Description
Pioneer Woman’s Pizza Dip delivers a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines classic pizza flavors in a creamy, cheesy spread. Packed with pepperoni, herbs, and melted cheese, this dip promises to be the star of any gathering you’ll want to dive into with crispy crackers or toasted bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups grated mozzarella
- 1 ½ cups grated parmesan
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Proteins and Vegetables:
- ½ cup mini pepperoni
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
Seasonings and Serving:
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- Toasted baguette slices or garlic toast, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the pepperoni by laying mini pepperoni slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Microwave on high power for 45 seconds, then gently blot with another paper towel to eliminate excess oil.
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Select a 9-inch (23-centimeter) deep-dish pie plate and evenly spread the cream cheese mixture across the bottom, creating a consistent base layer.
- Pour 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of marinara sauce over the cream cheese foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle 1 cup (225 grams) of mozzarella cheese across the marinara sauce layer.
- Distribute 1/2 cup (50 grams) of parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
- Scatter 2 tablespoons each of pepperoni, black olives, green bell peppers, and red onions across the surface.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, and onions.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the prepared dish inside.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a rich, crispy cheese topping.
- Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for 10 to 15 minutes to stabilize and cool slightly.
- Serve warm with toasted baguette slices or garlic toast for dipping.
Notes
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to guarantee super smooth blending.
- Pat jarred vegetables completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from ruining the dip’s creamy texture.
- Create beautiful visual layers by carefully spreading each ingredient with a small offset spatula for even distribution.
- Broil the dip for just 2-3 minutes, keeping the oven door slightly open and watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Customize the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to match your personal flavor preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg