Description
This Pepperoni Dip with Cheese and Marinara is a warm, cheesy appetizer that combines cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, and mozzarella with Italian seasonings and slices of pepperoni. Baked until bubbly and golden, it is perfect for serving with bread, crackers, or vegetables at parties or game days.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated, divided
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, grated
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup marinara sauce
Meat
- 14 slices pepperoni (between 14–18 slices)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy using a spatula or hand mixer.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and half of the grated parmesan cheese along with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all flavors.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet, smoothing out the top.
- Add Pepperoni and Marinara: Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese mixture, then spoon the marinara sauce over the pepperoni, distributing it partly to allow some cheese to remain visible.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted and started to brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- You can use different types of marinara sauce depending on your preferred flavor profile.
- If preferred, substitute turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- This dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
