I have another recipe to share with you today! If you follow me on Instagram you know that last year I made this fun arrangement with my hubby. Each week I would find a new recipe/ snack to try out on game day. Just like every other sport loving hubby in the world, when it comes to sports, he’s all in. This week it’s this delicious Pizza Dip!
Reggie and I actually met in college when he was playing for the basketball team and I was playing on the volleyball team. We both abandoned our professional athletic dreams for love and marriage ha. But anyways, as much as I dislike GAME DAYS mostly because I can’t get his attention for 4 hours, I must admit I do at times enjoy it and get way into even more than I thought I would.
Who am I kidding. I like game day OK. There I said it. :0)
Why I Love This Dip
The first time I tasted this dip was from one of our small group friends, Santos. a culinary wizard at the time in his own right. When he unveiled a bubbling, pizza looking dish it instantly drew a crowd. One dip, and I was hooked! We all were!
Now a full time bee keeper and sells this amazing organic honey, so we don’t get this recipe as much as we like to. So I decided to try my hand at it. It’s really easy.
Perfect Moments for Pizza Dip
This is ideal for game nights, potlucks, small group night or offering a warm, welcoming for guests to gather around. And let’s not forget movie nights, where pizza dip turns a simple evening into a fun time!
Dive into Different Pizza Dip Variations
Classic Mozzarella and Marinara
The classic version is all about simplicity, letting the flavors shine. A rich, hearty marinara sauce paired with the unmistakable stretch of mozzarella creates a comforting and familiar taste.
Smoky Gouda and BBQ Chicken
For a twist, swap the marinara for barbecue sauce and mozzarella for gouda. The smokiness of the gouda, combined with the sweet and tangy barbecue chicken, offers a delightful surprise.
How to Make Pizza Dip
The Core of the Dip: Essential Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: The foundation, providing a creamy, rich base.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and a silky texture.
- Marinara Sauce: The heart of the pizza flavor. Opt for a high-quality sauce for the best taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that quintessential pizza stretch and mild, milky flavor.
- Pepperoni: Adds a spicy, meaty layer. Can be substituted or omitted based on preference.
Crafting Your Pizza Dip: Step-by-Step
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional garnishes: chopped basil, extra pepperoni slices
Step by Step Pizza Dip Recipe
- Preheat Oven: Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for the magic to happen.
- Mix Base: In a bowl, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian seasoning until smooth. This mixture forms the creamy base of your dip.
- Layer It Up: Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of a pie dish or shallow baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over this layer, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese. Add a layer of diced pepperoni, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven, baking for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. The anticipation builds as the aroma fills the kitchen.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let it cool slightly, then garnish with basil and extra pepperoni slices. Serve warm with your choice of dippers—baguette slices, tortilla chips, or vegetable sticks.
Pizza Dip
A cheesy delicous pizza dip perfect for the game day crowd!
Ingredients
- 8-oz package cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – divided
- 2 cups freshly grated mozarella cheese – divided
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- Pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, etc
- Pizza Crust Dippers
- 2 cans of pre-made pizza crust
- 1 tub of garlic herb butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning for garnish Dippers
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- Mix until mixture is light in fluffy.
- Spread in the bottom of a pie pan, then top with 1 cup of pizza sauce.
- On top of the sauce, add remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese.
- Top with your favorite pizza toppings
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the dip is warm and bubbly.
- Serve immediately!
Pizza Crust Dippers
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- Grease cookie sheet with cooking spray. Unroll dough on cookie sheet. Press out the dough onto a 15x10-inch rectangle.
- Spread the herb butter over dough.
- Bake as directed; remove from oven.
- Let the bread cool and then cut into squares or triangles.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
FAQs
Can I Make Pizza Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time when ready to enjoy.
What Other Variations Can I Try?
The beauty of pizza dip lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different sauces (alfredo for a white pizza dip, perhaps) and cheeses (like cheddar for a sharper flavor).
Is Pizza Dip Gluten-Free?
As long as you serve it with gluten-free dippers and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free, this dish can easily be adapted for gluten-sensitive guests.
This pizza dip, with its RICH flavors and “let’s all get together” spirit, transcends being just a dish; like all food we make, it’s a medium through which memories are made and shared. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or venture into new variations, it promises to bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Happy dipping friends!
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