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GET IT NOWMy Cheesy Pizza Dip Recipe Is Perfect For Your Party
I didn’t set out to make a pizza dip, but after too many nights dipping veggies into my pizza casserole or pizza bowl, this recipe practically created itself. It’s extra creamy, layered with marinara, gooey cheese, and plenty of pepperoni. Basically a simpler, cheesier crustless pizza, and perfect for scooping. Here’s why this pizza dip recipe has become one of my easiest, most-requested appetizers:
- Creamy, cheesy, bubbly layers – I use three cheeses for the perfect bite. Cream cheese for smoothness, mozzarella for stretch, and parmesan for that salty, golden top.
- Quick and easy – My pizza dip is ready in under 30 minutes with just 6 simple ingredients I usually have on hand.
- Always a party hit – I’ve made this for parties, holidays, even a random Tuesday movie night. It never lasts long, and someone always asks me how to make it.
- Endless customization options – There are so many ways to switch it up. You can change the sauce, add veggies or protein, or play with the cheese. Check out my variations to make it your own.
If you love pizza and need an easy app everyone will love at your party, this one’s for you. Make this cheesy pepperoni pizza dip with me and see why it always disappears!
“My family loved this for football game day! It was so easy and tasted like our favorite pizza!”
-Addison
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my pizza dip recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Cheese – I used 3 types of cheese for this pizza dip recipe. Mozzarella gives it that classic stretchy melt, parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite, and cream cheese makes it super creamy and scoopable. You can mix it up with other melty cheeses too. Provolone, Monterey jack, or even cheddar cheese all work if that’s what you have.
- Pepperoni – I used regular slices, but turkey pepperoni or the mini ones work great, too. I chop half of it to mix into the dip and leave the rest whole on top, so it looks like pizza. See my variations below for more filling and topping ideas!
- Marinara Sauce – You can use my homemade marinara, pizza sauce, or any sauce you love. Just choose one you’d enjoy on an actual pizza. If you love garlic and your sauce isn’t very garlicky, add 2 cloves of minced garlic or 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Italian Seasoning – I used my homemade seasoning blend, but any store-bought one will do the trick. You could also use individual herbs, like dried oregano or basil.
How To Make Pizza Dip
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Mix the cream cheese base. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the parmesan, Italian seasoning, and chopped pepperoni. Scoop the mixture into your baking dish and spread it out evenly. I use a small one so the layers stay nice and thick.
- Add marinara. Pour the marinara sauce over the cream cheese mixture and spread gently.
- Add toppings. Sprinkle mozzarella on top, then add more pepperoni slices. I leave the ones here whole, so it really looks and tastes like pizza.
- Bake. Pop the pizza dip in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve it hot with tortilla chips or fresh veggies!
My Recipe Tips
- Softened cream cheese mixes a lot more easily. I usually let it sit out for 30 minutes. If you forget, you can microwave it for 10-20 seconds until it’s easy to mash and stir.
- For the layer inside the dip, I like to chop the pepperoni pretty fine, around 1/4-inch pieces. Bigger chunks tend to clump and don’t spread as well, which makes the flavor less even.
- I find it helpful to add the marinara in dollops. That way I don’t have to spread it too far and it doesn’t mix with the cream cheese layer too much.
- The cheese should be bubbly and just starting to brown when it’s done. If you leave it in too long, the oils can separate and make it greasy. I usually start checking around the 12-minute mark.
- This isn’t a full casserole-sized appetizer. I like to use a smaller baking dish like this one, so the layers stay extra thick and cheesy. If you’re doubling the recipe for a crowd, try something closer to an this size to keep the proportions right.
- Can you make pizza dip in the Crock Pot? Yes! Use a mini Crock Pot like this (it’s the same one I use for slow cooker queso) and layer everything the same way, then cook on Low until melty. I love this option for parties because I can keep the dip hot on the Warm setting.
Pizza Dip (Easy Party Recipe)
My easy pizza dip recipe layers cream cheese, marinara, melty cheese, and toppings for the ultimate crowd-pleaser. You'll want to double it!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
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In a medium or large bowl, mix softened cream cheese with shredded parmesan, Italian seasoning, and 2 ounces finely chopped pepperoni slices. Spread this mixture in the base of a small baking dish (this one is the perfect size).
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Pour the marinara sauce evenly on top of the cream cheese.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the marinara and top with the remaining 2 ounces of pepperoni slices (whole this time).
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Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/4 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture and make this pizza dip recipe easy.
- Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations below! They’re a fun way to change up the flavor or use whatever you already have on hand.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- Meal prep: You can assemble this dip up to 3 days ahead. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Reheat: Warm it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Freeze: Let it cool, then wrap it up in plastic or a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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Pizza Dip Recipe
Recipe Variations
If you’ve got favorite pizza toppings, this is the perfect excuse to toss them in. Here are a few of my favorite ways to change it up:
- Proteins – Swap in cooked sausage, ham, or even leftover bacon. I’ve used air fryer sausage before and it was so good.
- Fruits & Veggies – Try sauteed spinach, mushrooms, black olives, onions, or even pineapple. I cook any watery veggies first, and if using pineapple, I recommend adding it on top instead of mixing it in.
- Sauce – Not into red sauce? I’ve done this pizza dip with pesto and even alfredo sauce (with chicken and spinach) and it totally changes the vibe in the best way.
Serving Ideas
Wondering what to scoop up this pizza dip with? Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Veggie Dippers – I usually go for celery, cucumber slices, carrots, or mini bell peppers. They add a fresh crunch that’s so good with the warm, cheesy dip.
- Bread & Crunchy Things – Tortilla chips, pretzels, or baguette slices all work great here. Sometimes I use almond flour crackers or zucchini chips for a lighter option.
8 Comments
Lisa
0Could this be made in my air fryer? If so, what time/temp. Thank you so much for all your recipes – this one will be awesome for a gathering!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Lisa, Yes, you should be able to make this in the air fryer.
Angela Prince Conrad
0This was a big hit with several!! Super easy and fast to make.
Greta
0Nowadays, I am really into dips with everything. Even with pizza. This was one of the best dips I ever had pith pizza.
Vladka
0I put spinach on the top and loved it. Tasty and easy to make, thanks.
Addison
0My family loved this for football game day! It was so easy and tasted like our favorite pizza!
Angela
0This dip pizza was a hit! I served it with crackers for an appetizer with friends, everyone loved it!
Gina
0I’m not sure it gets more deliciously addicting than this dip! It was gone in minutes!