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Pepperoni Dip with Cheese and Marinara Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 46 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Pepperoni Dip with Cheese and Marinara is a deliciously creamy and cheesy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Blending cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and diced pepperoni with a layer of savory marinara sauce, this baked dip offers a warm, bubbly delight that pairs wonderfully with crackers, breadsticks, or toasted baguette slices.


Ingredients

Scale

Dip Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup diced pepperoni (plus extra for topping)

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped parsley
  • Red pepper flakes

Serving Suggestions

  • Crackers
  • Breadsticks
  • Sliced baguette


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or pie plate to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Base Dip: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Add Cheeses and Pepperoni: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and diced pepperoni into the cream cheese mixture, blending evenly.
  4. Assemble Dip: Spread the cheese and pepperoni mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Add Marinara Layer: Pour the marinara sauce over the cheese mixture and spread it evenly to cover the surface.
  6. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese and a few extra pepperoni pieces on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or breadsticks for dipping.

Notes

  • For a spicier dip, use spicy pepperoni or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture.
  • You can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake, making it easy for party prep.
  • If you require gluten-free options, serve with gluten-free crackers or breadsticks.