Name: Best Pizza Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices; Optional toppings: sliced olives, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, cooked sausage, red pepper flakes

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The Best Pizza Dip is a hot, cheesy, layered appetizer that brings all the flavors of a classic pizza into a gooey, scoopable dish. It’s loaded with melty cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and all my favorite toppings—perfect for dipping with crusty bread or chips. This is the kind of dip I make when I want everyone at the table to ask for the recipe.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how easy and fun this pizza dip is to make. It’s basically everything I enjoy about pizza—cheese, sauce, and toppings—baked into a creamy, bubbly dip. It takes just a few minutes to assemble, and it always disappears fast. I can change up the toppings based on what I have or who I’m serving, which makes it super versatile for parties or movie nights.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese, softened
Sour cream or mayonnaise
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Pizza sauce or marinara
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Pepperoni slices
Optional toppings: sliced olives, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, cooked sausage, red pepper flakes

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or pie dish.
In a bowl, I mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or mayo), garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
I spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish to form the creamy base layer.
I pour the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer and spread it out gently.
I top it with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
I add my favorite toppings—usually pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers—over the top.
I bake the dip for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden on top.
I let it cool for a few minutes before serving with toasted bread, pita chips, or crackers.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people as an appetizer.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Meat lover’s version: I add cooked sausage, and pepperoni for a heartier dip.
Veggie style: I load it up with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives for a vegetarian option.
Spicy pizza dip: I mix crushed red pepper into the cream cheese base or add jalapeños on top.
Low-carb option: I serve it with sliced zucchini rounds or mini bell peppers instead of chips.
Cheese boost: I add ricotta or provolone for even more cheesy layers.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I scoop some into a microwave-safe dish and warm it up in 30-second bursts until hot. For the best texture, I reheat the whole dip in the oven at 350°F until it’s bubbly again.

FAQs

Can I make pizza dip ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it completely, cover it, and store it in the fridge up to a day ahead. When I’m ready, I bake it fresh so it’s hot and melty.

What’s the best dish to bake this in?

I usually use a 9-inch pie dish or a small baking dish. Anything oven-safe that’s not too deep works well.

Can I use pizza dough for dipping?

Definitely. I bake or toast small pizza dough rounds or crusty breadsticks—they’re perfect for scooping up the dip.

Is this dip gluten-free?

Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free as long as I check that the sauce and toppings are gluten-free. I just pair it with gluten-free dippers if needed.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

I’ve swapped it with ricotta or a mix of Greek yogurt and shredded cheese before. It changes the texture slightly but still tastes amazing.

Conclusion

The Best Pizza Dip brings everything I love about pizza into one warm, cheesy dish that’s perfect for sharing. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit at gatherings. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just indulging in a cozy snack night, this dip is always a good idea.