Game Day Pepperoni Dip (Print View)

Cheesy dip loaded with beef pepperoni and classic pizza flavors, ideal for sharing during game day gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
04 - ½ cup sour cream

→ Meats

05 - 3.5 oz beef pepperoni, thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish

→ Vegetables & Sauces

06 - 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper (optional)
08 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (optional)

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
10 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and half of the Italian herbs. Mix until smooth.
03 - Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch oven-safe baking dish.
04 - Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
05 - Sprinkle chopped green bell pepper and red onion over the sauce, if using.
06 - Arrange most of the beef pepperoni slices over the sauce, reserving a few for topping.
07 - Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
08 - Add the reserved pepperoni slices and a final sprinkle of Italian herbs.
09 - Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
10 - Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or tortilla chips.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It transforms everything you love about pizza into a warm, dippable masterpiece that disappears in minutes
  • The prep time is shorter than a commercial break but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen
02 -
  • Cold cream cheese creates lumps that never fully disappear, no matter how long you mix
  • The five minute rest period is not optional or the dip will be too runny when you scoop
03 -
  • Broil for the last 2 minutes if you want extra crispy pepperoni edges and deeper golden color
  • Use a glass baking dish so you can see exactly when the bubbles reach the edges