Description
Get ready to scoop into the cheesiest, easiest party starter ever with this Savory 5-Ingredient Pizza Dip. It packs all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza into one bubbly, golden dish that’s perfect for quick appetizers, snack-style dinners, and fun food ideas. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep, it’s an easy recipe that fits right in with your favorite quick breakfast sides, game-day dinner ideas, and go-to crowd-pleasing snacks. Serve it for movie night, game day, or any time you need a cozy, shareable dish on the table fast.
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1 cup pizza sauce thick and not too watery
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
1/2 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
1 cup mini pepperoni slices
Optional chopped fresh basil or Italian seasoning for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or other shallow baking dish with nonstick spray or a little oil.
2. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the bottom of the dish, smoothing it all the way to the edges so every scoop has a creamy base.
3. Spoon the pizza sauce over the cream cheese and spread it gently into an even layer without disturbing the bottom layer too much.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then add the shredded Italian blend cheese on top. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella for later.
5. Scatter the mini pepperoni slices over the cheese so they are evenly distributed, then finish with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning over the top.
6. Bake the pizza dip for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the edges are bubbly, and the pepperoni looks slightly crisped.
7. Remove from the oven and let the dip cool for about 5 minutes so it thickens slightly and is easier to scoop.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if using, and serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, breadsticks, or fresh veggie sticks for dipping.
Notes
For the smoothest base, be sure the cream cheese is fully softened before spreading; cold cream cheese can cause a lumpy layer.
Use a thicker pizza sauce or marinara so the dip stays scoopable and doesn’t become watery once the cheese melts.
Assemble the dip up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate; bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going into the oven cold.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 13
- Cholesterol: 65
Keywords: pizza dip, easy appetizer, party dip, game day recipe, savory dip, cheese dip