Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip is the ultimate party appetizer, combining creamy cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a sweet kick of hot honey. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Spices and Cheese
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 4 ounces pepperoni, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper)
For Serving
- Crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers
- 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 if needed to make mixing easier.
- Combine the base ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Add the spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Incorporate the Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it’s evenly distributed throughout the base mixture.
- Fold in the mozzarella: Add half a cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and gently fold it into the mixture, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Pepperoni Power: Fold in the finely chopped pepperoni pieces gently to evenly disperse them throughout the dip.
- Hot Honey Drizzle: Drizzle the hot honey (or honey mixed with cayenne pepper) over the mixture and fold it in gently to combine the sweet and spicy flavors.
- 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: Pour the prepared dip mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set slightly before serving.
- Garnish (optional): If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Serve with your favorite dippers: Serve the hot dip with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.
- Enjoy! Dive in and enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip with friends and family.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dip.
- Use regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper if you don’t have hot honey on hand.
- For a less spicy version, omit the red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.