Easy High Protein Pizza Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
Introduction
This Easy High Protein Pizza Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and a touch of spicy hot honey for a delicious twist. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, it’s rich, flavorful, and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened or sub dairy-free cream cheese)
- 3/4 cup blended cottage cheese (sub Greek yogurt or dairy-free sour cream)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons hot honey
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free cheese of choice)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (finely grated or dairy-free cheese of choice)
- 12-14 slices pepperoni
- Salt to taste
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish)
- Hot honey (for garnish)
- Basil (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a small baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, blended cottage cheese, and hot honey. Mix until smooth and well combined. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Fold in ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese.
- Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Step 4: Spoon the marinara or pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top in an even layer.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Garnish with hot honey, red pepper flakes, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Serve warm with toasted crostini, gluten-free crackers, veggie sticks, or mini peppers.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese, cottage cheese, and parmesan with plant-based alternatives, and use dairy-free shredded cheese.
- Add a pinch of hot pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for extra heat.
- Try using turkey pepperoni or sliced mushrooms for a lighter topping.
- Serve with a variety of dippers like pita chips or sliced baguette for a fun party platter.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dip in an oven or microwave until heated through and bubbly. If the cheese firms up after cooling, reheat gently to restore creaminess before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, try sliced mushrooms, olives, or roasted red peppers as toppings. For a different meat, turkey pepperoni or cooked sausage work well too.
PrintEasy High Protein Pizza Dip with Hot Honey Recipe
This Easy High Protein Pizza Dip with Hot Honey is a deliciously creamy and cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or casual snacking. Featuring a blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella layered with pizza sauce and pepperoni, this baked dip offers a gooey, savory experience with a sweet and spicy kick from hot honey and red pepper flakes. Serve warm with crostini, crackers, or veggie sticks for an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese Base
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened or sub dairy-free cream cheese)
- 3/4 cup blended cottage cheese (sub Greek yogurt or dairy-free sour cream)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons hot honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- salt to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (or sub dairy-free cheese of choice)
Layer and Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12–14 slices pepperoni
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- hot honey (for garnish)
- basil (for garnish)
- grated parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a small baking dish or cast-iron skillet to ensure the dip doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
- Prepare the Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, blended cottage cheese, and hot honey. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste. Fold in ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Assemble the Dip: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture across the bottom of the prepared 9×9-inch baking dish, creating a thick, creamy base layer for the dip.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Layers: Spoon the marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer. Then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Arrange the pepperoni slices in a single even layer over the cheese to finish the layered construction.
- Bake: Place the assembled dip in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges, indicating the dip is hot and ready.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with additional hot honey, red pepper flakes, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves to add extra flavor and visual appeal. Pair the dip with toasted crostini, gluten-free crackers, veggie sticks, or mini peppers for dipping.
- Serving Tip: Serve this dip warm to enjoy its ooey-gooey, stretchy cheese texture. Since the cheese can firm up as it cools, keep the dip warm using a warming tray or slow cooker if serving over an extended time to maintain its creamy deliciousness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free or vegan option, substitute the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and parmesan with plant-based versions and use vegan mozzarella cheese.
- Adjust the spiciness by controlling the amount of hot honey and red pepper flakes used in the recipe and garnish.
- This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers—try it with gluten-free crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery.
- To prepare ahead, assemble the dip and refrigerate before baking; bake just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Keeping the dip warm during serving is key to preserving its creamy texture and making scooping easier.
Keywords: High Protein Pizza Dip, Pizza Dip, Baked Dip, Hot Honey Dip, Party Appetizer, Cheesy Dip, Easy Dip Recipe
