Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.33 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp green bell peppers, diced
  • 1 tbsp sliced black olives

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray or olive oil.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Beat with an electric hand mixer or spatula until the mixture is smooth and airy.
  3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish using a rubber spatula.
  4. Gently pour the marinara sauce over the cream cheese layer, spreading it carefully to cover the base without mixing the layers.
  5. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella, then scatter the pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, and sliced olives evenly across the top.
  6. Bake in the center rack of the oven for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling at the edges.
  7. Optional: Switch the oven to broil on high for 1–2 minutes until the cheese develops golden-brown charred spots and the pepperoni becomes crisp.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.