Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe

Level: Easy
Yield: 8 to 10 appetizer servings

Total: 1 hr 50 min
Prep: 30 min
Cook: 1 hr 20 min

Pizza Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (recommended: fire roasted Muir Glen)
• 1 tablespoon julienned fresh basil leaves, plus sprig for garnish
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Bottom Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes

Pizza Toppings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 cup thinly sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup diced (1/4-inch) red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 1/2 cup quartered and thinly sliced crimini mushrooms
• 1 cup small-dice buffalo mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Serving suggestions: Toasted pizza dough strips, toasted pita strips, or crackers. Dive into this irresistible pizza dip that captures all the cheesy, savory joy of your favorite sliceperfect for game nights or parties!

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Get ready to create a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
2. For the pizza sauce: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch saute pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and red chile flakes for 1 minute, then add crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in fresh basil, marjoram, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer another 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning and remove from heat. This bold, fiery sauce is the heart of the dish!
3. For the bottom layer: In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and chile flakes. Spread evenly into a 2-quart oven-safe casserole dish or 9-inch pie pan. This creamy base will melt in your mouth.
4. For the toppings: In a small saute pan over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and crisp the pepperoni for 4-5 minutes; drain on paper towels. Add remaining oil and red bell peppers; saute until softening. Stir in shallot for 2 minutes, then mushrooms for 7-10 minutes. Savor these flavorful bursts!
5. To assemble and bake: Layer pizza sauce over the cheese base, top with peppers, mushrooms, and pepperoni. Scatter mozzarella and bake 20 minutes. Finish with Parmesan and a basil sprig. Serve hotwatch it disappear as guests rave!