Easy Pizza Dip Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this Easy Pizza Dip—a bubbling, cheesy, savory dream that brings all the best parts of pizza into one effortless, scoopable appetizer. It’s layered with cream cheese, marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and all your favorite toppings, baked to golden perfection in just about 20 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a game night, need a quick snack for the kids, or just craving something indulgent and fun, this dip is your new go-to. It’s the ultimate party pleaser, and yes—you’ll want to double the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ridiculously Easy: Seriously, this takes minimal effort and is practically foolproof. Layer, bake, and serve—done!
  • Perfectly Cheesy and Gooey: That melty mozzarella on top is pure heaven. It stretches, bubbles, and browns just like a pizza should.
  • Customizable: Whether you’re a pepperoni purist or veggie lover, this dip is ready to be your blank pizza canvas.
  • Crowd Favorite: Everyone loves pizza, and when it’s in dip form, it becomes the centerpiece of any snack table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the magic happen. No complicated stuff—just simple ingredients with big flavor.

  • Cream cheese: Acts as the rich, creamy base and balances out the tanginess of the sauce. Soften it for easy spreading.
  • Sour cream or mayonnaise: Optional but adds smoothness and richness. A little goes a long way.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts into that classic stretchy, gooey pizza topping we all love.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that cuts through the richness—don’t skip it.
  • Pizza sauce or marinara: Go for a flavorful, thick sauce to avoid sogginess. Store-bought or homemade works.
  • Pepperoni: The classic topping—crisps up beautifully in the oven. Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
  • Green peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms: Totally optional, but great for adding color, texture, and flavor.
  • Italian seasoning: Adds that unmistakable pizzeria aroma. Sprinkle it over the top before baking.
  • Red pepper flakes: Optional for a subtle heat kick. Highly recommended if you like a bit of spice.

Variations

This dip is practically begging for you to make it your own. Here are some fun twists:

  • Meat Lover’s Style: Add cooked sausage, bacon bits, or ground beef.
  • Veggie Supreme: Pile on chopped tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
  • Margherita-Inspired: Swap pepperoni for fresh basil leaves and add slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella.
  • White Pizza Dip: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara and top with garlic, spinach, and ricotta.
  • Low-Carb Version: Serve with veggie dippers like bell pepper strips or zucchini rounds.

How to Make Easy Pizza Dip

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with sour cream or mayo until smooth. Spread this mixture in an even layer at the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the Sauce

Spoon your pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer, spreading it all the way to the edges. You want every bite to get a little of that zesty tomato flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce, followed by a bit of grated parmesan for extra punch.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Top with your favorite pizza toppings—pepperoni slices, olives, diced bell peppers, or whatever you love on your pizza.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes (if you can wait), then dig in with chips, breadsticks, or veggies.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Soften the Cream Cheese: Let it sit out for 30 minutes before mixing—it spreads like a dream.
  • Don’t Overload Toppings: Too many toppings can weigh it down. Keep it balanced for best results.
  • Use Whole Milk Mozzarella: It melts better and gives that glorious cheese pull.
  • Broil for Extra Brownness: Want a slightly crispy top? Pop it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end.
  • Serve Immediately: This dip is best hot and gooey, straight from the oven.

How to Serve

This dip is built for sharing, and it goes with just about anything you can scoop with!

Dippers

  • Toasted baguette slices
  • Garlic bread
  • Pita chips or tortilla chips
  • Pretzel bites
  • Fresh veggie sticks (like celery, bell peppers, or cucumbers)

Pairing Ideas

  • Serve alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
  • A glass of soda, iced tea, or a cold beer pairs perfectly for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats surprisingly well!

Freezing

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it (before baking) for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating

Microwave in 30-second bursts or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for extra melty goodness.

FAQs

Can I make this dip in advance?
Yes! Assemble all the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving.

What kind of pan should I use?
Any small baking dish or oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron) works beautifully. Just make sure it’s deep enough to hold all the layers.

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
You can! Cook it on low for 1–2 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Great for keeping warm during parties.

What are the best low-carb dippers?
Bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, celery sticks, or even baked cheese crisps make fantastic low-carb dipping options.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pizza Dip is everything you love about pizza, minus the dough and the wait time. It’s fast, customizable, and ridiculously delicious—perfect for weeknights, weekends, or any time you’re craving something cozy and comforting. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to party snack!

Print

Easy Pizza Dip Recipe

Easy Pizza Dip Recipe

A warm, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dip that tastes just like your favorite pizza, perfect for parties or game nights.

  • Author: slsrecipes
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/4 cup chopped green bell peppers (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • Crackers, breadsticks, or toasted baguette slices for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning and garlic powder until well combined.
  3. Spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a baking dish.
  4. Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  5. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
  6. Top with pepperoni slices and optional toppings like bell peppers and olives.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve warm with crackers, breadsticks, or toasted baguette slices.

Notes

  • You can customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
  • This dip reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of dip
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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