Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened
¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning more or less, to taste
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture) 8 ounces – divided
1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
15 to 18 pepperoni slices or enough to cover top of dip
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil optional garnish
Methods:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 inch pie dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Stir together softened cream cheese and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl.
Spread cream cheese and seasoning mixture in the bottom of the prepared pie dish. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the cream cheese evenly. Then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the Parmesan cheese.
Spread pizza sauce over the layered cheeses, then sprinkle the remaining half of Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle the remaining half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with pepperoni slices.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil when serving, if desired. Serve with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, pretzels or crackers.