Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip is the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for any party or gathering. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with spicy-sweet flavor from hot honey and pepperoni, this dip is baked to golden bubbly perfection and served warm with crusty bread, chips, or crackers. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an irresistible blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and zesty seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Seasonings and Cheeses
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Main Mix-ins
- 4 ounces pepperoni, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper)
Serving
- Crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers, for serving
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened by leaving it at room temperature or microwaving in 15-second intervals until soft to the touch but not melted.
- Combine the base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, stirring until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Add the spices: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings, adjusting red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat.
- Incorporate the Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan until fully blended throughout the mixture, adding a subtle nutty flavor.
- Fold in half the mozzarella: Add half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and gently fold into the dip to maintain creaminess and texture.
- Add the pepperoni: Fold in the finely chopped pepperoni, spreading it evenly throughout the dip for savory bursts of meatiness.
- Drizzle with hot honey: Pour the hot honey (or honey mixed with cayenne pepper) over the dip and fold gently to combine, giving the dip its signature sweet and spicy kick.
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the dip: Spoon the prepared dip mixture into the greased dish, spreading it out evenly for thorough cooking.
- Top with remaining mozzarella: Evenly sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the dip to create a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles vigorously, and turns lightly golden brown on top.
- Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the dip to cool for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and make serving easier.
- Optional garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dip for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
- Serve with dippers: Serve warm accompanied by crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy this delicious, crowd-pleasing hot honey pepperoni pizza dip!
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy dip without lumps.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and hot honey according to your spice preference.
- For a milder honey flavor, substitute hot honey with regular honey and add cayenne pepper sparingly.
- Make sure to let the dip cool slightly after baking to avoid burning your mouth.
- This dip pairs exceptionally well with crusty Italian bread, pita chips, or sturdy tortilla chips.
- Can be prepared a few hours in advance; refrigerate and bake just before serving.
