The Party Don’t Start ’til THIS Comes in…
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An ancient pizza party myth says that this recipe came from the discovery of leftover pizza sauce in a chef’s freezer, and the rest is history… But while the origins of this delectable dip are mysterious, its star quality is obvious. A tasty twist on a classic American “deep dish”, this recipe is both dangerously delicious and super easy to make.
Packing the same flavor and warmth as a homemade pizza (but without all the hassle of making dough), this dip goes well with baguette slices or crackers – or even a selection of wholesome veggies.
Is Pizza Dip Healthy?
As always, I’d recommend getting the highest quality and most local ingredients you can to optimize the wholesomeness of this dish. As it is, this appetizer is high-protein and low-carb. In moderate quantities, it’s a filling and fun-to-eat snack for the whole family.
If you’re craving a saucy dip that can satisfy many dietary preferences, consider using vegan cheese (or nutritional yeast) instead of regular, and gluten-free bread instead of baguette. Additionally, topping this dip with kale chips or seasoned spinach brightens it with fresh greenery and added nutrients.
The Most Delectable “Dippables”
Both to enhance the deliciousness and nutrition of this dip, you can experiment with a wide range of raw veggies or crackers instead of the classic baguette option. I’d recommend trying broccoli, cauliflower, bell pepper, or even celery (which would also go well with a dollop of blue cheese or ranch dressing).
If you’re going the classic baguette route, maximize the Italian-American pizzazz by making garlic bread to dip instead of plain slices.
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat
Get oven ready at 350 degrees F.
Combine
Mix cheeses and herbs, layer in dish.
Bake
Top with sauce and more cheese, bake until bubbly.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
What’s really cool about this recipe is that you can assemble all the ingredients together in an oven-safe dish, cover overnight, and bake the next day.
Leftovers that have already been cooked will last in a refrigerated airtight container for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat it, heating up in the oven for 10-15 minutes in a glass oven-safe dish is optimal.
While the recipe calls for a classic marinara, I’d recommend experimenting with other sauces to make your dip stand out as the life of the party! You could even try mixing red sauce with pesto for more basil flavor, or use a garlic-rich Alfredo for extra-creaminess. And if you want to kick it up a notch, try adding a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce to the mix.
Of course! Like I mentioned earlier, a great veggie alternative to pepperoni is kale chips or spinach, but you could also add sliced chicken, feta, and basil. Really, the possibilities are endless… mushrooms, peppers, olives, even pineapple! Dress up your dip to fit the party’s theme.
Serving Suggestions
Aside from the “dippables” I’ve already recommended, I suggest pairing this appetizer with a unique hors d’oeuvre: Easy Breaded Cauliflower. This dish is simple, flavorful, and healthy; offering a nice balance to the dip as an alternative to wings or french fries.
If you’re craving more meat, however, feel free to make these Air Fryer Garlic and Parmesan Chicken Wings and let the party begin!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, oregano, and basil. Season with salt to taste and mix well.
- Spread the cheese mixture into a 9-inch pie pan or a similar-sized baking dish. Evenly pour the pizza sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped pepperoni.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is slightly browned on top.
- Allow the dip to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of dippers such as tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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