This flavor-packed Pizza Dip is a melty, cheesy dream come true, loaded with a rich cream cheese base, gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and bold pizza sauce. Whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or just a craving for something irresistibly gooey, this easy appetizer is always a huge hit!
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This easy pizza dip recipe is better than any other version thanks to my homemade pizza sauce, which elevates the flavors to the next level. It delivers everything you love about a cheesy, melty slice in a warm and creamy dip. My family loves it so much they ask for it for dinner in place of actual pizza some nights.
Not only is this delicious dip a huge hit at any party, but it’s also incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients. Ready in minutes and completely customizable, this loaded pizza dip can be made for cheese lovers, meat lovers, or even supreme pizza fans with all your favorite toppings!
If you’re craving more out-of-the-box pizza creations, don’t miss my Legit Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, Pepperoni Casserole (Pizza Bake Recipe), Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza, Easy Fresh Fruit Pizza, and Thai Chicken Pizza!
Why We Love This Recipe
- This easy pizza dip recipe is packed with melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce, making it a huge hit for pizza fans and cheese lovers alike.
- It’s the perfect hot appetizer for game days, holiday parties, and Super Bowl gatherings, coming together quickly with simple ingredients.
- With endless topping options, you can customize this creamy dip with Italian sausage, black olives, bell peppers, or any of your favorite pizza toppings for the ultimate appetizer.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Cream Cheese – The creamy base that makes this dip irresistibly smooth and rich. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Dried Oregano – Adds that classic Italian seasoning that gives this dip a true pizzeria flavor.
- Dried Basil – Brings a fresh, herby taste that enhances the tomato sauce and cheese.
- Garlic Powder – Infuses the dip with a warm, garlicky depth—because garlic makes everything better!
- Mozzarella Cheese – The key to that melty, stretchy goodness. Use freshly shredded for the best texture.
- Cheddar Cheese – Adds a sharp, cheesy kick that pairs perfectly with the mozzarella.
- Pizza Sauce – The bold, tangy layer that ties everything together. Use your favorite tomato sauce, Rao’s marinara sauce, or try my Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe for a rich flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Mini Pepperonis – The perfect bite-sized topping that gives this hot pizza dip its classic taste. Swap for crispy pepperoni slices if you prefer.
- Fresh Basil Leaves – Thinly sliced for garnish, adding a fresh pop of flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but great for a little heat!
- Dippers – Sliced baguette, tortilla chips, pita chips, bagel chips, cubed artisan bread, or mini garlic bread crisps are all perfect for scooping up this delicious dip.
How to Make Pizza Dip
- Mix and layer creamy base. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well mixed and spread the cream cheese mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish or a 9-inch pie pan.
- Add pizza sauce. Spread the pizza sauce in an even layer over the creamy base, making sure to cover it completely. This adds that bold, rich tomato flavor that ties everything together.
- Add cheese and toppings. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and freshly grated parmesan cheese over the pizza sauce. Top it all off with mini pepperonis for that classic pizza look and taste.
- Bake until hot and bubbly. Pop the dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The edges should be golden, and the aroma will be irresistible.
- Garnish and serve. Let the dip cool for about 5 minutes before sprinkling it with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot with your favorite dippers like tortilla chips, crusty bread, or mini garlic bread crisps. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed until hot and bubbly.
Keep any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until warm.
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
Crusty bread, baguette slices, pita chips, bagel chips, tortilla chips, and mini garlic bread crisps all work perfectly. Anything sturdy enough to scoop up that melty cheese!
Of course! Add Italian sausage, black olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a Hawaiian twist with Canadian bacon and pineapple tidbits. It’s totally up to you!
Tips for Success
- Softened cream cheese blends smoothly and creates a rich, creamy base that makes this delicious dip extra indulgent.
- Shred your own mozzarella cheese for the best texture and that perfect melty cheese pull.
- For a golden, bubbly top, broil the dip for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—just keep an eye on it!
- Fresh basil and red pepper flakes add a pop of flavor and a little heat, making this hot pizza dip even better.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and melty—this easy appetizer is best enjoyed straight from the oven!
What to Serve with Pizza Dip
Crusty French bread or Roasted Garlic & Rosemary No-Knead Artisan Bread, baguette slices, or garlic bread crisps add the perfect crunch to contrast the creamy dip.
Pita chips, tortilla chips, and bagel chips are great for scooping up all that melty cheese and savory pepperoni goodness.
For a fun twist, serve it alongside classic pizza sides like a fresh green salad or some crispy Italian sausage bites.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, pair it with buffalo chicken dip or spinach artichoke dip for an irresistible lineup of incredible appetizers!
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap mini pepperonis for some crumbled cooked Italian sausage for a meaty twist.
- Add chopped green bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, black olives, and diced onions to make it a supreme-style loaded pizza dip.
- Want a Hawaiian version? Replace the pepperoni with chopped Canadian bacon and pineapple tidbits for a sweet and savory combo.
- For extra heat, mix red pepper flakes into the pizza sauce or drizzle with hot honey before serving.
- Try different types of cheese like provolone, gouda, or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese for a more complex flavor.
- Bake the dip in a small slow cooker on low heat to keep it warm and melty for hours—perfect for holiday parties or game day snacking!
More Must-Try Dips for Every Occasion
- French Onion Dip
- Million Dollar Dip
- Hot Reuben Dip
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- 7 Layer Dip
- Maryland Hot Crab Dip
- Philly Cheesesteak Dip
- Jalapeño Popper Dip
Pizza Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 ½ ounces mini pepperonis
- Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes for garnish
- Sliced baguette, tortilla chips, pita chips, cubed artisan or sourdough bread, mini garlic bread crisps
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Stir until evenly mixed together, then spread into an 8-inch square baking dish or 9-inch pie pan.8 ounces cream cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Spread the pizza sauce in an even layer over the cheese mixture.1 cup pizza sauce
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese on top, then sprinkle with the mini pepperonis.¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 2 ½ ounces mini pepperonis
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted. Let cool for 5 minutes before sprinkling with fresh basil leaves and serving with your favorite dippers.Sliced baguette, tortilla chips, pita chips, cubed artisan or sourdough bread, mini garlic bread crisps, Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes
Notes
- Mini garlic bread crisps: To make garlic bread crisps, slice the baguette into ½-inch slices. Combine butter, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Spread on each piece of bread, then arrange them on a large baking sheet. Toast for 10-15 minutes at 375°F until golden brown.
- Make it Meat Lovers: Add crumbled, cooked Italian sausage, chopped salami, and/or crumbled cooked bacon along with the pepperoni.
- Make it a Supreme: Add chopped green bell pepper, diced onion, sliced mushrooms, sliced olives, and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make it Hawaiian: Swap out the pepperoni for chopped Canadian bacon and pineapple tidbits.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Store: Keep any uneaten dip in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm or heat individual portions in the microwave.
- Freeze: You can prepare the dip and freeze it before baking. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking and serving.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven until bubbly, or microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between.
- Make Ahead: You can make the dip in advance and wait to bake until shortly before you are ready to serve.
Wasn’t sure about this one but made for a party and it was a HUGE hit!
Thanks Chris! That makes me so happy to know it was a huge hit!