Description
Delectable mozzarella and marinara pizza dip brings Italian comfort straight to appetizer tables. Creamy cheese, zesty sauce, and crisp bread create an irresistible party starter you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8 oz / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices (mini or chopped)
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Grease a 9-inch pie dish or casserole container. Position oven rack at 375F (190C) for precise heat distribution.
- Base Creation: Blend softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning and garlic powder until smooth. Spread evenly across the dish bottom, creating a creamy foundation that will anchor the dip’s flavor profile.
- Sauce and Cheese Layer: Pour marinara sauce over the cream cheese base, creating a vibrant red landscape. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, allowing the dairy elements to create a rich, melty canvas.
- Topping Composition: Artfully distribute pepperoni slices, olives, bell peppers, and red pepper flakes across the cheese surface. Customize with additional pizza-inspired ingredients to elevate the dip’s complexity.
- Baking and Finishing: Bake for 18-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and bubbles enticingly. Optionally, activate broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, caramelized top, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a bright, aromatic finish. Serve immediately with breadsticks, crackers, or vegetable sticks for an interactive dining experience.
Notes
- Select Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality cream cheese and mozzarella for a richer, more authentic pizza flavor profile. Opt for jarred marinara with robust tomato notes and minimal preservatives.
- Manage Moisture Carefully: Drain excess liquid from toppings like olives and bell peppers to prevent soggy dip texture. Pat ingredients dry with paper towels before adding to prevent unwanted liquid pooling.
- Control Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to reach perfect bubbling point without overcooking. Watch closely during final 2-3 minutes to achieve golden brown surface without burning or creating hard cheese layers.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular cheese for lactose-free alternatives, use turkey pepperoni for lower fat content, or create vegetarian version by replacing meat with roasted vegetable toppings like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg