Pizza dip with cream cheese is such a fun and tasty treat! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the classic pizza flavors like tomato sauce, pepperoni, and gooey melted cheese. The cream cheese gives it a smooth, rich base that makes every bite comforting and addictive.
I love making this dip when friends come over because it’s super easy to put together and perfect for sharing. I usually mix the cream cheese with some Italian seasoning and top it with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices before baking. The smell that fills the kitchen while it’s cooking is pure happiness!
My favorite way to enjoy this dip is with crunchy breadsticks or crisp tortilla chips. It’s great as a snack during a movie night or any time you want something warm and cheesy that everyone will reach for. Honestly, once you try this, it might just become your go-to party appetizer too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base that makes the dip nice and creamy. If you want a lighter option, try using Neufchatel cheese, which is a bit less rich but still smooth.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade marinara. If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara or even a bit of tomato paste mixed with Italian herbs works well.
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic stretchy texture. You can mix in provolone or Monterey Jack if you want a slightly different flavor.
Pepperoni: Provides the signature pizza flavor and a bit of spice. Swap for cooked sausage, ham, or your favorite pizza topping if preferred.
How Do You Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted and Bubbly on Top?
Melting cheese evenly can be tricky but easy with the right steps. Follow these tips:
- Spread the cheese in an even layer across the dip. This helps it melt uniformly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) so the cheese melts slowly and bubbles nicely without burning.
- Keep an eye on the edges—they should turn a golden brown to get that perfect baked texture.
- Use fresh or finely shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded. Fresh cheese melts smoother because it has less coating.
These steps ensure a beautiful, cheesy top that’s both stretchy and golden. Enjoy every gooey bite!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe baking dish – I like an 8-inch round or square dish to evenly bake the dip and make serving easy.
- Mixing bowl – to combine cream cheese and sauce smoothly before baking.
- Spoon or spatula – perfect for spreading the dip evenly and scooping it out later.
- Cheese grater – makes shredding mozzarella and Parmesan simple and fresh.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or bacon bits for a different meat flavor that’s just as tasty.
- Add chopped green peppers or olives on top for a bit of crunch and color.
- Mix in red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick to balance the creamy cheese.
- Try adding fresh basil or oregano for a brighter, herb-filled taste instead of dried herbs.
How to Make Pizza Dip with Cream Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
- Fresh or dried parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Crackers, breadsticks, or tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pizza dip takes just about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in around 35 minutes total, you’ll have a delicious, warm dip ready for your party or snack time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Cream Cheese with Sauce and Spices:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the pizza sauce until smooth. Then stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder for a nice flavor boost.
2. Prepare the Dip Base:
Spread this creamy mixture evenly at the bottom of an oven-safe dish about 8 inches in size. Making it smooth helps the cheese layer melt nicely on top.
3. Add Cheese and Pepperoni Layers:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on the cream cheese layer. Then top it off with grated Parmesan cheese. After that, place the pepperoni slices neatly across the top.
4. Bake and Garnish:
Bake your dip in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and turns golden brown on the edges. Once out of the oven, sprinkle parsley or basil on top if you like a fresh herbal touch. Serve warm with crackers, breadsticks, or tortilla chips for dipping!
Can I Use Frozen Cream Cheese?
It’s best to use cream cheese that’s fully thawed and softened for easy mixing. Thaw frozen cream cheese overnight in the fridge, then leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dip up to step 6, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
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 or microwave until warmed through before serving again.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap pepperoni with sausage, cooked bacon, olives, or veggies like bell peppers for your favorite pizza flavors.
