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White Hot Honey Pepperoni Dip – The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dip that’s creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and finished with a sweet drizzle of hot honey, you’ve come to the right place. This White Hot Honey Pepperoni Dip is an explosion of flavors - think roasted garlic, blistered tomatoes, melty cheese, crispy pepperoni, and the perfect kick of heat. It is the ultimate game day appetizer!

Cheesy Pepperoni dip in a baking dish with French bread slices

Whether you’re hosting for game day, a dinner party, or just need an excuse to make an indulgent dip, this recipe will have everyone going back for seconds (and thirds). Serve it up with toasted French bread, and you’ve got an appetizer that steals the show.


Grape tomatoes mixed with jalopenos and olive oil in a glass baking dish sitting on a wooden cutting board


Ingredients


For Roasting the Garlic & Shallots

2 garlic heads

2 shallots

1 tbsp fresh thyme

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp salt


For Roasting the Tomatoes & Jalapenos

2 cups grape tomatoes

2 jalapenos, chopped and deseeded

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes


For the Creamy Base

1 block cream cheese, softened to room temperature

¼ cup mayonnaise

Roasted garlic & shallots (from above-chopped)

½ cup fresh basil, chopped

¼ cup Parmesan, shredded

1 cup provolone, shredded


For Assembling & Topping

1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella

Pepperoni slices (whole or chopped)

Hot honey, for drizzling

Extra crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Toasted French bread, for serving



How to Make White Hot Honey Pepperoni Dip


Step 1: Roast the Garlic & Shallots


Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, toss the garlic heads and shallots with olive oil, thyme, and salt. Roast for about 45 minutes until soft and caramelized. This step brings out deep, sweet flavors in the garlic that make the dip next level.


Step 2: Blister the Tomatoes & Jalapenos


Remove the roasted garlic and shallots from the dish. Add in the grape tomatoes, jalapenos, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Roast for 10 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and bursting with flavor.


Step 3: Make the Creamy Base


Finely chop the roasted garlic and shallots until they form a paste-like texture. In a mixing bowl, combine:

  • Cream cheese

  • Mayonnaise

  • Roasted garlic & shallot paste

  • Fresh basil

  • Parmesan & provolone


Step 4: Assemble & Bake


  1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.

  2. Top with the roasted tomatoes and jalapenos.

  3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.

  4. Add a layer of pepperoni (whole or chopped).

  5. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.


Step 5: The Game-Changing Finish


As soon as the dip comes out of the oven:

  • Drizzle generously with hot honey for that perfect sweet-heat balance.

  • Sprinkle extra crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.

  • Small amount of fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

  • Let it cool for 30 minutes - This step is crucial so the dip sets and doesn’t turn runny.


How to Serve It


I like this dip best enjoyed with toasted French bread, but you can also serve it with:

  • Crostini

  • Pita chips

  • Crackers

  • Sliced veggies for a lighter option


When to Make This Dip


This White Hot Honey Pepperoni Dip is a must-make for:

  • Game Day - The ultimate Super Bowl snack.

  • Dinner Parties - A perfect appetizer while guests mingle.

  • Pizza Night Upgrade - Because pizza in dip form is always a good idea.


Why You’ll Love This Dip


Layers of Flavor - From slow-roasted garlic and shallots to tangy cheese and spicy jalapenos, every bite is packed with richness.

Perfect Balance of Sweet & Spicy - The hot honey drizzle at the end? Chef’s kiss. It ties everything together beautifully.

Crowd Favorite - Because who doesn’t love a pizza-inspired dip?!


Cheesy Pepperoni dip in a baking dish with French bread slices

You can’t go wrong with cheese, pepperoni, and hot honey, and this dip takes those flavors to a whole new level. It’s rich, bold, a little sweet, a little spicy, and completely irresistible. One bite, and you’ll see why this is a must-have appetizer in your hosting lineup.


So, are you making this for your next gathering? Let me know in the comments! And if you try it, be sure to tag me! I love seeing your creations!

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