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Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Dip: The Ultimate Party Appetizer Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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