Hot Pizza Dip is a crowd-pleasing blend of gooey melted cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings. Think of it as the perfect cheesy dip that tastes just like a slice of your favorite pizza—only easier to share and perfect for dipping with crusty bread or crunchy veggies.
I love making this dip whenever we have friends over because it’s super simple but always a big hit. You can throw in pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or whatever you like, and the cheesy topping bubbles up just right in the oven. It’s one of those recipes that makes everyone gather around and grab a scoop fast, which is a great way to get the party started.
My favorite way to serve Hot Pizza Dip is with warm pita chips or fresh breadsticks. It’s also a fun snack for game nights or casual get-togethers, and I find it’s best enjoyed hot so the cheese stretches perfectly every time. Plus, it’s a nice change from regular pizza and saves you from standing over the oven flipping slices. Honestly, it’s just pizza in dip form, and I can’t get enough of it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of the dip and gives it a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try using light cream cheese or a blend of Greek yogurt and cream cheese for a bit of tang.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: Both add richness and help keep the dip smooth. You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a fresher taste and fewer calories.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that classic pizza stretch. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor, and Parmesan gives a salty punch. You can use all mozzarella if you prefer milder cheese or swap cheddar for provolone for a different twist.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce. Marinara works well too. If you want spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce before layering.
Pepperoni & Olives: These toppings add authentic pizza flavor and texture. Feel free to swap pepperoni with cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even omit meats for a vegetarian dip.
How Do You Get the Cheese Melty and Bubbly without Burning the Dip?
Baking the dip just right is key to melt the cheeses thoroughly while avoiding burning the edges. Here’s how I do it:
- Use an oven-safe, shallow dish so the layer of dip heats evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to give enough heat for melting without rushing.
- Watch the dip closely in the last 5 minutes—when the cheese starts bubbling and browning on top, it’s ready.
- Let the dip sit for a few minutes after baking to thicken slightly; it makes dipping easier and keeps cheese stretchy.
By following these tips, your Hot Pizza Dip will be creamy, bubbly, and perfectly golden every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Shallow baking dish – perfect for even heat and bubbling cheese on top.
- Mixing bowl – to blend your cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo smoothly.
- Spatula or spoon – for spreading the dip evenly in the dish.
- Cheese grater – if you shred your own mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan.
- Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot dish straight from the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage if you want a meatier, heartier dip.
- Add chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet tangy twist.
- Mix in fresh basil or oregano for extra herb flavor that feels fresh and bright.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and fontina cheese for a creamier, meltier texture.
Hot Pizza Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce (marinara or your favorite pizza sauce)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Toppings:
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
To Serve:
- Toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or breadsticks
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. Allow a few extra minutes to cool before serving. So overall, plan for about 35 minutes from start to tasty finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Cream Cheese Base:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium mixing bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
2. Mix in the Cheeses and Seasoning:
Add half of the shredded mozzarella, the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder into the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together well.
3. Assemble the Dip:
Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a shallow baking dish like a pie or small casserole dish. Pour the pizza sauce evenly over this layer. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
4. Add Toppings and Bake:
Place pepperoni slices and black olives evenly on top of the cheeses. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the edges start to turn golden brown.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or breadsticks for dipping.
Can I Make Hot Pizza Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dip and assemble it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
Can I Use Different Toppings?
Absolutely! Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even omit the meat for a vegetarian version. Customize it to your favorite pizza flavors!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and bubbly, or microwave in short intervals.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Dip?
Serve hot with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, breadsticks, or fresh veggie sticks for dipping. Warm bread pairs wonderfully to soak up the cheesy, saucy goodness.
