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Hot Honey and Basil Pepperoni Pizza Dip makes any gathering extra special. This recipe transforms pizza night into a creamy, cheesy, dippable delight with all the flavor you love. When the craving for something cozy and crowd pleasing strikes, this dip is all you need for instant comfort and fun.
When I first tried this for a game night, it disappeared before halftime. Now it is my go to party dip because people always ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
- French baguette: Freshness is key for crostini. A day old baguette holds its shape best
- Olive oil or melted butter: Helps the baguette crisp evenly and adds rich flavor. Quality olive oil makes a difference
- Garlic powder: Delivers that classic aromatic punch. Make sure it's fresh for the most flavor
- Salt: Brings out the best in every layer and crostini. Use a flaky or kosher salt for topping
- Plain cream cheese: The rich and tangy base allows the dip to be extra creamy. Let it soften for easy blending
- Plain greek yogurt: Lightens the dip and adds a subtle tang. Opt for whole milk yogurt for silkiness
- Pizza sauce: Choose a thick and vibrant sauce. A good jarred sauce or homemade version works well
- Shredded mozzarella or italian cheese blend: Gives those irresistible cheese pulls. Freshly shredded melts best
- Grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese: Sharp and salty for that craveable zing. Buy by the block and grate for best taste
- Dried oregano: Layers in aromatic Italian flavor. Use fresh dried herbs for full effect
- Pepperoni slices: Bold and spicy traditional topping. Use a quality uncured pepperoni for best results
- Basil leaves: Fresh flavor boost. Choose bright green fragrant leaves and slice right before serving
- Hot honey: Sweet heat ties everything together. For the best kick use a brand like Mike's Hot Honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Crostini:
- Brush both sides of the baguette slices with a mixture of olive oil or melted butter garlic powder and a sprinkling of salt. Place them on a large baking sheet and bake at four hundred degrees F for eight to ten minutes until golden around the edges. This gives perfectly crisp dipping crostini
- Mix the Creamy Layer:
- Combine softened cream cheese greek yogurt salt garlic powder and oregano in a bowl. Mix until the blend is smooth creamy and fully combined. This creates a light tangy base that supports all the other layers
- Assemble the Dip Layers:
- Grease a nine inch skillet or eight by eight pan. Evenly spread the cream cheese yogurt mixture as your base. Top with a thick layer of pizza sauce then sprinkle with mozzarella blend and parmesan cheese. Finish with pepperoni slices. This step is all about even coverage for gooey cheese and plenty of pepperoni per bite
- Bake and Broil:
- Place your assembled dip into the oven for fifteen minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble. When ready put it briefly under the broiler for one to two minutes just until the edges turn slightly golden. Keep a close eye so the pepperoni does not burn
- Add the Final Touches:
- Remove the pan from the oven immediately drizzle hot honey evenly over the bubbling cheese and scatter fresh basil ribbons across the top. The sweet heat and herbaceous basil balance out all the richness. Serve warm with your crispy crostini for the ultimate pizza dip experience
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Hot honey might sound odd but it truly makes the dish sparkle. The first time I added it it completely transformed the flavor and everyone at the table wanted the secret ingredient. Family pizza nights are now incomplete without a drizzle of that golden spicy honey
Storage Tips
Store any leftover dip in a sealed container in the fridge. It holds up well for up to three days. When reheating bake gently in the oven until warm adding a little extra cheese on top if needed. The crostini are best enjoyed fresh but you can toast leftover slices again to bring back their crunch
Ingredient Substitutions
No greek yogurt Swap in regular plain yogurt or sour cream. If you are out of mozzarella an italian blend or provolone works just as well. For vegetarians leave off the pepperoni and instead use roasted veggies or parmesan crisps. Hot honey can be homemade by warming honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dip as the star at any party or game day lineup. Add a simple salad or an antipasto platter on the side for a festive spread. If you want to make it a meal double down with fresh cut veggies for dipping or fill a warm baguette with the creamy dip as a decadent sandwich
Pepperoni Pizza Dip History
Pizza dip takes inspiration from classic pizzeria flavors but with a shareable twist. The hot honey trend was born in New York where spicy sweet toppings now crown everything from pies to focaccia. This dish brings that bold contrast into every bite combining creamy cheese savory meat bright basil and fiery sweetness
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This dip guarantees smiles and requests for the recipe every single time. Do not skip that hot honey drizzle—it's what sets this dip apart!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the baguette slices crisp?
Brush sliced baguette with olive oil or melted butter, season, and bake at 400°F until golden and crisp on the edges.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella, Italian blends, parmesan, or pecorino romano all work well for a rich, melty topping.
- → Is hot honey required?
Hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick but can be omitted or replaced with regular honey for a milder flavor.
- → What’s the best way to serve this dip?
Serve warm with crostini, toasted baguette slices, or even sturdy crackers for dipping.
- → Can I prepare the dip in advance?
Assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to keep the layers fresh and the cheese melty.
- → Which pepperoni works best?
Standard or spicy pepperoni both enhance flavor; choose your favorite or try turkey pepperoni if preferred.