Game Day Pepperoni Pizza Dip

The Super Bowl party was already in full swing when I pulled this bubbling dip from the oven, and something about that layer of crispy pepperoni curling up around golden cheese made the whole room go quiet for exactly three seconds before everyone lunged forward with chips in hand.

My cousin actually hovered over the baking dish with a spoon last year, protecting it like a mother hen while simultaneously trying to inconspicuously eat the crispy pepperoni edges that everyone else was eyeing.

Ingredients

• 225 g cream cheese softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends seamlessly into the sour cream base without leaving those stubborn lumps that ruin the creamy texture
• 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff with its anti-caking coating
• 60 g shredded Parmesan cheese: This adds that sharp, salty punch that cuts through all the rich creaminess
• 120 g sour cream: Makes the base velvety and tangy, balancing the heavy cream cheese perfectly
• 100 g beef pepperoni thinly sliced: Thin slices crisp up beautifully in the oven while the thicker ones stay chewy and meaty
• 240 ml pizza sauce or marinara: A good quality sauce makes a difference here since it shines through the cheese layer
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper: Adds little bursts of fresh crunch that cut through the richness
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion: Provides a mild sharpness that mimics that fresh pizza flavor profile
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Split between the base and topping for layers of herbaceous flavor throughout
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Distributes evenly throughout the creamy layer without leaving raw garlic chunks
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Just enough subtle heat to wake up all the other flavors

Instructions

Build the creamy foundation:

Beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and half the Italian herbs until completely smooth and spreadable

Create the first layer:

Press the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of your baking dish, making sure it reaches the corners so every spoonful gets that rich base

Add the saucy middle:

Pour the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer and spread it gently so the two layers stay distinct

Scatter the fresh toppings:

Sprinkle the chopped bell pepper and red onion across the sauce if you are using them for extra texture and brightness

Layer the pepperoni:

Arrange most of the beef pepperoni slices over the sauce but save a handful for that pretty presentation on top

Blanket with cheese:

Cover everything with mozzarella and Parmesan so the sauce is completely hidden under a cheese blanket

Finish with flair:

Add those reserved pepperoni slices and a final sprinkle of Italian herbs for that restaurant quality presentation

Bake until bubbly:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling around the edges and some pepperoni edges are turning crispy and golden

Let it rest briefly:

Wait 5 minutes before serving so the dip sets up slightly and each scoop holds together better

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This recipe has become such a staple at our gatherings that my friends now text me days beforehand asking if the pizza dip is making an appearance.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this dip is how easily it adapts to whatever toppings your crowd loves or whatever you have lingering in the fridge.

The Dipping Strategy

Hearty crackers and sturdy bread chunks work better than delicate chips that might snap under the weight of all that cheesy goodness.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble this dip completely the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator, then just pop it in the oven when guests arrive.

• Let the refrigerated dish sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking
• Add an extra 5 to 10 minutes of baking time if it is coming straight from the fridge
• The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight

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Watch how quickly this becomes the dish everyone talks about long after the final score is announced.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cheese types are used in this dip?

The dip features cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and sour cream for a rich, creamy texture.

→ Can I use a different type of pepperoni?

Yes, turkey or vegetarian pepperoni can be substituted to suit dietary preferences.

→ How long should I bake the dip?

Bake the dip for 20 to 25 minutes at 190°C (375°F) until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

→ What are good dipping options to serve with it?

Toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or tortilla chips all pair well to add crunch and scoop up the dip.

→ Is it possible to add vegetables to the dip?

Yes, finely chopped green bell pepper and red onion can be sprinkled over the sauce before baking for added flavor and texture.