Thursday, August 18, 2011

Big Steve's Pizza Dip


My family and I live outside of Pittsburgh, PA, so it kind of goes without saying that we are a football family.  Every game for as long as I can remember we've watched Steeler games together.  When I got married and bought a house, my parents, grandfather, and we alternated weeks hosting the viewing party.  While we love the Steelers ("Pittsburgh's Going to the Superbowl!!") at least 50% of the party is about the food.  We start the season out slow, chips and dips, but by the Superbowl we're making ribs and chili and gourmet desserts.  Beginning in July I start my food planning, this is serious stuff.  For months now I've been hearing about Big Steve's Famous Pizza Dip from my Dad.  He and Big Steve work together, and apparently I was completely wrong in my assumptions about what men discuss at work, because in reality it appears to be recipes, not cars or women.  Though to be fair, maybe a daughter only hears about the recipe exchanges not the juicier stuff.  The recipe as I got it was pretty darn perfect, but I can't help but tweak just a little.  This is an amazing, decadent treat.  I love it with Wheat Thin crackers (wheat cancels out the calories), but the rest of my family prefers the scoop style tortilla chips (Pita chips also got a vote).  So, without further ado, thanks to Steve, here is an easy and delicious dip that works whether you're a Steeler Fan or not.

Big Steve's Pizza Dip
1 8oz cream cheese
3 Tbs sour cream
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/3 tsp crushed pepper flakes
1/3 tsp oregano
1/4 Cup Parmesan (I prefer fresh shredded, but the store bought works too)
Small Jar Pizza Sauce
8oz Bag of Shredded Mozzarella
Pizza Toppings of your choice

Preheat oven to 400°.  Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, seasonings.  Add in the Parmesan cheese.  Spread mixture on the bottom of a oven safe 9x9 or 9in round dish.  Top with sauce.  Bake about 10 minutes until sauce is hot.  Top with Mozzarella and any pizza toppings you'd like.  Bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese in hot and bubbly.  Serve with chips or crackers.

P.S.  Here we go Steelers!


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