With Super Bowl Sunday coming up this weekend, I thought it was only pertinent that I share one of my favorite easy appetizers. Honestly, it’s probably my favorite appetizer. Ever. During football season I probably make it close to every weekend. For years now.
It’s all of your favorite things about pizza, in a creamy dip form, that is approximately one million times easier than making traditional pizza. The recipe is easily scaled up, making it convenient to feed a large crowd. I also love that it is layered, and not mixed together – making for a nice presentation.
As far as toppings go, you can certainly get creative. But, I like to stick with classic options – pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, green peppers, red onion (they, along with the peppers, lend a lovely little crunch). I serve with store-bought pizza crust that I’ve cut into bite size pieces, but it’s equally good on crackers if you don’t have that on-hand.
Add this to your line-up this weekend, you won’t regret it!
Hot Pizza Dip
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 mushroom, thinly sliced
1/4 cup mini-pepperoni (or quarter regular sized)
2 Tbsp black olives, sliced
2 Tbsp green peppers, finely diced
2 Tbsp red onion, finely diced
1 tsp dried oregano
store-bought pizza crust (like Boboli), cut into bite-size pieces
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a 9-inch pie plate, spread the cream cheese evenly over the bottom of the plate. Spread pizza sauce on top of cream cheese. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Place mushroomms, pepperoni, and olives evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle the peppers, onions, and oregano on top.
Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Serve with warmed pizza crust pieces or crackers.
Source: adapted from Taste of Home
