If you’re a pizza lover, this Pizza Dip will be your new favorite appetizer! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the classic pizza flavors—without the crust.
Perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy night in, this dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
One of the best things about this recipe is its layers of flavor. It starts with a creamy base made from cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian seasoning.
Then comes a generous layer of pizza sauce, followed by gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The finishing touch? Classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers—but you can customize it however you like!
Pizza Dip Recipe
Love pizza? Then you’ll adore this Pizza Dip—a warm, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties, game nights, or family gatherings.This dip layers cream cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, creating a gooey, pizza-inspired treat. Baked until bubbly, it’s best served with crackers, breadsticks, or tortilla chips.Customize it with favorite toppings like mushrooms, olives, or sausage for extra flavor.Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving a fun snack, this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe will satisfy every pizza lover!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Pour the marinara or pizza sauce over the creamy layer.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Scatter pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, and red pepper flakes over the cheese.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve warm with toasted bread, crackers, pita chips, or breadsticks.
Notes
Pizza Dip Recipe: Tips & Serving Tricks
Tips for the Best Pizza Dip
- Use High-Quality Cheese
- The key to a great pizza dip is melty, gooey cheese. Use a combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Shredding fresh mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded gives a smoother melt.
- Layer for Maximum Flavor
- Start with a seasoned cream cheese base (mix with garlic powder and Italian seasoning). Then add pizza sauce, followed by cheese and toppings. Layering prevents the dip from becoming too watery.
- Drain Watery Ingredients
- If you’re using pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or tomatoes, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the dip. This prevents excess moisture from making the dip too runny.
- Bake Until Bubbly
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden, crispy top.
- Make It in a Slow Cooker
- If you’re serving for a party, prepare the dip in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. This keeps it warm and prevents it from hardening.
- Customize Your Toppings
- Just like pizza, this dip is versatile! Popular options include:
- Classic: Pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, green peppers
- Meaty: Cooked sausage, bacon, ham
- Veggie: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic
- Spicy: Jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce
- Just like pizza, this dip is versatile! Popular options include:
- Make It Lighter
- Use low-fat cream cheese and mozzarella to reduce calories. You can also swap Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese for extra protein.
Serving Tricks
- Best Dippers for Pizza Dip
- Bread-Based: Garlic breadsticks, crostini, pita chips, toasted baguette slices
- Crunchy Snacks: Tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers
- Low-Carb Options: Celery sticks, bell pepper strips, zucchini rounds
- Serve in a Bread Bowl
- For a fun presentation, hollow out a round loaf of bread, pour the dip inside, and bake until warm. Use the bread chunks for dipping!
- Make Mini Pizza Dips
- Prepare individual portions in ramekins for a fun, mess-free way to serve at parties.
- Garnish Before Serving
- Sprinkle with fresh basil, oregano, or extra Parmesan before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
- Pair with Drinks
- Pizza dip goes great with beer, red wine, or a fizzy soda for the ultimate game-day snack.
