Description
This Veggie Pizza Dip is a delightful and colorful appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. It features a creamy base layered with a fresh medley of chopped vegetables and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Chilled before serving, this dip combines the flavors of a classic veggie pizza into a creamy, easy-to-serve dish that pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or a mix)
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes, seeds removed
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the dip base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and mayonnaise if using. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Spread this mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking dish or shallow serving dish.
- Prepare the veggies: Chop the bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion finely. Slice the black olives as well. Use a paper towel to pat the vegetables dry to remove excess moisture, especially for the tomatoes, to keep the dip from becoming watery.
- Layer the veggies on top: Evenly distribute the prepared chopped vegetables (bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, and black olives) over the creamy base, making sure the toppings are spread uniformly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Add the mozzarella topping: Sprinkle the additional shredded mozzarella cheese over the top layer of vegetables to create a cheesy finish that mimics a pizza topping.
- Chill the dip: Place the assembled dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the dip to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and colorful presentation. Serve the dip chilled alongside an assortment of crackers, slices of bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks like carrot, cucumber, and celery for dipping.
Notes
- For best texture, be sure to pat dry the chopped vegetables, especially tomatoes, to avoid a watery dip.
- Mayonnaise is optional but adds extra creaminess if desired.
- This dip is best enjoyed chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
- Use low-fat or light versions of cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter option.
