Easy Pizza Dip Recipe

This Easy Pizza Dip is a warm, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings all the flavors of pizza into a creamy, scoopable dip. Made with layers of cream cheese, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings, this dip is perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you need a quick and delicious snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super easy to make – Just layer, bake, and serve!
  • Loaded with pizza flavor – A cheesy, gooey dip that tastes like your favorite slice.
  • Perfect for parties – A great appetizer for game nights, holidays, or gatherings.
  • Customizable – Use your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Marinara or pizza sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Black olives (optional)
  • Green bell peppers, diced (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)
  • Breadsticks, crackers, or tortilla chips (for dipping)

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Spread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  3. Layer the Sauce: Pour marinara or pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer.
  4. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce. Top with pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers.
  5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Serve hot with breadsticks, crackers, or chips.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

  • Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage, bacon bits, or ham.
  • Veggie Lovers: Use mushrooms, onions, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
  • Ranch Pizza Dip: Mix ranch seasoning into the cream cheese layer.
  • Keto/Low-Carb: Serve with pork rinds or sliced bell peppers instead of bread.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the dairy may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the layers, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can work for a lighter version.

What’s the best way to make this extra cheesy?

Add more mozzarella and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Layer everything in a slow cooker and heat on low for 2 hours until melted and bubbly.

What can I serve this dip with?

Breadsticks, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or tortilla chips work best.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sauce?

Yes! Chop fresh tomatoes, cook them down, and season with garlic and Italian herbs.

Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, just serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger baking dish and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.

How do I prevent the cheese from getting too greasy?

Use part-skim mozzarella instead of full-fat cheese.

Can I use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara?

Yes! A white pizza dip with Alfredo and chicken is a delicious variation.

Conclusion

This Easy Pizza Dip is the ultimate appetizer for any occasion! With creamy layers of cheese, tangy pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, it’s a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza. Serve it hot with your favorite dippers and watch it disappear at your next gathering. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy this cheesy, crowd-pleasing favorite!

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Easy Pizza Dip Recipe

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This Pizza Dip is a warm, gooey, and cheesy appetizer loaded with classic pizza flavors. Made with layers of cream cheese, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings, it’s perfect for dipping with crackers, breadsticks, or veggies!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Middle & Top Layers:

  • 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup pepperoni slices (mini or chopped)
  • ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Dipping:

  • Breadsticks
  • Tortilla chips
  • Crackers
  • Garlic bread
  • Sliced bell peppers

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an oven-safe dish (9-inch pie dish or small casserole dish).

  2. Prepare the base layer:

    • In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth.
    • Spread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  3. Add the pizza layers:

    • Spread marinara sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
    • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
    • Top with pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, and red pepper flakes (or any toppings you like).
  4. Bake the dip:

    • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    • Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden brown top (optional).
  5. Serve & enjoy:

    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
    • Serve hot with breadsticks, crackers, or veggies for dipping!


Notes

  • Meaty Version: Add cooked crumbled sausage or bacon.
  • Veggie Lover’s: Add mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes.
  • Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

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