Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip is the ultimate party appetizer, combining creamy cheeses, spicy pepperoni, and a sweet heat from hot honey. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s served warm with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Base
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Spices & 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
Other Ingredients
- 4 ounces pepperoni, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper)
To Serve
- Crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened by microwaving it in 15-second intervals if needed, making it easier to mix.
- Combine the base ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise together until you have a smooth, creamy base.
- Add the spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes thoroughly. Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Incorporate the Parmesan: Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s well incorporated into the mixture.
- Fold in the mozzarella: Add half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and gently fold it into the dip to maintain a creamy texture.
- Pepperoni power: Add the finely chopped pepperoni and gently fold it through the mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Hot honey drizzle: Drizzle in the hot honey (or honey mixed with cayenne pepper) and fold 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 to ensure even cooking.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the dip for a golden, bubbly finish.
- 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 on top.
- Let it cool slightly: Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to thicken slightly and avoid burns.
- Garnish (optional): If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color and freshness.
- Serve with your favorite dippers: Serve the dip warm alongside crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.
- Enjoy! Dig into this crowd-pleasing, spicy-sweet pizza-inspired dip perfect for any gathering.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened well to easily blend all ingredients smoothly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes and hot honey to control the spice level.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a fresh herbal note and color contrast.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best melty cheese texture.
- This dip pairs well with a wide variety of dippers including breadsticks and pretzels.
