlic knots echo the pizza theme perfectly. And for heartier appetites, serve alongside a platter of antipasto or a simple green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re going all out, bake and serve the dip in a small, hollowed-out bread boule for a dramatic centerpiece. Individual ramekins are fun for portioned, personal servings. Or try offering a “dipping bar” with an array of crackers, pretzels, breadsticks, and baked tortilla chips so everyone can scoop their favorite way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any extra Pepperoni Dip Recipe in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify after a night in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks or gatherings.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dip mixture for up to a month! Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be deliciously cheesy.
Reheating
To reheat, simply scoop the amount you want into an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes. For single servings, microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this Pepperoni Dip Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate the unbaked dip up to a day beforehand. When ready to serve, bake as directed and enjoy piping hot.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
The dip itself is gluten-free, so simply use gluten-free dippers like corn tortilla chips or gluten-free baguette slices to make the whole appetizer gluten-friendly.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you forgot to let your cream cheese sit out, just microwave it (unwrapped) in 10-second intervals until it’s soft but not melted. This will help everything blend together with ease.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! While mozzarella and Parmesan give that classic “pizza” flavor, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a smoky gouda for a fun twist on the original Pepperoni Dip Recipe.
Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for about 2 hours. Give it a good stir, top with green onions, and serve right from the pot—perfect for parties!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about sharing a bubbling dish of this Pepperoni Dip Recipe with friends—it’s warm, cheesy, crave-worthy, and always gone in minutes! Don’t wait for your next party to try it out; treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible dip any time you need a little extra joy.
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Pepperoni Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pepperoni Dip Recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Creamy Base:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Flavorful Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and most of the pepperoni. Mix well.
- Transfer and Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with reserved pepperoni, and red pepper flakes. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions. Serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Try turkey pepperoni or jalapeños for variations.
- Slow cooker option: Cook on low for 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
