This dip deconstructs pizza, allowing you to bake up a bubbly, gooey dish of the cheese and sauce normally found on your favorite pizza. It is delicious served with sliced bread, garlic bread, or your favorite thick crackers or pita chips. Because the bread or crackers are served on the side, this would be the perfect pizza treat for families that avoid gluten when served with your favorite gluten free bread. It can also be tossed with freshly cooked pasta for a delicious, comforting meal. I like to make my own tomato sauce for this recipe. You can use one to one and a half cups of your favorite tomato sauce with equally delicious results.
Italian bread, garlic bread, or your favorite crackers for serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a small pan over medium heat, sauté the garlic for one minute. Add the tomato paste and stir to cook briefly, approximately one to two minutes. Add the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ricotta. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Transfer to an oven safe casserole dish, spreading to evenly cover the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
Top the cheesy layer with the tomato sauce, distributing it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the tomato sauce. Top with the Parmesan cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. Sprinkle a bit of dried oregano over the top.
Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The mixture will become bubbly and slightly browned on top. Your bread can be warmed for a few minutes in the same warm oven.
Remove the bubbly dip from the oven. Allow to cool slightly as you slice and plate the bread. The dip can be served family style from the casserole dish or in small bowls or ramekins for dipping. Enjoy!