Description

This Roasted Red Pepper Swirl Pizza Dip recipe offers a quick and easy solution for pizza cravings, featuring bubbling cheese, savory pepperoni, and a creamy base. It’s a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish perfect for gatherings or an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1.5 cups marinara sauce, your favorite
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella (170g)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan (50g)
0.5 cup mini pepperoni (50g) or diced regular
0.5 cup jarred roasted red peppers (120g), drained and finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or 9-inch pie plate.
Spread Cream Cheese: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. (If needed, microwave briefly to soften).
Add Marinara Sauce: Carefully spoon the marinara sauce over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to cover completely.
Swirl Roasted Peppers: Drain, pat dry, and finely chop the jarred roasted red peppers. Gently dollop and swirl them into the marinara sauce layer.
Layer Cheeses and Pepperoni: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, then the grated Parmesan cheese, over the marinara and pepper swirl. Scatter the pepperoni over the cheese layers.
Bake Until Bubbly: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. (For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes).
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or oregano before serving, if desired, for a touch of freshness and color.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara. For a lighter version, reduce pepperoni or add extra chopped veggies. Ensure pepperoni pieces are small for kid-friendliness and omit any spicy additions. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 0.5 cup (120 g)
Calories: 240 calories
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 11 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: pizza dip, roasted red pepper, easy appetizer, game day, cheesy dip, comfort food, family-friendly, party food