Crispy Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe Easy 5-Minute Melted Mozzarella Appetizer
A quick and easy appetizer featuring a creamy base topped with melted mozzarella and crispy pepperoni, perfect for parties and casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 20-23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or sturdy crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Transfer the base mixture to an oven-safe baking dish and spread evenly about 1/2 inch thick.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the base, covering edges.
- Distribute sliced pepperoni evenly on top of the cheese and press down slightly.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on edges.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispy pepperoni, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crackers.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth blending. Thinly sliced pepperoni crisps best. Watch closely when broiling to avoid burning. Let dip cool briefly before serving to prevent cheese from sliding off. Can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or dairy-free cream cheese. For gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup dip pl
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 10
Keywords: pepperoni pizza dip, melted mozzarella, easy appetizer, party dip, quick snack, pizza dip recipe