A warm, gooey, and irresistible dip that brings all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza into one bubbling dish—this Cheesy Pizza Dip is the ultimate party appetizer. I like to serve it with slices of crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh-cut veggies for a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet satisfying this dip is. It takes just a few minutes to throw together and tastes just like a cheesy slice of pizza—but in dip form. It’s creamy from the seasoned cream cheese base, layered with tangy pizza sauce, two types of melty cheese, and finished with savory toppings like pepperoni and olives. Whether I’m hosting game night, a casual dinner party, or just craving something indulgent, this dip always hits the spot.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon dried basil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara)
2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper (optional)
2 oz pepperoni, chopped
2 tablespoons sliced black olives (optional)
Directions
I preheat the oven or microwave and grab a shallow baking dish that’s oven-safe or microwave-safe.
In a bowl, I mix the cream cheese with oregano, parsley, and basil until it’s smooth and well-blended.
I spread the seasoned cream cheese evenly on the bottom of the dish.
Then I sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the cream cheese layer.
I spread the pizza sauce on top of the cheese.
I add the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan to finish off the cheesy layers.
Next, I sprinkle on the chopped green bell pepper, pepperoni, and black olives (if I’m using them).
I bake or microwave the dip until the cheese is melted and bubbling—about 5 minutes. I always serve it warm with my favorite dippers.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 16 servings, perfect for parties or gatherings. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and just 5 minutes to cook, so I have it ready in only 15 minutes total.
Variations
I sometimes swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage or chopped mushrooms to change up the flavor.
For a vegetarian version, I skip the meat and load up on veggies like onions, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
I use low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella when I want to lighten it up.
For spice lovers, I add red pepper flakes or use hot pepperoni for a kick.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in the microwave or oven until it’s heated through—being careful not to overheat, so the cheese stays smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the dip up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to serve, I just bake it until hot and bubbly.
What are the best dippers for this pizza dip?
I like to serve it with baguette slices, pita chips, tortilla chips, or crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and carrots.
Can I make this dip without meat?
Absolutely. I just skip the pepperoni and maybe add more veggies like mushrooms, onions, or spinach for a vegetarian option.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, I sometimes mix in cheddar or provolone with the mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor combo.
Is this dip spicy?
Not by default, but if I want some heat, I add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Pizza Dip is one of those easy, comforting recipes I turn to again and again. It’s fast, flexible, and always a hit whether I’m feeding a crowd or just craving something cheesy and warm. With all the flavors of pizza in every scoop, it’s a guaranteed favorite.
