Name: Pizza Fondue Dip with Pepperoni and Garlic Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 180g soft cheese; 10g grated Parmesan or vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese; 100g grated mozzarella (or mozzarella & cheddar mix); Olive oil, for the dish and for drizzling; 200g pizza sauce or passata; 7-8 slices pepperoni (optional); Garlic bread, crostini, or breadsticks, to serve

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Introduction

This pizza fondue dip combines creamy cheese and zesty pizza sauce for a warm, irresistible appetizer. Perfect for sharing, it’s great with garlic bread or crunchy breadsticks. A crowd-pleaser that brings all the flavors of pizza into a rich, dippable treat.

A round white ceramic dish filled with a layer of melted, bubbly golden cheese topped with six large, evenly spaced, shiny reddish-brown pepperoni slices, placed on a dark tray. Surrounding the dish are pieces of crusty white bread and slices of toasted bread with a light golden texture. Two clear green glasses filled with breadsticks stand at the back. The scene sits on a white marbled surface with small golden star decorations scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

180g soft cheese
10g grated parmesan or vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese
100g grated mozzarella, or a grated mozzarella & cheddar mix
Olive oil, for the dish and for drizzling
200g pizza sauce or passata
7-8 slices pepperoni (optional)
Garlic bread, crostini or breadsticks, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Tip the soft cheese into a bowl and whisk to loosen it. Add the parmesan and half the mozzarella, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Oil a 15–18cm round baking dish. Spread the soft cheese mixture evenly over the base of the dish.
Step 3: Pour the pizza sauce or passata over the soft cheese and spread it to cover completely.
Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the sauce. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top, if using, and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Bake the dip for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
Step 6: While baking, cook the garlic bread as per the package instructions. Let the dip cool slightly before serving with the garlic bread, crostini, or breadsticks for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, omit the pepperoni and add sliced olives or roasted red peppers instead.
Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper, more complex cheese flavor.
Make the dip up to two days in advance; cover and keep refrigerated until ready to bake.
Try adding a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 180°C until warmed through to maintain the melty texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cheese rubbery.

How to Serve

A white ceramic pan with a long handle holds a baked dish with a base layer of melted, golden-brown cheese mixed with rich red tomato sauce, topped with six large, evenly spaced round slices of pepperoni that have a slightly crisp, shiny texture and a deep reddish-brown color. Surrounding the pan on a dark tray are several pieces of rustic sliced bread with a light golden crust and soft, airy interior. In the background, there are two white glasses filled with yellow breadsticks. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface with some small gold star decorations around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses for this dip?

Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses. Mozzarella and cheddar work best, but fontina or gouda can add interesting flavors.

Is it possible to make this dip vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the soft cheese and parmesan with plant-based alternatives and choose a vegan mozzarella. Use a suitable vegan pizza sauce and enjoy with vegan breadsticks.