Smoked Pizza Dip: Creamy Cheesy Goodness for Sharing

Name: Smoked Pizza Dip: Creamy Cheesy Goodness for Sharing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 cup pizza sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or 10 slices mozzarella cheese; Pepperoni slices; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp olive oil; Loaf of crusty French bread, sliced

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Cookingwithcj

Kitchen, grill, bbq, gadgets, I cook on them all! Follow along with me! Cheers!

A metal mixing bowl contains lasagna noodles with cheese and spices. A hand sprinkles Italian seasoning from a green-capped jar over the mixture. A spoon rests inside the bowl on a wooden surface.

If you're looking for a dish that brings everyone together, look no further than this Smoked Pizza Dip. It's a creamy, cheesy goodness that packs all the flavors of your favorite pizza into a dip that’s just begging to be scooped up with crispy bread. Trust me, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser and the perfect appetizer for game day or any gathering.

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Watch How to Make It

What’s great about this dip is how easy it is to whip up. You throw a few ingredients together, let the smoker do its magic, and voilà! You’ve got a deliciously smoky and cheesy dip that will disappear faster than a cold beer on a hot summer day.

Plus, you can customize it to fit your taste, whether you love pepperoni, veggies, or a little extra spice.

Now, let’s dive into why you’ll love making this smoked pizza dip.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

First off, the flavors are out of this world. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings creates a rich and satisfying dip that’ll have everyone coming back for more. And let’s not forget that smoky flavor – it adds a depth that just can't be achieved in a traditional oven-baked dip.

A cast iron skillet filled with a layer of tomato sauce and five slices of white cheese placed on top, sitting on a wooden surface.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. You’re not spending hours in the kitchen; instead, you’re mixing a few ingredients and letting your smoker do the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for those days when you want to relax and enjoy time with friends instead of slaving away over a hot stove.

Finally, this dip is super versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your guests enjoy. Whether you want to load it up with veggies or keep it classic with pepperoni, the options are endless.

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

Let’s get into the ingredients. You’ll need one cup of pizza sauce, two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a generous amount of pepperoni slices. I usually recommend going heavy on the cheese because, well, cheese makes everything better!

You’ll also need two cups of ricotta cheese, half a tablespoon of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for that little kick.

For tools, a cast iron pan is your best friend here. It holds the heat well, which is perfect for achieving that gooey, melty texture we all love. You’ll also want a pellet grill or smoker set to 350°F for that delicious smoky flavor.

A cast iron skillet filled with a layer of pizza sauce, melted cheese slices, and pepperoni slices, resembling a deep dish or skillet pizza on a wooden surface.

And don’t forget a loaf of crusty French bread, sliced and ready for dipping!

How To Make It

Making this smoked pizza dip is a breeze. You'll be mixing and layering before you know it. Start by gathering your ingredients and getting your smoker ready.

We want everything to be at the right temperature so that we can dive into that cheesy goodness as soon as it’s ready.

Preparation

First up, mix the ricotta cheese with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. This creamy mixture is the star of the show, so give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. In your cast iron pan, add a couple spoonfuls of pizza sauce to the bottom; this will keep things from sticking and add flavor right from the start.

Slices of baguette topped with herbs and drizzled with olive oil are arranged on a wire rack, ready to be toasted. The rack is placed on a wooden surface.

Now, layer it up! Add a layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then spread that ricotta mixture evenly on top. Pour the remaining pizza sauce over the ricotta layer and finish with more mozzarella.

Trust me, you want that cheesy goodness on top! Finally, place those pepperoni slices over everything for that classic pizza vibe.

Cooking

Once you're all layered up, it's time to get cooking. Drizzle some olive oil over your sliced French bread and sprinkle with salt and Italian seasoning – this will make your bread extra tasty. Place both the dip and bread on the grill, and here’s where the magic happens.

Keep an eye on the bread; it’ll take about 10 to 15 minutes to get nice and crispy.

As for the dip, you’re looking at about 30 to 45 minutes of smoking. It’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a beautiful golden brown color on top. The smell wafting from the grill is going to be incredible, so be prepared for your neighbors to come knocking!

A black grill with a cast iron skillet containing meatballs in sauce on the left and sliced bread pieces topped with cheese arranged on the right side of the grill rack.

Serving & Variations

When it’s finally ready, pull that dip off the grill and serve it hot with your toasted bread slices. Feel free to get creative – add some fresh herbs on top for a burst of color or switch out the pepperoni for your favorite toppings. A common consensus among home cooks is that adding a splash of balsamic glaze on top just before serving elevates the flavors even more.

A hand stirs a thick, white mixture with herbs in a stainless steel bowl on a wooden surface.

If you have leftovers (which is rare), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat in the oven until warm and melty again. Trust me, it’s just as good the second time around!

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients do I need for Smoked Pizza Dip?

You will need cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and any other toppings you desire.

How long does it take to prepare Smoked Pizza Dip?

Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and smoking/cooking takes around 30 minutes.

What type of smoker should I use?

You can use any type of smoker like a pellet smoker, electric smoker, or charcoal smoker.

Can I make Smoked Pizza Dip in the oven?

Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 400F until bubbly and golden, approximately 25-30 minutes.

What do I serve with Smoked Pizza Dip?

Serve it with tortilla chips, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Wrapping Up

This Smoked Pizza Dip is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings people together. The combination of creamy cheese, smoky flavors, and that crispy bread makes it a hit every single time. So fire up that smoker and get ready to impress your friends and family with this cheesy goodness!

A spoon is spreading tomato sauce in the center of a black cast iron skillet on a wooden surface.

Recipe created by Cookingwithcj for Trust Me Try It.

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