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Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe – Easy Cast Iron Skillet Appetizer

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This pepperoni pizza dip is a gooey, cheesy, and savory appetizer baked in a cast iron skillet. It brings all the nostalgic flavors of pizza night in a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dip perfect for parties, game nights, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 2025 pepperoni slices (about 2 oz)
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
  • Baguette, crostini, breadsticks, or tortilla chips for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place cast iron skillet inside while preheating.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and fluffy. Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheddar (if using). Toss to mix.
  4. Carefully remove hot skillet from oven and lightly spray or oil it. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the bottom.
  5. Spoon marinara or pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer and spread gently to cover.
  6. Scatter the cheese mixture evenly over the sauce. Layer pepperoni slices on top, covering the surface. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden and pepperoni edges are crisp. For a deeper golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Let dip cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with your favorite dippers.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF crackers or veggie dippers. For vegetarian, skip pepperoni and add mushrooms or olives. Prep ahead and bake before serving for best results. Use freshly grated cheese for optimal melt and flavor. Let dip cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.

Nutrition

Keywords: pepperoni pizza dip, cast iron skillet appetizer, cheesy dip, party dip, pizza dip, game day snack, easy appetizer, skillet dip, comfort food