Description
A warm, bubbly, and cheesy pepperoni pizza dip served with homemade garlic butter crostini. This easy appetizer comes together in under 20 minutes using pantry staples, making it perfect for game days, parties, or casual hangouts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups (200g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (240ml) pizza sauce (or thick marinara)
- 4 oz (115g) thin-sliced pepperoni
- 1 small baguette (about 12 inches), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp olive oil (for crostini)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter with olive oil. Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Pour over bread slices and toss to coat evenly.
- Toast crostini in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk softened cream cheese and pizza sauce until smooth and lump-free.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into an 8-inch cast iron skillet. Sprinkle half the mozzarella over the top, then scatter pepperoni slices. Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake the skillet in the oven for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and pepperoni edges are crisping.
- Let dip sit for 2-3 minutes before serving immediately with warm garlic crostini.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting. If using marinara instead of pizza sauce, strain excess liquid to prevent a watery dip. Crostini should be stored separately to maintain crispness. This dip does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1/8 of the d
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 14
Keywords: game day dip, pepperoni pizza dip, garlic crostini, easy appetizer, party food, super bowl snacks, cheesy dip, quick recipes