Savory Pizza Delight Dip

When your go-to party dish transforms into the ultimate party appetizer, behold the pizza dip! This rich, baked, and broiled delight is a cheese lover's dream: cream cheese forms its base, while gooey mozzarella delivers that irresistible melted pull, complemented by the flavorful touch of parmesan. A deep-dish pie plate is the key—it accommodates the perfect cheese browning under the broiler and provides ample space for layering marinara, cheeses, and toppings. Serve it straight from the oven, ready to enjoy with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or even bagel chips. Whip it up for Thanksgiving, Christmas bashes, Super Bowl gatherings, or those in-between moments when hungry guests crave a satisfying snack.

How can I tell if my pie plate qualifies as deep-dish?

A deep-dish pie plate typically has a bit more depth, around 2 inches, and a wider top diameter, approximately 10 inches, compared to a standard pie plate, which tends to be about 1 inch deep and 9 inches wide. This larger size makes it just right for crafting a layered cheese dip.

How much time does it take to brown cheese in the broiler?

The broilers in different ovens vary in heat intensity and positioning. Generally, about two minutes should give the cheese that desirable bubbly, golden-brown appearance. However, keeping a close eye on it is crucial. Check every 30 seconds or so and adjust the pan's position if it's browning unevenly.

Is shredded parmesan the same as grated parmesan?

Grated parmesan is finely ground, resembling a powder, while shredded parmesan is cut into fine strands, akin to mozzarella. For this recipe, opt for grated parmesan as it blends seamlessly with the cream cheese.

Ingredients

FOR THE DIP:

• 1/2 c. 

  mini pepperoni

• 2 

  8-oz. blocks cream cheese, softened

• 1 1/2 c. 

  grated parmesan, divided

• 1 tbsp. 

  dried Italian seasoning

• 1 c. 

  marinara sauce, divided

• 2 c. 

  grated mozzarella, divided

• 1/4 c. 

  sliced black olives, divided

• 1/4 c. 

  diced green bell pepper, divided

• 1/4 c. 

  diced red onion, divided

• Toasted baguette, to serve

• Directions
• 01.  Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• 02.  Place the pepperoni slices on a plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high for 45 seconds. Pat the tops of the pepperoni with another paper towel to soak up excess oil. Set them aside.
• 03.  Mix together the cream cheese, 1/2 cup of parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Evenly spread this mixture across the base of a 9-inch deep dish pie plate.
• 04.  Layer 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of parmesan, and 2 tablespoons each of pepperoni, black olives, bell pepper, and red onion. Repeat this layering process with the remaining marinara, mozzarella, parmesan, pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, and red onion.
• 05.  Bake until the cheese is bubbling and starts to brown, usually about 30 minutes.
• 06.  Switch the oven setting to broil and bake for an additional 2 minutes. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before it's ready to serve. Enjoy with toasted slices of baguette.