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 mayo; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings); Optional: 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers; Optional: 1/4 cup sliced olives; Optional: 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms; Optional: 1/4 cup cooked sausage; Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes; Optional: Fresh basil for garnish

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The Best Pizza Dip is everything I love about pizza—cheesy, saucy, and loaded with flavor—all scooped up with crusty bread or chips instead of baked on a crust. This warm, layered dip is rich, gooey, and perfect for parties, game nights, or whenever I want to serve something fun and crowd-pleasing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it tastes just like pizza in dip form. It’s melty, savory, and incredibly satisfying. I layer creamy cheese, zesty marinara, more cheese, and my favorite pizza toppings before baking it to bubbly perfection. It’s easy to throw together, totally customizable, and always the first thing to disappear at any gathering. Best Pizza Dip

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 mayo
Italian seasoning
Marinara or pizza sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated parmesan cheese
Pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings)
Optional: chopped bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, cooked sausage, red pepper flakes, fresh basil

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, I mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
I spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
I layer on marinara sauce, spreading it evenly over the base.
I sprinkle on a generous amount of mozzarella, then parmesan, and top with pepperoni or other toppings.
I bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
I serve it hot with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or breadsticks for dipping.

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

Supreme style: I add sautéed mushrooms, onions, and peppers for a loaded dip.
Spicy version: I mix red pepper flakes into the cheese layer and use spicy pepperoni.
Meat lovers: I layer in cooked ground sausage or bacon with the sauce.
Veggie-friendly: I skip the meat and top with olives, artichokes, and fresh tomatoes.
Low-carb option: I serve it with cucumber slices or mini bell pepper halves instead of bread.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I scoop it into a microwave-safe bowl or bake it at 325°F until hot and bubbly again. It doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy base, so I enjoy it fresh or within a few days. Best Pizza Dip

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble everything ahead and refrigerate it unbaked. When I’m ready to serve, I bake it straight from the fridge—just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

What kind of cheese melts best?

Mozzarella is my go-to for that perfect stretch, but I also love adding provolone or Italian blends for extra flavor.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Absolutely. I choose one I like with good seasoning, or I use marinara for a milder flavor.

What should I serve with pizza dip?

I usually serve it with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, breadsticks, or even garlic knots.

How do I keep the dip warm during a party?

I transfer it to a small slow cooker on the warm setting or bake it in a cast iron skillet that retains heat well.

Conclusion

The Best Pizza Dip is cheesy, comforting, and totally addictive—basically everything I love about pizza, but even easier to share. Whether I’m hosting or just treating myself to a cozy night in, this dip brings all the bold, familiar flavors of a slice in every gooey, scoopable bite. It’s one of those appetizers I know I’ll be making again and again.