Game Day Pepperoni Dip

My friend Sarah brought this dip to our annual Super Bowl party three years ago, and I honestly hovered over the dish until it was gone. The way the cheeses bubbled up under the pepperoni made my apartment smell like my favorite pizzeria had moved in. Now it is the first thing people ask about when they see the invite.

Last year during the playoffs, I doubled the recipe and baked it in my cast iron skillet. My brother in law who never eats appetizers went back for fourths and actually asked if there was more hiding somewhere. That is when I knew this wasnt just party food, it was the kind of dish that makes people linger around the table longer.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Let this sit out for a good hour so it blends smoothly into the other cheeses without lumps
• Shredded mozzarella: Reserve half for that gorgeous golden top layer that makes everyone grab their phones for photos
• Shredded cheddar: Adds a sharp bite that cuts through the rich cream cheese base
• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle some throughout the layers and on top for those salty umami bursts
• Pizza sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade, just do not go too watery or the dip gets soupy
• Halal pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni crisps up beautifully but beef works just as well
• Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and pops of color that make the dish look pulled together
• Black olives: These get a little chewy and concentrated in the oven, which is surprisingly delicious
• Fresh parsley or basil: Add right before serving so it stays bright and makes the colors sing
• Dried oregano and garlic powder: Classic pizza seasonings that make the cream cheese layer taste like sauce

Instructions

Heat things up:

Get your oven to 190°C (375°F) and move your rack to the middle position for even browning.

Build the cheesy foundation:

Mix the softened cream cheese with half the mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and seasoning until everything is evenly distributed.

Layer it like a pro:

Spread the cream cheese mixture across your baking dish, then pour the pizza sauce on top like you are dressing a pizza.

Load on the toppings:

Scatter the remaining cheeses over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni, peppers, and olives however looks prettiest to you.

Bake until bubbly:

Slide it into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, watching for that gorgeous golden brown color and bubbling edges.

The hardest part:

Let it rest for exactly five minutes so the dip sets up slightly, then shower with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

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The first time I made this for Ramadan iftar, my aunt asked for the recipe before she even finished her first bite. It has become our family go to for gatherings because it works equally well for game nights, potlucks, or those nights when everyone just wants comfort food.

Make It Ahead

You can assemble everything up to a day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add five minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Pita chips are my go to because they stand up to the thick cheese, but toasted baguette slices work beautifully too. For a lighter option, cucumber rounds or bell pepper strips actually pair surprisingly well.

Easy Variations

Swap the pepperoni for cooked halal chicken sausage or leave it meatless and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or red onion.

• Add a drizzle of honey after baking for a sweet and salty twist
• Mix some pesto into the cream cheese layer for an herby upgrade
• Try different cheese blends like pepper jack for some gentle heat

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This dip disappears faster than you expect, so consider making a double batch if your crowd loves pizza as much as mine does.