🍕🔥 Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip 🧄🧀
Transform the classic flavors of pizza into an irresistible, bubbling dip with this Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip. Imagine creamy cream cheese and sour cream, loaded with meat, tangy pizza sauce, and a melty blend of cheeses, all baked to perfection. Serve this warm, gooey dip with crusty bread, chips, or veggies, and watch it disappear in seconds! Perfect for game days, parties, or just a cozy night in, this pizza-inspired dip will become your new favorite appetizer.
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 8 servings):
For the Dip:
8 oz cream cheese (1 cup), softened 🧀
8 oz sour cream (1 cup) 🧁
1 cup pizza sauce 🍅
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese 🧀
½ cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (or pepperoni, chopped) 🍖
½ cup green bell pepper, diced 🌶️
¼ cup onion, diced 🧅
2 tbsp olive oil 🛢️
1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
1 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) 🌶️
For Serving:
Crusty bread, sliced 🥖
Tortilla chips 🍽️
Fresh veggies (carrot sticks, cucumber, celery) 🥒
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage (or pepperoni if using) and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and stir for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
Combine cream cheese and sour cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or just a spatula.
Add the pizza sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce and mix until well combined.
Add cheese: Mix in the shredded mozzarella and Italian blend cheese, reserving a small handful for topping.
3. Assemble the Dip:
Layer the dip: Spread the creamy mixture into an oven-safe dish (such as a 9×9-inch baking dish or a pie dish). Use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer.
Top with sausage and vegetables: Evenly distribute the cooked sausage, sautéed onions, and bell peppers over the cheesy base.
Add more cheese: Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella and Italian blend cheeses on top for that perfect, melty finish.
4. Bake the Dip:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden on top. You can also broil the top for 1-2 minutes at the end if you like it extra crispy.
Cool slightly: Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip warm with a side of crusty bread, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies for dipping. The creamy, cheesy dip pairs perfectly with these sides for a fun and easy appetizer.
🌟 Pro Tips:
Make it vegetarian: Skip the sausage and pepperoni, and load up the dip with extra vegetables like mushrooms, olives, or spinach.
Add extra flavor: If you love spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top or mix some into the dip before baking.
Make ahead: You can prepare the dip ahead of time, assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just bake as instructed when you’re ready to serve.
Swap out toppings: Use different kinds of cheese or meat depending on your tastes. Bacon, ham, or chicken would be great alternatives.
🍴 Nutritional Information (per serving, 1/8 of the dip):
Calories: Approx. 250 kcal
Carbs: Approx. 6g
Protein: Approx. 12g
Fat: Approx. 20g
Fiber: Approx. 1g
🍽️ Why You’ll Love Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip:
A pizza lover’s dream: If you love pizza, you’ll fall head over heels for this dip. It’s packed with all the delicious flavors of pizza in a creamy, cheesy dip form.
Quick & easy: From prep to baking, this dip comes together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for those last-minute gatherings or parties.
Customizable: Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or spice enthusiast, you can customize this dip with your favorite pizza toppings.
Perfect for sharing: It’s a great appetizer for parties, game days, or movie nights, and it’s easy to share. Just dip and enjoy!
Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip brings all the comfort of pizza in a fun, shareable appetizer! It’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with savory flavors. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll want to serve it every time you have company. Dip, enjoy, and make memories with this delicious treat! 🍕🧄