Few appetizers bring people together quite like pizza, but if you want all the flavors of your favorite slice in a scoopable, shareable form, pizza dip with cream cheese is the ultimate solution. This warm, bubbly dip combines a luscious cream cheese base with rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always the first thing to disappear at parties, potlucks, and game days. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make-ahead tips, serving ideas, and storage.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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All the Pizza Flavor, None of the Dough – Get the essence of pizza in every cheesy bite.
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Rich and Creamy Base – Cream cheese makes the dip extra luxurious and smooth.
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Customizable Toppings – Add pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives—whatever you love on pizza.
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Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Perfect for Parties – Serve it in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish with dippers and watch it disappear.
What Is Pizza Dip?
Pizza dip is a warm, baked appetizer layered like a pizza in dip form. The bottom layer is made with a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and seasonings, followed by a layer of pizza or marinara sauce, then topped with cheese and your favorite pizza toppings.
Once baked, it’s served hot and melty, perfect for scooping with breadsticks, chips, or crackers. Think of it as a deconstructed pizza that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients List
Base Layer:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce Layer:
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1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
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1/4 teaspoon oregano (optional)
Cheese Layer:
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Toppings (Customizable):
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1/2 cup mini pepperoni or sliced regular pepperoni
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1/4 cup sliced black olives
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1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
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1/4 cup sautéed mushrooms
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: Serves 8 as an appetizer
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pizza Dip with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your dip is assembled.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
Step 3: Spread the Cream Cheese Base
Spread the mixture evenly in a small baking dish (an 8-inch round or square dish works well).
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer. Spread gently to cover it without mixing.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan over the sauce. Then add your desired toppings: pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top and serve hot with dippers.
Best Dippers for Pizza Dip
This dip is so good you’ll want to scoop up every last bit. Here are some dippers to try:
Breads and Chips:
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Breadsticks
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Garlic bread
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Toasted baguette slices
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Tortilla chips
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Pita chips
Low-Carb Options:
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Cucumber slices
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Bell pepper strips
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Zucchini rounds
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Celery sticks
Pizza Dip Variations
Meat Lovers Pizza Dip
Add cooked ground sausage, crumbled bacon, or chopped Canadian bacon before baking.
Veggie Pizza Dip
Top with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, red onions, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Hawaiian Style
Add diced pineapple and ham for a sweet and savory twist.
Spicy Buffalo Pizza Dip
Mix a little buffalo sauce into the cream cheese layer and top with chopped grilled chicken and jalapeños.
How to Make Pizza Dip in a Slow Cooker
Perfect for parties when you want to keep the dip warm for hours.
Instructions:
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Layer ingredients in a small slow cooker (1.5 to 2-quart size works well).
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Cover and cook on low for 1.5–2 hours or until the cheese is bubbly.
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Keep on warm setting during the party.
Tips for the Best Pizza Dip
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Soften cream cheese before mixing to get a smoother texture.
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Drain toppings like mushrooms or olives well to prevent soggy dip.
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Use a mix of cheeses for better flavor and melt—mozzarella + Parmesan is a classic combo.
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Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and melty goodness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead:
You can assemble the dip up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring as needed.
Nutrition Overview (Per Serving, Approximate)
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Calories: 220–280
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Fat: 20g
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Carbs: 4–6g
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Protein: 8–10g
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Sodium: 450–600mg
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Fiber: 1g
This varies based on toppings and cheese used.
Fun Ways to Serve Pizza Dip
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In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and pour the dip inside after baking. Use the bread chunks for dipping.
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Mini Skillet Servings: Serve in small cast-iron skillets for personal-size dips.
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Pizza Platter: Create a pizza-themed board with pepperoni, breadsticks, cheese cubes, and the dip at the center.
FAQs
Can I make this dip without sour cream?
Yes! The cream cheese alone is rich enough. Sour cream just makes it smoother and more spreadable.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just leave out meat toppings and load it up with your favorite vegetables.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes. Jarred pizza sauce or marinara works perfectly. Homemade is great too if you have it.
Can I freeze pizza dip?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream cheese base—it may become grainy when thawed.
Conclusion
Pizza dip with cream cheese is the ultimate mashup of comfort food and crowd-pleasing snack. With creamy layers, savory toppings, and gooey melted cheese, it gives you everything you love about pizza in a fun, shareable form. Best of all, it’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re planning a game night, a family movie night, or just want something comforting to scoop with breadsticks, this warm pizza dip is the answer. Try it once, and it will become a go-to favorite in your appetizer lineup.