Pizza Dip
Pizza Dip is everything we love about pizza packed into a warm, cheesy dish you can scoop and share.
Cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, pizza sauce, and pepperoni come together to create layers of comforting flavors that are impossible to resist.
This dip is easy to prepare and perfect for game day gatherings, casual get-togethers, or when you’re just craving something indulgent. With simple steps and a little bit of prep, we can whip up a crowd-pleasing dish that feels both fun and effortless.
Pizza Dip Recipe Highlights
- Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have.
- Perfect for game day snacks or a fun appetizer for any gathering.
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings for endless combinations.
- Easy to prep ahead and bake fresh when needed.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
CHEESES – This recipe uses mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese, each playing a key role in the texture and flavor. Mozzarella provides the classic gooey melt, parmesan adds sharpness, and cream cheese creates the creamy base that ties everything together.
Shred mozzarella and parmesan yourself for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that may prevent smooth melting. For a fun twist, you could swap half the mozzarella with provolone or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
SEASONING – Garlic, onion powder, dried basil, and oregano work together to build the familiar savory profile of pizza. Fresh garlic can be used instead of minced, and if you’re out of basil and oregano, Italian seasoning is a perfect all-in-one substitution. Adjust the amounts to taste if using fresh herbs, as their flavors can be more intense.
SAUCE – Any good-quality pizza sauce works here, whether store-bought or homemade. If you’re using store-bought, choose a brand that’s thicker and less watery to avoid a runny dip. Marinara can work in a pinch but might not have the same depth of flavor as pizza sauce. If you’re using homemade sauce, consider simmering it for a few extra minutes to thicken it for this recipe.
PEPPERONI – Pepperoni slices are a classic choice, but you can easily customize this layer to suit your preferences. Turkey pepperoni works well as a lower-fat option and crisps up nicely. You could also use chopped salami, crumbled sausage, or even a mix of veggies like mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers for a vegetarian option. Be sure to slice toppings thinly or chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution.
How To Make A Pizza Dip
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Whip the cream cheese until light and fluffy, then mix in the seasonings and half the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the baking dish, and layer the pizza sauce over it.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top and add the pepperoni slices.
- Bake at 375º Fahrenheit for 18 to 22 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. This keeps the dip fresh and ready to reheat without losing its creamy texture.
FREEZE – If you want to prepare the dip in advance, assemble it without baking and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
REHEAT – To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it in the oven at 350º Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring as needed for even heating.
MAKE AHEAD – For easy preparation, assemble the dip earlier in the day and cover it tightly in the baking dish. Refrigerate until ready to bake, letting it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats to ensure even cooking. Bake as directed for the same hot and bubbly result.
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Serving Suggestions
CRISPY BREADSTICKS – Breadsticks are a classic pairing for this dip. Their crunchy texture complements the creamy, cheesy layers, and they’re sturdy enough to scoop without breaking.
CHOPPED VEGETABLES – For a lighter option, serve the dip with fresh, crisp vegetables like bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, or celery. The fresh crunch of the veggies balances the richness of the dip and adds variety to your serving platter.
TORTILLA CHIPS – Tortilla chips are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. Their salty crunch pairs perfectly with the savory layers of the dip, making them an easy go-to choice.
PITA CHIPS – Pita chips are thick and sturdy, ideal for holding up to the dip’s cheesy texture. They bring a satisfying crunch and pair beautifully with the bold pizza flavors.
AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD – Garlic bread adds a flavorful, buttery twist to this dish. Using an air fryer gives it an extra crispy texture while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Tear the bread into smaller pieces for easy dipping, or serve whole slices as an indulgent side. This pairing makes the dip feel even more like a mini pizza experience.
Recipe Success Tips
USE SOFTENED CREAM CHEESE – Softened cream cheese is much easier to mix, creating a smooth and creamy base without any lumps. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before whipping, or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds if you’re short on time.
LAYER EVENLY – Taking the time to spread each layer evenly ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of cream cheese, sauce, cheese, and toppings. Uneven layers can lead to some bites being too rich or too saucy, so use a spatula for a smooth and consistent spread.
GRATE YOUR OWN CHEESE – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect its meltability. Grating your own mozzarella and parmesan gives you the smoothest, gooey texture and the freshest flavor. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final result.
DON’T OVERBAKE – Baking too long can cause the cheese to dry out or the edges to burn. Check the dip after 18 minutes, and pull it from the oven as soon as the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent overcooking.
SERVE HOT – This dip is best enjoyed straight out of the oven while the cheese is gooey and the layers are warm and flavorful. If it cools down during serving, you can quickly reheat it in the microwave or oven to restore its texture and taste. Serving it hot ensures the best possible experience for you and your guests.
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Pizza Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded and divided in half
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded and divided in half
- 1 ¼ cups pizza sauce
- 1 ounce pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375º Fahrenheit and grease a 9×9” baking dish.
- Whip the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer, on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Add the garlic, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Beat with the mixer until combined.
- Add half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses and stir to combine.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture in an even layer into the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the pizza sauce onto the cream cheese mixture in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheeses onto the pizza sauce. Add the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is hot and bubbly. Serve immediately while hot.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.