Shelly's Recipe

4 Layer Pizza Dip with Parmesan Herb Bread Sticks

Category: Dips - Hot

8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1/2 cup sour cream
8 ounces finely shredded Italian cheese blend (divided)
14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
12 slices pepperoni
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (or 1/4 cup real bacon pieces)

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a blender combine tomatoes, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.  Blend until pureed.  Set pizza sauce aside.

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and 2 ounces of shredded cheese.  Mix well until well combined. Spread cream cheese mixture in an even layer over baking dish (pie plate or 8x8 works).

Pour blended pizza sauce (tomato mixture) over cream cheese mixture and evenly distribute with spatula. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese over pizza sauce. Top pizza dip with bacon and pepperoni.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is browned and bubbly.  Enjoy!  Serve with Parmesan Herb Bread Sticks.

Parmesan Herb Bread Sticks
1 packet Fleischmann's Pizza Crust Yeast
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup very warm water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried oregano

Preheat oven to 425°.

In a small bowl combine olive oil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, parsley and oregano.  Mix with fork until a thick paste forms.  Set aside.

In the bowl of your stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, combine the yeast, flour, Parmesan cheese, sugar, salt, water and vegetable oil. Mix on low speed until a slightly sticky dough forms.

Lightly sprinkle flour onto a flat surface. Remove the dough ball and knead for 4 minutes adding more flour as necessary. Roll out the dough to fit your baking sheet.

Pour olive oil paste mixture onto dough and spread evenly to edges.  Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut dough into slices (8-12 depending on the size you prefer). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the dough has cooked and is lightly browned on the edges.