Description
A cheesy, savory, and spicy 30-minute dip that mimics deep-dish pizza flavor. It features a creamy ricotta base, melted mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni, making it the perfect stress-free appetizer for entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara
- 2 packages pepperoni slices (approx. 6 oz total)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix with a fork until well combined into a thick paste.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie dish or deep-dish skillet.
- Spoon tomato sauce over the ricotta layer and swirl slightly to create a marbled pattern.
- Arrange pepperoni slices in a single layer over the sauce, allowing them to overlap slightly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and pepperoni edges are curled and crispy. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispness.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes to allow cheese to set.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve warm with crusty bread or chips.
Notes
For best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-shredded to ensure smooth melting. If the ricotta is watery, drain it in a cheesecloth or strainer for 15 minutes before mixing. The dip can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; take it out 30 minutes before baking to remove the chill.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 15
Keywords: game day dip, pepperoni pizza dip, super bowl appetizer, easy dip, cheesy dip, party food, 30 minute recipes, gluten-free appetizer