Pizza Dip

This easy pizza dip is everything you love about a hot, cheesy slice! It’s rich, gooey, and layered with bold pizza flavor that hits the spot every single time. This dip is dangerously simple and ridiculously addictive. One scoop in, and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with delivery.

Love pizza flavors? Try my pizza roll-ups, Philly pizza, and Hawaiian Chicken Pizza!

Top down image showing a close up of a white rectangle dish filled with melty cheese that is topped with pepperoni, fresh basil, and crostini

Bookmark-Worthy Because…

  • Easy party appetizer. This dip is quick to throw together and guaranteed to disappear at any gathering.
  • Game day recipe. Whether it’s football Sunday or March Madness, this cheesy dip is a fan favorite.
  • Family-friendly snack. Even picky eaters love the familiar flavors of pizza in dip form—no crust required.
  • Cheese dip with cream cheese. A creamy base gives this dip rich flavor and the perfect texture for scooping.

If you love pizza but want something snackable, this easy pizza dip is your new go-to. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for game day, parties, or anytime a craving hits. With just a few simple ingredients and one baking dish, you’ll have a hot appetizer that disappears fast.

As someone who has selflessly tested hundreds of crowd-pleasing dips, I can tell you this one checks all the boxes: minimal effort, major flavor payoff, and totally customizable. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a hungry gameday crew, this dip delivers every time.

Top down image showing a glass bowl with cream cheese, pizza sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and seasonings on a wooden cutting board with crostini and basil on the sides

Before You Start Cooking

This pepperoni dip is proof that simple ingredients can still deliver serious flavor. With 6 ingredients, you’re minutes away from cheesy, melty perfection. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Cream Cheese – Go with full-fat for the creamiest base. Let it sit out for 20–30 minutes so it’s easier to spread.
  • Italian Seasoning – A quick way to bring in all the classic pizza flavors. You can also use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if you’re out.
  • Garlic Powder – Adds just the right kick without overpowering. A must for depth of flavor.
  • Pizza Sauce – Use your favorite jarred sauce or leftover marinara. A thicker sauce works best to avoid a runny dip. May I suggest my favorite homemade pizza sauce? It’s insanely delicious!
  • Mozzarella Cheese – The star of the show. Use part-skim for great melt and stretch, or shred it fresh for extra gooey results.
  • Pepperoni – Mini pepperoni works perfectly for scooping, but sliced or chopped also works. Add as much or as little as you like.

Once you’ve got everything prepped, all that’s left to do is layer, bake, and try not to eat it all straight from the dish.

Jesseca, author of One Sweet Appetite.

This pizza dip recipe is dangerously easy and always a hit. I’ve served it at game nights, movie marathons, and even casual dinners when I didn’t feel like cooking a “real” meal. It’s one of those no-fail recipes that people always ask for, and it disappears fast.


Tip from Jesseca:

Want perfectly smooth cream cheese every time? Microwave it for 10–15 seconds and give it a quick stir before mixing in the seasoning. It’ll spread like a dream and create a super creamy base.

Top down image showing a small glass bowl sitting on a dark wooden table top with cream cheese and seasonings unmixed inside
Top down image showing a small glass bowl sitting on a dark wooden table top with cream cheese and seasonings mixed inside

Customize It

This philadelphia cream cheese pizza dip dip is endlessly customizable, so feel free to tweak it to match your cravings or what’s already in your fridge:

  • Swap the protein – Not into pepperoni? Try crumbled sausage, cooked bacon, or leave it meatless for a veggie version.
  • Cheese it up – Mix in shredded cheddar, provolone, or even a little parmesan for added flavor.
  • Go low-carb – Serve with sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or cheese crisps instead of bread or chips.
  • Make it spicy – Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey before serving.
  • Add veggies – Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers take this dip to the next level.

This is one of those recipes that’s hard to mess up and easy to make your own. Use what you’ve got and have fun with it!

Top down image showing a rectangle baking dish filled with cream cheese that has been seasoned spread into an even layer on the bottom
Top down image showing a rectangle baking dish filled with pizza sauce that has been spread into an even layer

Pizza Dip Recipe

This cheesy dip comes together in minutes and is always a crowd favorite. No fancy steps, just simple layering and baking.

  1. Mix softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
  2. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a small oven-safe dish.
  3. Top with pizza sauce, then a generous layer of shredded mozzarella.
  4. Add pepperoni slices evenly across the top.
  5. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Serve it straight from the oven with crostini, chips, or veggies. It’s warm, melty, and gone in minutes.

Helpful Tools

You don’t need much to whip this up, but a few key tools make the process smoother (and cleanup faster):

  • 1-Quart Baking Dish – The perfect size for layered dips like this. A pie dish or small casserole dish also works.
  • Hand Mixer or Sturdy Spoon – For mixing the cream cheese until smooth. If your cream cheese is soft enough, a spoon will do just fine.
  • Offset Spatula – Makes it easy to spread each layer evenly, especially the cream cheese.
  • Serving Spoon or Spreader – Helpful for dishing out the dip without losing a chip mid-scoop.

No fancy kitchen gear needed, just the basics and a little appetite.

Top down image showing a rectangle baking dish filled with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese that has been spread into an even layer
Top down image showing a rectangle baking dish filled with pizza sauce,mozzarella cheese and pepperoni that has been spread into an even layer

Tips for Success

  • Soften the cream cheese fully. Cold cream cheese won’t mix smoothly and can leave lumps. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes or zap it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
  • Use a thick pizza sauce. Thin or watery sauce can make the dip runny. Look for a thicker marinara or reduce your favorite sauce on the stove for a few minutes to concentrate the flavor.
  • Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded mozzarella contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding it fresh gives you that gooey, stretchy melt everyone loves.
  • Don’t overbake. Bake just until bubbly and golden on the edges—around 20 minutes. Overbaking can cause the cheese to separate and turn greasy.
  • Customize the toppings. Just like pizza, this dip is easy to make your own. Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple if that’s your thing.
  • Serve immediately. This dip is best hot and fresh. If you’re bringing it to a party, keep it warm in a mini slow cooker or insulated casserole dish.
Top down image showing a close up of a white rectangle dish filled with melty cheese that is topped with pepperoni fresh basil and crostini off to the side

Recipe FAQs

What can I use instead of pepperoni?

Try cooked crumbled sausage, bacon bits, or go meatless with mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers. Mini pepperoni is great for scooping, but regular sliced or chopped also works.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just use a larger baking dish (like an 8×8 or 9×13) and keep an eye on the baking time. It may need a few extra minutes.

Can I reheat leftovers?

Yep! Microwave in 30-second bursts or pop it in a 300°F oven until warmed through. The texture holds up well for 2–3 days.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You sure can. Layer everything in a small slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 1–2 hours until bubbly. Great for parties!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dip doesn’t freeze well due to the cream cheese, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated within a few days.

  • Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire dip up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, remove the wrap and bake as directed—add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it’ll be going in cold.
  • Storage: Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts or warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Top down image showing a close up of a white rectangle dish filled with melty cheese that is topped with pepperoni, fresh basil, and crostini

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Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Author Jesseca
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
This easy pizza dip recipe is loaded with cheesy, saucy goodness and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, parties, or casual snacking.

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • pepperoni

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well combined. If the cream cheese is still cold, you can microwave it in 10-second intervals to soften.
  • Spread the seasoned cream cheese into the bottom of a 1-quart oven-safe dish. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create an even layer, it doesn’t need to be perfect, just consistent.
  • Spoon the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer and gently spread it to the edges. A thicker sauce works best here to avoid a watery dip.
  • Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly across the top of the sauce. Then, add a layer of pepperoni Either full slices, minis, or chopped, depending on what you prefer.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
  • Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before digging in. Serve warm with crostini, bagel chips, pita wedges, or even raw veggies for scooping.

Video

Notes

For even flavor in every bite, chop the pepperoni before layering. Smaller pieces make it easier to scoop and ensure every bite has that classic pizza taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25of recipeCalories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 9gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 555mgPotassium: 246mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 839IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 182mgIron: 1mg

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Top down image showing a close up of a white rectangle dish filled with melty cheese that is topped with pepperoni, fresh basil, and crostini. Text overlay reads "the best appetizer pizza dip"

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