If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that combines all the best parts of pizza into one irresistible, melty dish, look no further than Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip. This dip brings together the tangy brightness of tomato sauce, the creamy decadence of burrata, the savory kick of pepperoni, and the oozy stretch of mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection. Scooped up with toasted baguette or crispy breadsticks, every bite is pure comfort—rich, cheesy, and totally addictive. Whether you’re hosting a game day or just want to treat your friends (or yourself), this is the dip that will disappear before you know it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip is that it uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life, along with a few tips to make every component shine.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base and helps sauté the garlic for extra depth.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the tomato base with aromatic, pizza-parlor goodness.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the dip, creating a luscious, tangy sauce—use a good-quality can for best results.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of classic herbs that instantly evoke the flavors of traditional pizza.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat, a sprinkle will wake up the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the other flavors—taste as you go!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that classic pizza stretch and gooeyness we all crave.
- Pepperoni (sliced): Provides bold, savory flavor and a satisfying bite in every scoop.
- Burrata cheese (1 ball): The ultimate creamy centerpiece—tear it up for pockets of decadent, cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and helps the top get gorgeously golden.
- Fresh basil leaves: These brighten up the finished dip and add a pop of color and freshness.
- Toasted baguette slices or breadsticks: The perfect vessels for scooping up every last bit of that glorious, cheesy dip.
How to Make Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a small, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. This quick step unlocks the garlic’s flavor and sets the stage for a truly aromatic Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
Stir in your crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy), salt, and pepper. Let this tomato mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just a bit. You want a sauce that’s rich and concentrated but still scoopable.
Step 3: Layer the Cheeses and Pepperoni
Remove the skillet from the heat. Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the tomato sauce—this is the foundation of that stretchy, melty magic. Next, arrange the pepperoni slices all over, then gently tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and scatter them on top. Finish with a dusting of Parmesan cheese for an extra savory punch.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop the skillet into your preheated oven (375°F) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden top with the cheese melted into gooey perfection. The edges should be slightly crisp, and the aroma will fill your kitchen with pure pizza bliss.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over your Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip. Serve it piping hot with toasted baguette slices or crispy breadsticks, and watch as everyone dives in for that first irresistible scoop!
How to Serve Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnish! A handful of torn fresh basil leaves added right before serving brings a beautiful burst of color and a fresh, herby lift that cuts through the richness of the cheese. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan never hurts.
Side Dishes
While this dip is definitely the star, it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple tray of roasted veggies to balance out all that cheesy goodness. If you’re feeding a crowd, add a cheese board or a bowl of marinated olives to make it a true Italian-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Or, hollow out a round loaf of bread and bake the dip right inside for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bread or dippers separate so they stay fresh and crisp.
Freezing
While this dip is best fresh, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your dip back into a 350°F oven until it’s hot and bubbly—usually about 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too, but the oven will restore the best texture and those glorious golden edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of burrata?
Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella or even dollops of ricotta work beautifully in place of burrata, though you’ll miss a bit of that signature creaminess.
What’s the best way to make this vegetarian?
Just swap the pepperoni for a vegetarian version or use roasted veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for a meat-free take on Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip (except for the basil) up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
Is it possible to make this in a baking dish instead of a skillet?
Definitely! Use any small baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar), follow the same steps, and your Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip will turn out just as delicious.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
You bet—feel free to add chopped olives, roasted red peppers, or even some sautéed mushrooms for your own custom pizza dip creation. Just avoid watery veggies, which can thin out the dip.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a party or movie night without it. It’s a little bit indulgent, a whole lot comforting, and guaranteed to bring people together around the table. Give it a go and watch it become your new favorite go-to appetizer!
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Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A rich and flavorful Tomato Burrata Pepperoni Pizza Dip combining tangy crushed tomatoes, creamy burrata, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni, baked to bubbly perfection and served with toasted baguette slices or breadsticks.
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz sliced pepperoni
- 1 ball burrata cheese (4 oz)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Toasted baguette slices or breadsticks for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dip after preparation.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a small oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Add Mozzarella: Remove the skillet from heat and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce layer to create a cheesy base.
- Arrange Pepperoni and Burrata: Arrange the sliced pepperoni on top of the mozzarella. Tear the burrata cheese into chunks and scatter them evenly over the dip, providing creamy bursts of flavor.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the entire dish, which will add a savory crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot with toasted baguette slices or breadsticks for dipping.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the tomato sauce during simmering.
- You can substitute burrata cheese with fresh mozzarella or ricotta if burrata is unavailable.
- This dip can be prepared in a baking dish if an oven-safe skillet is not available.
- Use vegetarian pepperoni to make this dip suitable for vegetarians.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dip
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
