- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color you prefer)
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup sliced olives (green or black)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for an extra kick
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 9-inch pie dish or oven-safe baking dish
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, I gather all the ingredients on my countertop, ensuring that everything is chopped and measured—a little prep makes the process smoother. In a medium mixing bowl, I combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. As I mix, I can already feel the comforting thickness of the cream cheese blending perfectly, creating a creamy base. I always opt for a hand mixer for this step, but a whisk works too; just be prepared for a bit of elbow grease!
Next, I fold in the diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, and sliced olives while adding the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget to give it a little taste test at this point because you want to strike the perfect balance with the seasoning. The vibrant colors are a sight to behold, and the mix starts to remind me of a pizza in a bowl. Now, I pour half of the mixture into my baking dish, spreading it evenly, like creating an edible canvas ready for toppings.
For the layering perfection, I sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the cream cheese mixture. It’s like a pizza waiting to be topped! Then, I carefully add the remaining mixture on top and finish off with the rest of the shredded cheese. At this point, my kitchen is starting to smell divine, and I can hardly contain my excitement! I pop it into a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until it’s all bubbly and golden on top. (See the next page below to continue…)