Hot pizza dip has been all over the place. Was it from anticipation of the Superbowl? If so, they totally got me because that’s exactly what I brought to the Superbowl viewing party I attended. Speaking of anticipating the Superbowl, I knew I would be piling up my plate with all kinds of things, and going for seconds, thirds, fourths… so I made this dip lighter! Totally counters the bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos that Brandi made O:-).
I also used mini turkey pepperoni because they seemed much more suitable for a dip, being smaller and more scoopable. Although I have to admit, pictures I have seen of this dip on others’ blogs seem prettier with the bigger slices of pepperoni. Leave it to me to choose functionality over appearance. Good thing it still tasted great! Just like pizza, but with a creamy layer of goodness. Yes that would be the cream cheese mixture I am talking about. Cream cheese is, after all, one of my favorite ingredients.
LIGHTER PIZZA DIP
Serves 8
Ingredients:
6 oz. reduced fat cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup pizza sauce
2 oz. mini turkey pepperoni
2 Tbsp green bell pepper, diced
2 Tbsp chopped onion
2 Tbsp black olives, sliced
Italian seasoning (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, oregano, parsley, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Spread mixture in the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese on top of the cream cheese mixture. Spread the pizza sauce over all.
- Microwave the pepperoni for about 30 seconds just to get some of the fat out of them so you don’t end up with a greasy mess on top of your pizza dip.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese, then top with green pepper, onion, pepperoni and olive slices. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if using. Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with baguette slices, tortilla chips, bagel chips or Fritos scoops.
Source: Adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything, Mother Thyme, and My Baking Addiction.
17 comments
The use of cream cheese just takes this up a notch. Sounds perfect E!
I bookmarked a few version of this for the Super Bowl, but never got around to making it. Now I’m sort of glad because it means I can try your lighter version!
Hooray! I really liked it with bagel chips.
Mmmm, I haven’t seen this before! It looks like something that is right up my alley, boyfriend would like it too!
Um, THIS WAS MADE FOR MY SOUL.
Hahaha I am glad to have reached your inner being
I’ve seen this popping up all over the blog world too – – i’d have to say, your version is my favourite – a lighter dip, YES PLEASE!! lol lighter must mean I can eat more ;) (just kidding … or something like that)
I love this Erin! I saw this all over too and wanted to make it, but now that you made a skinny version its on my list to make!!
You know, I’ve been seeing pizza dip recipes that look delicious but way too naughty. You’ve solved that problem! Delicious and way LESS naughty. Awesome job!
What?! I hadn’t seen this kind of dip yet, but I am already hooked. This looks absolutely amazing! And the turkey pepperonis are adorable (and healthier to boot). What a great recipe! I want to eat it right now!
I think the mini pepperoni are perfect! I like them in the picture – plus then you get more of other toppings like the olives! Great looking dip, I wish I was at your Super Bowl party!
If you had showed up with any of your delicious concoctions you would’ve been more than welcome ;-)!
Oh yum! This is the perfect SuperBowl snack!
Ok, I need an excuse to try this immediately!
I just had a brilliant idea. Bake it on top of chicken!
Yum! This looks fabulous! Definitely making it this way next time I have it. Love the greek yogurt in this.
Mmm…. this looks totally indulgent.
The mini pepperoni are totally cute too ( you know… for pepperoni…)!