Description
This Easy Pizza Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Layers of cream cheese and sour cream base topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and your favorite pizza toppings baked to bubbly perfection. Serve warm with breadsticks, chips, or veggies for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Pizza Layer
- 1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni, sliced (or other toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Breadsticks, tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Prepare the Dip Base: In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir thoroughly until smooth and creamy, creating a uniform base for the dip.
- Layer the Dip: Spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture evenly into the bottom of a small baking dish (about 9-inch square or equivalent).
- Add the Pizza Sauce: Spoon the marinara or pizza sauce over the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly to cover the base layer.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce. Top with sliced pepperoni or your choice of preferred pizza toppings.
- Season the Dip: Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes over the top to add depth of flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot with breadsticks, tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Use your favorite pizza toppings or customize according to your preference (e.g., sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers).
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- If you prefer a smoother dip, you can blend the cream cheese and sour cream mixture before layering.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven.
- This dip pairs well with an assortment of dippers such as breadsticks, chips, or fresh vegetables.
