Carlsbad Cravings

Pizza Dip

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Pizza Dip recipe is your favorite pizza in hot, creamy cheesy dip form, prepped in less than 20 minutes with any toppings!

Pizza Dip is a crowd-pleasing creamy, cheesy party dip for birthdays, game day, holidays, and potlucks!  This recipe is 100% prep ahead friendly and can be made in oven or slow cooker.  The base of this recipe is made with herby cream cheese for luxurious creaminess, mozzarella for the buttery cheese pull and cheddar for flavor, topped with vibrant marinara sauce or pizza sauce, more cheese, then YOUR choice of toppings. Serve this baked and broiled Pizza Dip with toasted baguette slices, pita chips or even vegetables. Best of all, I’ve included all sorts of recipe variations such as BBQ Chicken Pizza Dip and Carne Asada Pizza Dip!

Hot party dips are sure to be the hit of every party!  Along with this Pepperoni Pizza Dip, don’t miss Jalapeno Popper Dip, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Hot Crab Dip and Mexican Corn Dip.

PIN THIS RECIPE TO SAVE FOR LATER

HOW TO MAKE PIZZA DIP RECIPE

top view of pepperoni pizza dip recipe baked in a pie dish


 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE Pizza dip

It tastes like pizza! It’s cheesy, saucy with all your favorite toppings. After diving into this party dip, the first thing my husband exclaimed was, “It tastes like pizza!” 

No pizza dough required. All the cheesy deliciousness of pizza in minutes without having to make pizza dough! That’s also a win for gluten free guests.

Add any toppings you like.  I topped this Pizza Dip with mini pepperoni, bell peppers, olives and red onions, but you can add ANYTHING such as Italian sausage, mushrooms, bacon, etc.

Flavor variations.  I’ve included a whole section on different variations such as Barbecue Chicken Pizza Dip, Thai Chicken Pizza Dip, Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip and more!  

Easy–to–make appetizer.  This dip can be assemble in less than 20 minutes- simply mix the cream cheese and cheeses together, top with pizza sauce and toppings then bake to ooey gooey splendor!

Make ahead friendly.  This party dip can be assembled up to 48 hours ahead of time, then just popped in the oven when it’s time to entertain.

showing how to serve pizza dip by dipping baguette slices into the dip with pepperoni

Pizza Dip Ingredients 

The best thing about this Pizza Dip recipe is that it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand and your personal preferences. I’ve listed my favorite toppings below, but swap out any you don’t love, or even section the dip with different toppings. (Full printable recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the post).

For the base of the dip: 

  • Cream cheese: This creates a luxuriously smooth, velvety, creamy base. I recommend full-fat, brick-style cream cheese but the dip will also work with less fat. Just remember less fat = less flavor and creaminess, so adjust your expectations. Please do NOT use non-fat cream cheese.
  • Sour cream: This adds subtle tanginess and lightens up the richness of the cream cheese. Full-fat sour cream is best but you may use less fat.
  • Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, basil, and parsley flavor the creamy base of the dip – no bland Pepperoni Pizza Dip here! 
  • Mozzarella cheese: Please buy a block of fresh mozzarella cheese and shred it yourself! Pre-shredded bags of cheese contain anti caking agents which help prevent the cheese from clumping together. That in turn makes your cheesy dips and soups grainy rather than ooey gooey.  
  • Cheddar cheese: Same rule applies to the cheddar! Buy a block of good-quality cheddar and shred it yourself using a box grater. It makes a huge difference! 

For the toppings: 

  • Marinara or pizza sauce: I’ve linked my homemade recipes, but you may use store-bought for a quick and easy shortcut. My favorite store-bought marinara is Rao’s brand.
  • Cheese: A combination of freshly shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese add the quintessential pizza cheesy goodness.
  • Pepperoni: I prefer using mini pepperoni for the ideal ratio of pepperoni to other toppings, plus they’re easier to scoop up onto a chip or cracker. However, you may use regular pepperoni if desired. Or, skip the pepperoni entirely and use cooked ground Italian sausage or any other favorite protein instead. 
  • Sliced black olives: For the olive lovers! I love the contrast of rich, cheesy Pizza Dip and briny olives. Make sure to pat the olives dry before adding.
  • Bell pepper: Chopped green bell pepper adds a delightful contrasting fresh crunch paired with the rich dip. 
  • Red onion: Finely diced red onion will not make the party dip “oniony,” but rounds out the flavor.

How to Soften Cream Cheese for Hot Dips

Your cream cheese needs to be super soft in order to produce lump-free party dips. To soften cream cheese, you can leave it outside on a warm day for about 20 minutes, or microwave it.

The microwave works great but take care to microwave at small intervals so you don’t overcook/scorch the cream cheese. Cube cream cheese and transfer it to a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Microwave for 20 seconds then at 10-second intervals as needed, flipping cubes occasionally. Repeat until cream cheese is very soft. 

HOW TO MAKE Pizza Dip

Creamy, cheesy Pizza Dip couldn’t be easier to make, plus it’s make make-ahead friendly and feeds a crowd. Let’s take a look at how this recipe comes together (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post): 

  • Step 1: Make the creamy base. In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and spices.  Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Spoon the mixture into an ungreased 2-qt. baking dish like a pie plate or a cast-iron skillet.
a collage showing how to make pizza dip recipe by stirring cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasonings, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese together and spreading into a pie dish
  • Step 2: Prep toppings. If using pepperoni, place them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave for 45 seconds. Next, blot the pepperoni with a paper towel to remove excess oil. This will help prevent your baked dip from being overly oily.
  • Step 3: Add toppings. Evenly spread the marinara or pizza sauce on top of the cream cheese, then sprinkle with shredded Parmesan and mozzarella. Evenly top the cheeses with the pepperoni and any other desired pizza toppings like olives, green bell peppers and red onions.
a collage showing how to make pizza dip by adding pizza sauce to cream cheese base, followed by mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and bell peppers
  • Step 4: Bake. Bake the pizza dip, uncovered, at 350 degrees F until the cheese is melted and the top begins to brown.  Increase the oven to broil and bake a few more minutes.
  • Step 5: Serve. Let the dip cool for about 10 minutes before serving, then serve with desired dippers.
show how to make pizza dip by adding pepperoni, bell peppers, olives and red onions

Can this dip be made in the crockpot?

Yes! Crockpot Pizza Dip is easy to make by following the same instructions up to baking. Add the ingredients to a lightly greased slow cooker, cover and cook on low for low for 2-3 hours, until warmed through and the cheese is melted.

how to serve pizza dip

This Pepperoni Pizza Dip is just begging to be scooped up with your favorite carb of choice — toasted baguette slices, bagel chips, tortilla chips, you name it! Here are some dippers that pair well with this hot, cheesy dip: 

  • Toasted baguette slices: Easy and delicious! Line the slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil (optional). Bake at 400 degrees F for about 10 minutes, or until golden. 
  • Chips: Pita chips, bagel chips, baguette chips, pretzel chips, tortilla chips etc.   
  • Crackers: Choose stand-alone scrumptious crackers like Ritz crackers, buttery Club crackers, or wheat thins. 
  • Vegetables: Celery, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli or cauliflower all make great dippers. Or, pair with any veggie you’d normally pile on top of a slice of pizza! 

TIPS FOR making this recipe

  • Use full-fat dairy. For the creamiest dip with the best flavor and texture, use full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses. Also make sure to use brick-style cream cheese and not the kind that comes in a plastic tub (which is much softer in texture). 
  • Shred the cheeses yourself. Bagged shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that make the cheeses resistant to melting and creates grainy dips. Buy the cheeses in blocks and shred them yourself using a box grater. 
  • Chop ingredients finely. Chop any veggie toppings finely so they are easy to scoop up and you get more well-rounded bites with a little bit of everything. Plus, you want to make sure the veggies are small enough so they cook through during the short bake time. 
  • Use soft cream cheese. The cream cheese should be soft enough before combining that you can stick your finger in it. If it is not soft enough, it will yield a lumpy dip. 
  • Microwave the pepperoni. Don’t skip microwaving and blotting the pepperoni or you’ll end up with a greasy dip.
  • Blot dip. Expect some pooling moisture on the surface of the dip (from the veggies) when it comes out of the oven. It’s easy to remedy by blotting with paper towels before finishing with a showering of parsley and Parmesan.

possible recipe variations

This easy Pizza Dip recipe has an endless number of variations. If you have a favorite pizza topping, it can go on the dip! Just make sure to cook any raw meat in a skillet before adding it to the dip and thoroughly drain and blot any grease. Similarly, you’ll want to finely chop any vegetables so they’re small enough to cook in the 20 minute bake time. Some pizza dip variations to try include: 

  • Change the sauce: Completely mix up the flavor profile by changing the sauce and toppings! For example, swap the marinara for Alfredo sauce, pesto, barbecue sauce, roasted red pepper sauce, chipotle sauce, adobo sauce, pesto, etc. I’ve included flavor combinations in the next section.
  • Sour cream substitute: If sour cream isn’t your thing, substitute it with plain Greek yogurt instead. Keep in mind this will make the dip tangier and it doesn’t melt quite as well.
  • Alternate proteins: Add anything you like on pizza such as ground Italian sausage, chicken sausage, Canadian bacon, ground beef, shredded chicken, etc. And of course BACON makes everything better!
  • Veggie toppings: Add or swap in additional vegetables such as mushrooms, squash, corn, eggplant, artichoke hearts, spinach, arugula etc. 
  • Other toppings: Pineapple, banana peppers, jalapenos, sun-dried tomatoes, etc.
  • Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat altogether and add extra veggies in its place. 
  • Cheese swaps: Mix up the Pizza Dip profile by using different cheeses such as Pepper Jack, Gruyere, Gouda, Havarti, Gorgonzola, etc.
  • Make it spicy: Spice up the dip with additional red pepper flakes or try jalapenos (fresh or pickled) cayenne pepper, chipotle peppers or hot sauce.
pepperoni pizza dip recipe being served with bread

pizza dip flavor ideas

Choose your sauce, cheeses and toppings to make this Pizza Dip different every time! Keep the cheeses the same as the original recipe (mozzarella, cheddar and Parmesan) unless specified otherwise. Here are a few ideas:

Can pizza dip be made in advanced?

Yes, this Pizza Dip recipe is a wonderful make ahead appetizer! It can be prepped entirely ahead of time, then just popped in the oven! Alternatively, you can prep the dip in stages. Here are a few options:

Assemble completely: Prepare the dip entirely up to the point of popping in the oven. Instead, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When it’s time to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure the dip is hot and melty.

Make the creamy base: Whisk the cream cheese, sour cream, spices, and cheeses together until smooth. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use. 

Prep the toppings: Chop any veggies you plan on using, shred the cheeses, and store everything in separate containers until you’re ready to assemble the dip. 

How do I reheat pizza dip?

Cover, and bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Individual portions can be reheated gently in the microwave at 20-second increments.

HOW long is pizza dip good for?

Store leftover Pizza Dip, covered tightly, in the fridge for up to 3 days.

can i Freeze pizza dip?

No, I do not recommend freezing this Pepperoni Pizza Dip due to the cheeses and the cream cheese/sour cream base. The fat will separate and become a grainy texture once frozen and thawed.

up close of scooping up baked pizza dip with a baguette slice

Looking for more Cheesy appetizer Recipes?

Jalapeño Popper Dip
Queso Fundido
Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread
Garlic Herb Cheese Log
Pizza Pinwheels
Artichoke Dip Bites
Cheesy Italian Meatball Sliders
Philly Cheesesteak Dip

WANT TO TRY THIS Pizza Dip RECIPE?

PIN IT to your Appetizer or Party recipe BOARD TO SAVE FOR LATER!

FIND ME ON PINTEREST FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES!  I AM ALWAYS PINNING :)!

©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com

Tools Used in This Recipe

See Favorite Tools
up close of scooping up baked pizza dip with a baguette slice

Pizza Dip

Pizza Dip is a crowd-pleasing creamy, cheesy party dip for birthdays, game day, holidays, and potlucks!  This recipe is 100% prep ahead friendly and can be made in oven or slow cooker.  The base of this recipe is made with herby cream cheese for luxurious creaminess, mozzarella for the buttery cheese pull and cheddar for flavor, topped with vibrant marinara sauce or pizza sauce, more cheese, then YOUR choice of toppings. Serve this baked and broiled Pizza Dip with toasted baguette slices, pita chips or even vegetables. Best of all, I’ve included all sorts of recipe variations in the notes!
Servings: 12 servings
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Save This Recipe To Your Recipe Box

You can now create an account on our site and save your favorite recipes all in one place!

Print RecipePin Recipe

Ingredients

CREAMY BASE

  • 12 ounces block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp EACH garlic powder, dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp EACH salt, pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese

TOPPING Suggestions (pick your favs!)

  • 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara (I use Rao's brand marinara)
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or cooked crumbled sausage
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (patted dry)
  • 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper (patted dry)
  • 2 tablespoons diced red onion
  • fresh basil and/or parsley (add after baking)

Dippers for serving (pick your favs!)

  • Baguette slices (see notes for toasting)
  • Crusty bread
  • Breadsticks
  • Crackers
  • Pita Chips
  • Vegetables

Instructions

Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Mix the cream cheese, sour cream and seasonings together in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.
  • Spoon the mixture into an ungreased 2-qt. baking dish, deep dish 9-inch pie plate, or 9-inch cast-iron skillet.
  • Evenly spread the marinara sauce over top, then sprinkle with the Parmesan and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  • If using pepperoni, place it in a single layer on a paper towel lined plate and microwave for 45 seconds. Blot the tops of pepperoni with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  • Evenly top the cheeses with the pepperoni and/or other desired toppings.
  • Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the top begins to brown. Broil if desired for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and blot excess moisture with paper towels (the veggies weep a little). If desired, garnish with additional red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil and/or parsley. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving with desired dippers.

Slow Cooker

  • Lightly grease slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray (optional: use a crock pot liner for easy clean up).
  • Mix the cream cheese, sour cream and seasonings together in the slow cooker. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, or until the cheeses are melted and dip is hot and bubbly, stirring occasionally.
  • Evenly spread the marinara sauce over top, then sprinkle with the Parmesan and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  • If using pepperoni, place it in a single layer on a paper towel lined plate and microwave for 45 seconds. Blot the tops of pepperoni with a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  • Evenly top the cheeses with the pepperoni and/or other desired toppings.
  • Cover and cook until the cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.
  • Blot excess moisture with paper towels (the veggies weep a little). If desired, garnish with additional red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil and/or parsley. Keep on low until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

  • Crockpot Pizza Dip: Follow the instructions up to baking. Add the ingredients to a lightly greased slow cooker, cover and cook on low for low for 2-3 hours, until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
  • Recipe Variations:  Change the sauce, protein, veggies, and cheeses.  See the post for lots of ideas!

pizza dip flavor ideas

Choose your sauce, cheeses and toppings to make this Pizza Dip different every time! Keep the cheeses the same as the original recipe (mozzarella, cheddar and Parmesan) unless specified otherwise. Here are a few ideas:

Want To Make This Recipe?

Follow Me On Pinterest!

Never Miss a Craving

Did You Make This Recipe?

Tag @CarlsbadCravings and Use #CarlsbadCravngs

Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!

You Might Also Like

See More Recipes

Reader Interactions

leave a review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 Comments

  1. Erinn says

    This dip is fabulous! Once again you come to my rescue. I’ve made pizza do before for when we have company but never turns out thick and cheese like this recipe but turns out greasy and runny with the cheese curdling. The tips espically the one on microwaving the pepperoni really makes a differed. I made fresh Italian flattened to do with, and it paired well. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Jen says

      I’m so pleased it worked out so well Erinn! Your homemade Italian flatbread sounds divine for dipping !

      Reply

The Face Behind the Recipes

Welcome to my food blog with all my favorite cravings! I am Jennifer, a lover of food and sharing my recipes. I am a cystic fibrosis survivor, lung & kidney transplant recipient, LOVER of life and FOOD. Start browsing recipes and subscribe to my weekly free newsletter! Read more about me here.

Pick a Category

30 Minute Meal CravingsDinner CravingsChicken Recipe IdeasSoup CravingsSalad CravingsSide Dish cravingsDelicious Dessert RecipesAppetizer cravingsBreakfast Cravings

Cooking method

Crockpot Meal IdeasOne Pot WondersGrilling CravingsBest Sheet Pan RecipesOven Baked Meals for FamilyStovetop

Find the Recipe You Are Craving:

Browse
by Type:
AppetizersBreakfastDinnerSidesSoupsSaladDessertoccasions

What's Trending

up close top view of best baked pork tenderloin
Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Chicken simmered with Mexican spices, salsa and green chilies for the BEST Mexican chicken perfect for tacos, burritos, tostadas, salads, etc. Couldn’t be any easier!
Crazy tender Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches seeping with spices are unbelievably delicious and make the easiest dinner or party food. You haven't had French Dip Sandwiches until you try these! absolutely the best!
This mega creamy Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese Casserole is the only macaroni cheese recipe you will ever want to make! make this for guests or family and they will love you forever! The homemade sauce itself is rich and crazy creamy and the casserole is stuffed with a hidden layer of provolone cheese and sour cream that melts when baked for a ridiculous amount of velvety creamy, cheesy goodness.
Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Chicken simmered with Mexican spices, salsa and green chilies for the BEST Mexican chicken perfect for tacos, burritos, tostadas, salads, etc. Couldn’t be any easier!

© 2024 Carlsbad Cravings

Design by Melanie Burk | Development by Expanding Designs