Description
This Goat Cheese Pepperoni Pizza Dip with Hot Honey & Basil is a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for gatherings. Combining creamy goat cheese, spicy pepperoni, and sweet hot honey, it offers a perfect balance of flavors baked to bubbly perfection and finished with fresh basil. Serve it with toasted baguette, focaccia, or ciabatta for a crowd-pleasing dip that mimics the flavors of a classic pizza in a shareable form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 jar (15 oz) Marinara Sauce
- 1 log (8 oz) Goat Cheese
- 1 handful Pepperoni slices
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons Hot Honey
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil, julienned
- Toasted baguette, focaccia, or ciabatta, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Assemble the Dip: Pour the marinara sauce into a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a suitable baking dish. Place the goat cheese log on top of the marinara and gently press it down to create a flat surface. Then, arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the goat cheese. Drizzle the olive oil on top to add richness and help with browning.
- Bake the Dip: Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the cheese to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Broil for Crispness: After baking, switch to the broiler setting and cook the dip for about 5 minutes, or until the pepperoni crisps up nicely and edges begin to brown.
- Add Final Touches: Remove the dip from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey over the top for a spicy-sweet kick. Garnish with fresh julienned basil to add brightness and a fresh aroma.
- Serve: Serve the warm dip hot with toasted baguette, focaccia, or ciabatta slices for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for even heating and a rustic presentation.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your preferred sweetness and heat level.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil if unavailable, though fresh is preferred for best flavor.
- Toasted bread should be lightly crisp but not hard to perfectly scoop the dip.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American