Pepperoni Dip with Cheese and Marinara Recipe
This Pepperoni Dip with Cheese and Marinara is a warm, savory appetizer perfect for gatherings. Creamy cream cheese and sour cream blend with parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then topped with spicy pepperoni slices and marinara sauce for a deliciously melty, flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with bread, crackers, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated, divided
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, grated
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup marinara sauce
Meat
- 14 slices pepperoni (between 14–18 slices)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Mix the base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended and form a creamy mixture.
- Assemble the dip: Transfer the cheese mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top the mixture with the remaining parmesan cheese, then evenly distribute the pepperoni slices on top. Finally, spoon the marinara sauce over the pepperoni.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this dip warm with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dip, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and ensure a smooth dip.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
Keywords: pepperoni dip, cheese dip, marinara dip, party appetizer, baked dip, creamy dip, Italian dip