Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser party appetizer, combining creamy cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a sweet heat from hot honey for a deliciously addictive dip. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s served warm with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers for easy dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Flavorings
- 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 to room temperature. If needed, microwave it in 15-second intervals until smooth and easy to mix.
- Combine the base ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Add the spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Incorporate the Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture, stirring well to evenly distribute it.
- Fold in the mozzarella: Gently fold in half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring it’s incorporated without over-mixing.
- Pepperoni power: Add the finely chopped pepperoni to the dip and fold it in gently to maintain the texture.
- Hot honey drizzle: Drizzle the hot honey (or honey mixed with cayenne pepper) over the dip mixture and gently fold it in to combine the sweet heat.
- 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 into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
- Let it cool slightly: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to thicken and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness if desired.
- Serve: Serve the dip warm with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy this flavorful, cheesy, spicy, and sweet pizza-inspired dip with your guests.
Notes
- Hot honey can be substituted with regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper if hot honey is unavailable.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance preference.
- The dip can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator; bake just before serving.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easier transfer from oven to table.
- This dip pairs well with various dippers including breadsticks, pita chips, or veggie sticks as alternatives.
