Easy 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
Scale
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
