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If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser that captures all the magic of a classic pizza but in an irresistibly gooey, shareable dip, you’ve found it. The Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe brings together creamy burrata cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, savory pepperoni, and melty mozzarella into one bubbly, comforting dish that’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Every bite bursts with rich flavors and satisfying textures that’ll have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, staple ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and perfect texture. From the rich creaminess of burrata to the bright pop of cherry tomatoes and the spicy punch of pepperoni, every component adds a delicious note.
- 1 (8 oz) ball of burrata cheese: Provides a luscious and creamy base that melts beautifully in the dip.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color to lighten each bite.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade): Creates a savory, tangy foundation that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers classic cheesy stretch and savory depth.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sharp, salty accent to enrich the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni): Brings that iconic pepperoni spice and slight crispiness when baked.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a rich mouthfeel and helps meld the ingredients as they bake.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Infuses an earthy, herbal warmth reminiscent of traditional pizza seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Delivers a subtle kick of savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a little heat for those who like it spicy.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional): Gives a fresh, aromatic lift and a pop of green color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Crusty bread, crackers, or veggie sticks: Perfect vehicles for scooping up every cheesy, saucy bite.
How to Make Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your dip is ready to bake. Lightly grease a medium baking dish or a small oven-safe skillet with olive oil or a non-stick spray to ensure your dip won’t stick and cleans up easily later.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Base
Spoon the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your dish, creating a tangy, rich layer that will infuse every bite. Tear the burrata into generous chunks and scatter them over the sauce—these creamy morsels will melt and mingle with the other textures perfectly. Next, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top so their juicy sweetness bursts through as it bakes. Finish this layer with shredded mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan for that classic, melty, cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Add the Toppings and Seasonings
Sprinkle the mini pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese layers to guarantee a pepperoni punch in every bite. Drizzle the olive oil over the whole dish for richness, then season with dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste—these seasonings brighten and balance the whole dip.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place your assembled dip in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for that beautiful bubbling cheese and slightly crispy pepperoni edges that make this dish so mouthwatering. For an extra golden and bubbly top, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes—but keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for fragrance and a fresh color contrast. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread, crackers, or crunchy veggie sticks—perfect for dipping into all that ooey-gooey cheesy, tomato goodness.
How to Serve Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a classic way to add a pop of green and a burst of herbal brightness that complements the rich cheeses and savory pepperoni. You can also try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an elegant finish that delights the senses.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers. Crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks bring a crunchy, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dip. For a lighter option, serve with an assortment of crisp vegetable sticks like celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving this Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic vibe that stays warm longer. For parties, portion it into mini ramekins so everyone can have their own personal cheesy indulgence. Adding colorful bowls of dippers around the main dish elevates the visual appeal and invites guests to dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover dip can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen as the dip rests, making it even tastier the next day. Just cover tightly to keep the cheeses from drying out.
Freezing
While this dip is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the cheeses might change slightly after freezing but the flavor will still be delightful.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving as it can sometimes cause the cheese to separate or become rubbery. Reheating gently preserves that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of burrata?
Absolutely! While burrata offers a unique creaminess, fresh mozzarella or even cream cheese can be substituted if burrata isn’t available. Just expect a slightly different texture and flavor, but delicious nonetheless.
Is this dip spicy?
The basic Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe is mildly spicy, especially if you add the optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing or omitting those flakes depending on your preference.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and consider adding sliced olives, roasted peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for a savory, satisfying vegetarian alternative without sacrificing flavor.
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
If you want to switch things up, a pizza sauce or a spicy arrabiata sauce works well too. Just be sure to choose one with a flavor profile you love, as it forms the base of the dip.
How long does the Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe take to prepare?
From start to finish, including baking time, it takes about 35 minutes. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and fun about sharing a warm, cheesy dip that tastes just like your favorite pizza, especially when it includes the luxurious creaminess of burrata and the zesty pop of pepperoni. This Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe is a total game-changer for appetizers or snack time—easy to make, endlessly delicious, and guaranteed to become a new favorite for both casual nights and special occasions. Go ahead, give it a try and watch it disappear in no time!
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Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip is a warm, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for sharing. It combines creamy burrata cheese with marinara sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mini pepperoni, baked together until bubbly and golden. Ideal for parties or game day, it’s served with crusty bread, crackers, or veggie sticks for easy dipping.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 1 (8 oz) ball of burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Meat & Toppings
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni, chopped)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread, crackers, or veggie sticks (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish or a small oven-safe skillet with non-stick spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dip Base: Spread the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Tear the burrata into chunks and distribute over the sauce, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over all the ingredients.
- Add the Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the mini pepperoni slices or chopped regular pepperoni over the cheese layer. Drizzle olive oil on top, then season with dried oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the pepperoni edges become slightly crispy. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve a golden, bubbly top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute mini pepperoni with regular pepperoni chopped into small pieces.
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce before spreading.
- Using fresh marinara sauce typically yields the best flavor, but store-bought works well for convenience.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms or olives instead.
- This dip is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
