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Savory Baked Pizza Dip with Mozzarella and Pepperoni

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A quick and easy baked pizza dip featuring layers of creamy cream cheese, tangy marinara, gooey mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for parties, game nights, or cozy solo indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 170g)
  • ¾ cup marinara sauce (about 180ml)
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices (about 30 slices)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25g)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A few leaves fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Soften the cream cheese by leaving it out at room temperature for about 20 minutes or microwaving in 10-second bursts until just soft.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of your baking dish.
  5. Pour and spread the marinara sauce over the cream cheese layer evenly.
  6. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
  7. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the mozzarella, leaving a little space between slices.
  8. Top with the remaining mozzarella and then the grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Optionally, drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over the top for extra browning and flavor.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on the edges to avoid burning.
  11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  12. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Softening the cream cheese properly prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture. Spread marinara sauce evenly but modestly to avoid watery dip. For crispier pepperoni, broil for the last 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza dip, baked dip, mozzarella, pepperoni, easy appetizer, party snack, game day food, cheesy dip

Find it online: https://evabake.com/savory-baked-pizza-dip-with-mozzarella-and-pepperoni-easy-recipe/