If you’re looking for a fun and tasty appetizer, then this hot honey and basil pepperoni pizza dip is just what you need. It’s creamy, cheesy, and brings the comfort of pizza to your favorite dipping experience.
This hot honey and basil pepperoni pizza dip addresses blandness, overly thick dips, slow preparation, and dull texture in typical pizza-flavored appetizers.
I’ve had my share of dips that turned out too thick or just lacking flavor, especially when trying to mimic that classic pizza taste. This recipe has helped me solve those problems while still being easy to whip up, even on busy weeknights when the kids want something special.
What makes this pizza dip work is its simple approach: it cooks up in about 40 minutes and you get a lovely bubbling cheese on top that promises to delight. This is one dish that reliably impresses, whether it’s a casual family night or impromptu guests dropping by.
If you want to try something else that’s just as satisfying, check out my recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Breast.
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of traditional pizza dough containing wheat flour.
- The recipe contains cream cheese and mozzarella, so it is unsuitable for dairy-free diets.
- The recipe is not vegan because it includes cream cheese, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
- This recipe is vegetarian since it contains no meat other than pepperoni, which is not vegetarian-friendly.
- The recipe is nut-free and keto-friendly with the exception of the traditional pizza dough used.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor Satisfaction Hot honey adds a surprising sweet and spicy kick, making the dip a unique twist on the classic pizza experience. It complements the creamy cheese and savory pepperoni perfectly.
- Texture Contrast The creamy mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt creates a smooth base, while the crispy crostini offers a satisfying crunch. This variety in texture keeps each dip exciting and enjoyable.
- Quick Preparation With just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking, you can whip up this tasty dip in under an hour. Ideal for impromptu gatherings or last-minute get-togethers!
- Fresh Herb Finish Fresh basil adds a burst of garden flavor right before serving, making every bite feel refreshing. It’s a simple touch that enhances the overall taste without much effort.
How To Make Hot Honey and Basil Pepperoni Pizza Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Delicious Hot Honey & Basil Pepperoni Pizza Dip with creamy cheese and a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, cut into ½ inch (1.3 cm) diagonal slices
- 8 ounces (227 g) plain cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup (8 ounces / 227 g) pizza sauce
- 1 cup (approximately 4 ounces / 113 g) shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
- ¼ cup (about 1 ounce / 28 g) grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- 18–20 slices pepperoni
- 6 fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) olive oil or melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, for sprinkling (to taste)
- Hot honey, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the dip bakes thoroughly with bubbly cheese and the crostini crisps evenly.
- Step 2: Mix olive oil or melted butter (1-2 tablespoons) with ½ teaspoon garlic powder and salt to taste in a small bowl. Use this mixture to brush both sides of the baguette slices evenly.
- Step 3: Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the edges become slightly golden and crisp. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and salt to taste. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy with an even consistency.
- Step 5: Spread the cream cheese and yogurt mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9-inch skillet or 8×8-inch baking pan, forming a smooth base.
- Step 6: Spread 1 cup (8 ounces / 227 g) of pizza sauce evenly over the creamy base. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top. Arrange 18-20 slices of pepperoni evenly across the surface.
- Step 7: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the cheese melts completely and bubbles. Watch for slight browning at the edges.
- Step 8: Optional: Place the dip under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve slightly golden edges on the cheese. Watch carefully to prevent burning, especially the pepperoni slices.
- Step 9: Remove the dip from the oven. Drizzle hot honey over the surface to taste, adding a sweet and spicy kick. Garnish with fresh basil ribbons. Serve warm with the baked crostini for dipping.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store the dip in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- If the dip appears too thick before baking, stir in 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of hot water to adjust the consistency.
- If the cheese has not melted properly after 15 minutes of baking, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, monitoring carefully.
- If crostini brown too quickly while baking, reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) about 8 minutes into baking for more even toasting.
- To achieve an even golden cheese top, broil carefully for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking; watch the dip closely to avoid burning pepperoni.
- If hot honey is too spicy, mix an extra tablespoon (15 ml) of yogurt into the dip before drizzling honey to balance heat with creaminess.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and cheese starts to bubble again. Time varies depending on amount, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices or gluten-free crackers for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Pizza dough: Go for a pre-made dough or a homemade recipe that has a good rise. This makes the dip stand out with great texture and flavor.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for creaminess. It helps bind the ingredients and gives that rich, velvety texture. Low-fat versions won’t melt as well.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Opt for low-moisture mozzarella for a gooey texture that pulls beautifully. Fresh mozzarella will be too watery, which can ruin your dip.
- Pepperoni: Select high-quality pepperoni with a good spice blend. It adds that classic pizza flavor, giving the dip its savory punch, turkey or veggie varieties can sub in for less grease.
- Fresh basil: Look for bright green, fragrant leaves. Fresh basil really elevates flavor and freshness, but you can use dried basil in a pinch, just halve the amount.
- Hot honey: A spicy blend will give your dip a unique kick! If you can’t find it, mix honey with a dash of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce for similar sweetness and heat.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic works best here; it adds depth of flavor. Mince it finely for even distribution, or use jarred minced garlic if you’re in a hurry, but fresh is always better!
Recipe Tips
- If the dip seems too thick, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of hot water until you reach the desired consistency before baking.
- When the cheese isn’t melting properly, bake for an additional 5 minutes after the initial 15-minute bake time, keeping an eye on it.
- If the crostini start to brown too fast, lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees F 8 minutes into baking for more even toasting.
- For unevenly baked cheese, carefully broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, keeping watch to avoid burning the pepperoni.
- If the hot honey is too spicy, mix in an extra tablespoon of yogurt before drizzling to balance the heat with creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with toasted baguette slices or gluten-free crackers for dipping. Include carrot sticks or cucumber rounds for added freshness.
Use to make stuffed peppers or mix into pasta dishes. Add to cheese boards or spread on flatbreads with fresh toppings.
Top with extra hot honey or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Add fresh basil leaves or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use cooked sausage instead of pepperoni for a meatier hot honey and basil pepperoni pizza dip. Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil if fresh leaves are unavailable. Either dried oregano or Italian seasoning can replace oregano for the cheese mixture.
- Either plain cream cheese or softened goat cheese works well as the creamy base. If using goat cheese, reduce Greek yogurt to ⅓ cup for balanced texture.
- If serving more guests, double the recipe using a 9×13 baking dish and increase pepperoni slices to 36-40. This serves about 12-16 people with crostini for dipping.
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How to Store?
To keep your hot honey and basil pepperoni pizza dip fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Let the dip return to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
- Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Korean Fried Chicken
- Teriyaki Fried Chicken Leg Quarters
If you enjoyed this Hot Honey and Basil Pepperoni Pizza Dip or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
