Pizza night, meet party food. This Easy Pizza Dip has a creamy, herby cream cheese layer on the bottom, then pizza sauce, a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, and a topping of pepperoni and crispy turkey bacon. It bakes up bubbly and golden, and everybody crowds around it with bread for dunking.
It takes about 10 minutes to put together, and you can even assemble it days ahead. That makes it a lifesaver for game days, movie nights, and holiday parties. Grab some toasted French bread and dig in!
You’ll find more crowd-pleasing recipes in my recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the pizza flavor: Sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, in a scoopable dip.
- Quick to make: About 10 minutes of prep.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it up to 3 days ahead and bake when you’re ready.
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults go crazy for it.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite pizza toppings.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what goes into this pizza dip. You’ll find exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Cream cheese and sour cream: They make the creamy, tangy bottom layer.
- Mozzarella: Some goes into the creamy base and the rest melts on top.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic pizza herbs.
- Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes: For seasoning and a tiny bit of heat.
- Pizza or marinara sauce: One cup makes the saucy middle layer.
- Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty bite to the cheesy topping.
- Pepperoni and turkey bacon: Regular slices or mini pepperoni, plus crisp chopped bacon.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Make the creamy layer
With an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella, sour cream, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until creamy. It won’t be perfectly smooth because of the shredded cheese, and that’s fine. Spread it over the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate or a similar dish.
3. Add the toppings
Spread the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and the rest of the mozzarella, then add the pepperoni and bacon.
4. Bake
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
5. Cool slightly and serve
Let the dip cool for 3 to 5 minutes, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil, and serve with toasted French bread, breadsticks, or warm rolls.
Tips and Variations
- Soften the cream cheese: It beats up creamier when it’s at room temperature.
- Let it rest: A few minutes after baking keeps anyone from burning their mouth on hot cheese.
- Make it ahead: Assemble up to 3 days ahead without baking. Cover and refrigerate, take it out 40 minutes before baking, remove the wrap, and bake as directed.
- Use mini pepperoni: They crisp up beautifully and fit perfectly on a scoop.
- Add more toppings: Sliced olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage all work.
- Make it supreme: Combine a few toppings for a “supreme pizza” dip.
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve the dip warm with plenty of toasted French bread slices, breadsticks, or warm rolls for dunking. Our Easy Dinner Rolls are perfect for tearing and dipping.
For a game-day spread, put it out with Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings and a big bowl of Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pizza dip ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to 3 days ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it unbaked. Take it out 40 minutes before baking and bake as directed.
What do you serve with pizza dip?
Toasted French bread, breadsticks, or warm rolls are all great for dipping.
Can I use marinara instead of pizza sauce?
Yes. Either one works.
How long does it bake?
Bake it at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days (less if it was prepped ahead). Reheat in the microwave on reduced power.
You May Also Love
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Whipped Feta with Honey
- Mexican Tortilla Roll-Ups
- Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Easy Homemade Guacamole
Easy Pizza Dip
Equipment
- 9-inch pie plate or similar baking dish
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 15-20 pepperoni slices or 1/4 cup mini pepperoni
- 3 slices turkey bacon cooked crisp and chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F.
- With an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella, sour cream, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes until creamy. (It won't be perfectly smooth because of the shredded cheese.) Spread it over the base of a 9-inch pie plate or similar dish.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and the rest of the mozzarella, then add the pepperoni and turkey bacon.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
- Let the dip cool for 3 to 5 minutes, scatter with chopped fresh parsley or basil, and serve with toasted French bread, breadsticks or warm rolls.
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- Make ahead: Assemble up to 3 days ahead but don't bake. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Take it out 40 minutes before baking, remove the wrap and bake as directed.
- Cool slightly: Let it rest a few minutes after baking so nobody burns their mouth.
- Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days (less if it was prepped ahead). Reheat in the microwave on reduced power.
- Nutrition: Estimated per serving from the ingredients, without dippers or garnish.
