Description
A deliciously cheesy and savory hot mushroom and pepperoni pizza dip that’s perfect for parties or gatherings. This easy-to-make dip combines cream cheese, mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms, and a flavorful pizza sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. Served warm with garlic toast slices, it’s an irresistible appetizer sure to please pizza lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 8 oz / 250g cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (light or full fat)
Toppings and Sauce
- 1 cup pizza sauce (see notes for fast homemade pizza sauce recipe)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, roughly diced
- 1/3 cup onion, diced (brown, white, yellow or red)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, roughly diced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup tasty cheese, grated (or any other melting cheese with flavor)
- 12 slices pepperoni
To Serve
- 2 French sticks, cut into slices
- 2 cloves garlic, halved (skin on)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Heat Pan: Warm a non-stick fry pan over high heat to begin cooking the toppings.
- Cook Pepperoni: Add the roughly diced pepperoni to the hot pan and fry for 1 minute until it starts to brown and release its oils.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions to the pan and sauté for 1 minute. Then add the diced mushrooms and cook for an additional 30 seconds to soften.
- Drain Mixture: Remove the onion, mushroom, and pepperoni mixture from the pan and place it onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat.
- Mix Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and sour cream. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Spread Base: Evenly spread the cream cheese base mixture into a 20 cm (8 inch) base with a 24 cm (9 inch) rim pie dish, creating an even layer.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base. Then sprinkle the sautéed onion, mushroom, and pepperoni mixture on top.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the grated tasty cheese over the mixture, followed by the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Add Pepperoni Slices: Arrange the 12 pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese layer for additional flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake: Place the dip in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Check at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Prepare Garlic Toast: While baking, toast the French stick slices, rubbing each piece with the halved garlic cloves (skin on) to infuse a mild garlic flavor.
- Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and serve immediately alongside the garlic toast slices for dipping.
Notes
- You can make your own fast homemade pizza sauce using canned tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs for freshness.
- Using a non-stick fry pan helps prevent sticking and makes cooking toppings easier.
- Drain the cooked pepperoni and vegetable mixture to reduce grease in the dip.
- For a spicier dip, add chili flakes to the sautéed mixture or sprinkle on top before baking.
- The French sticks rubbed with garlic make a perfect crunchy accompaniment to scoop up the creamy dip.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother base.
