Description
Gooey, irresistible pizza dip brings classic Italian flavors to your appetizer spread. Melted cheese, marinara sauce, and crispy pepperoni create a crowd-pleasing starter you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) softened cream cheese
- 3.5 cups (420 grams) mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup (35 grams) grated parmesan cheese
Meat and Sauce:
- 5 ounces (142 grams) pepperoni minis, divided
- 14 ounces (397 grams) pizza sauce
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Bread or veggies for dipping
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until silky and uniform, using an electric mixer at medium-high speed for approximately 1 minute.
- Incorporate mozzarella, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder into the cream cheese, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
- Coat the interior of the crock pot with cooking spray to prevent adherence, then distribute the cheese mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Arrange half the pepperoni minis across the cheese base, followed by an even layer of pizza sauce covering the entire surface.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the sauce, then strategically place the additional pepperoni across the cheese layer.
- Secure the crock pot lid and allow the dip to simmer on low temperature for 3 hours or on high for 2 hours until cheese melts completely and flavors meld.
- Prior to serving, delicately garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for an aromatic finishing touch.
- Serve piping hot alongside crusty bread, crisp vegetable sticks, or toasted garlic crostini for optimal dipping experience.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for richer flavor and better melting consistency.
- Experiment with different pizza toppings like olives, bell peppers, or sausage crumbles for personalized variations.
- For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and reduce pepperoni quantity while adding more vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg