Savory Pepperoni Pizza Dip in Bread Bowl
A crowd-pleasing, gooey pepperoni pizza dip baked inside a crusty bread bowl, perfect for parties and casual get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large round sourdough or Italian bread loaf (about 10–12 inches diameter)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (thin slices, roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut a circular lid off the top of the bread loaf about 2 inches from the edge. Hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. Save the bread chunks for dipping.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Add half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then fold in the chopped pepperoni.
- Spoon the dip mixture into the hollowed bread bowl, spreading evenly.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is lightly browned.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top if using, and place the bread lid back on the side for presentation.
- Serve warm with the reserved bread chunks for dipping.
Notes
If the bread browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Soften cream cheese ahead of time for smooth mixing. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melt and creaminess. Add topping cheese just before baking if assembling early. Leftovers reheat well in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/8 of the bre
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: pepperoni pizza dip, bread bowl dip, party dip, easy appetizer, pizza dip recipe, crowd-pleaser, cheesy dip