Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip: The Ultimate Party Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip is the ultimate party appetizer that combines creamy cheeses, spicy pepperoni, and a sweet kick of hot honey. This warm, flavorful dip is perfect for sharing with friends and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or chips.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 4 ounces pepperoni, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper)
• Crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers, for serving
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soften the cream cheese by allowing it to sit at room temperature or microwaving in 15-second intervals until smooth.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
4. Step 4: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Step 5: Fold in half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese gently to combine.
6. Step 6: Add the finely chopped pepperoni and fold it into the mixture evenly.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the hot honey (or honey mixed with cayenne) over the dip mixture and fold gently to incorporate.
8. Step 8: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet.
9. Step 9: Transfer the dip mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
11. Step 11: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
12. Step 12: Remove from the oven and let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. Step 13: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
14. Step 14: Serve hot with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.
15. Step 15: Enjoy your delicious hot honey pepperoni pizza dip!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Try substituting pepperoni with cooked sausage or chopped bacon for a different flavor profile.
• Use regular honey with a pinch of cayenne if you can’t find hot honey.
• Serve with assorted dippers like sliced vegetables for a lighter option.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving to keep the cheese texture smooth and melted evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?

Cream cheese is key for the creamy texture, but you can substitute with ricotta cheese blended with a bit of sour cream for a similar consistency.

Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip: The Ultimate Party Appetizer Recipe

Print Recipe

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5 from 138 reviews

Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip is the ultimate party appetizer combining creamy cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. This baked dip is perfect for sharing and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for game days, gatherings, or casual snacking.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Dip Ingredients

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise

Spices and Cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Main Flavor Add-ins

• 4 ounces pepperoni, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper)

For Serving

• Crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Soften the cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If it’s still firm, microwave it in 15-second intervals until soft but not melted.
2. Combine the base ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
3. Add the spices: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level and mix well.
4. Incorporate the Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Fold in the mozzarella: Gently fold in half a cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, being careful to maintain a light, creamy texture.
6. Pepperoni power: Stir in the finely chopped pepperoni to infuse the dip with its rich, meaty flavor.
7. Hot honey drizzle: Drizzle the hot honey (or honey mixed with cayenne pepper) over the dip mixture and fold it in gently to evenly distribute the sweet and spicy notes.
8. Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
9. Transfer the dip: Pour the prepared dip into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a smooth surface.
10. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dip for a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
11. Bake until bubbly and golden: Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
12. Let it cool slightly: Remove the dip from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to thicken up for easier serving.
13. Garnish (optional): Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
14. Serve with your favorite dippers: Serve the warm dip alongside crusty bread, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.
15. Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy this delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Notes

• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
• If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper as a substitute.
• Use an oven-safe skillet instead of a baking dish for a rustic presentation.
• Make the dip ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute light sour cream, light mayonnaise, and reduced-fat cheeses.

Keywords: Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip, party appetizer, baked dip, pepperoni dip, hot honey dip, cheesy dip, game day snack