Pepperoni and Cream Cheese Pizza Dip is a warm, gooey, and cheesy appetizer that brings all the flavors of your favorite pizza into a delicious dip. Perfect for game days, parties, or family gatherings, this dip is easy to make and pairs wonderfully with bread, crackers, or veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pizza in Dip Form: All the best parts of pizza—cheese, pepperoni, and marinara—combined in a shareable dish.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties and perfect for dipping.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings for a personalized twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Sliced pepperoni
- Italian seasoning
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or additional pizza toppings (e.g., olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Layer the Sauce: Spread marinara or pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan evenly over the sauce.
- Top with Pepperoni: Arrange the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese. Add any additional pizza toppings if desired.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve warm with dippers.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8 as an appetizer
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Supreme Style: Add chopped bell peppers, onions, and black olives for a supreme pizza-inspired dip.
- Extra Meaty: Include cooked sausage, bacon bits, or ham along with the pepperoni.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinara or use spicy pepperoni.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the pepperoni and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix ricotta or mascarpone into the cream cheese layer for added creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cheese and cream cheese can change texture when thawed.
FAQs
What’s the best dipper for this pizza dip?
Serve with breadsticks, garlic bread, crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables like celery and bell pepper slices.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend can be used in place of mozzarella or Parmesan.
How do I make the dip ahead of time?
Assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
Yes, layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through and bubbly.
How can I make it healthier?
Use low-fat cream cheese, part-skim mozzarella, and plenty of vegetables for a lighter version.
Can I use pizza dough as a dipper?
Absolutely! Bake or fry small pieces of pizza dough for a unique and tasty dipper.
What kind of marinara sauce works best?
Use your favorite store-bought pizza or marinara sauce, or make your own for a homemade touch.
How do I prevent the dip from separating?
Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened and mixed evenly with the Parmesan to prevent separation during baking.
Can I use mini pepperoni?
Yes, mini pepperoni adds a fun look and is easier to scoop with.
How long does the dip stay warm?
The dip will stay warm for about 30 minutes after baking. Serve in a warm dish to help retain heat.
Conclusion
Pepperoni and Cream Cheese Pizza Dip is a delicious and easy appetizer that’s sure to be the star of any gathering. Packed with cheesy, savory pizza flavors, it’s a dish everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy this warm, comforting dip with friends and family!
Print
Pepperoni and Cream Cheese Pizza Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Description
This Pepperoni and Cream Cheese Pizza Dip is a warm, cheesy, and irresistible appetizer. Packed with classic pizza flavors and layers of cream cheese, marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni, it’s perfect for parties, game days, or a fun snack night.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (mini or regular, halved)
- Optional: chopped fresh basil for garnish
- Dippers: breadsticks, crackers, tortilla chips, or sliced baguette
Instructions
Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or oven-safe skillet.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
Assemble the Dip:
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Add a layer of pepperoni slices, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Dip:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dip up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Add Veggies: Include chopped bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for a kick.