If you’re obsessed with the cheese-pull of classic pizza but want something even more shareable (and dunkable!), this Pepperoni Pizza Dip is about to be your new cheesy party MVP. Imagine all your favorite gooey, melty, garlicky pizza flavors layered into one bubbling, crave-worthy dip – ready in about 40 minutes with hardly any fuss or fancy skills needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Oozing with cheese and bold pizza flavor, this Pepperoni Pizza Dip is always the first thing to vanish at any gathering.
- Ridiculously Easy: Just layer, bake, and enjoy — you barely need to measure or even chop anything!
- Versatile & Customizable: You can load it up with any of your go-to pizza toppings or swap ingredients to suit any crowd.
- Incredible Make-Ahead Potential: Prep it in advance and bake when you’re ready for instant game day (or weeknight) joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is deliciously straightforward, yet every ingredient plays a starring role in making Pepperoni Pizza Dip deeply satisfying. Trust me—don’t skip the little details, because each layer brings something extra special to that unmistakable pizza flavor.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The creamy, tangy base that keeps the dip luscious and scoopable—soften it for easy mixing!
- Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and smoother texture—feel free to swap for mayo or Greek yogurt for a twist or lighter dip.
- Dried Garlic Powder, Oregano & Basil: The classic trio for that true “pizza shop” aroma and flavor in every bite.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a hint will give your dip a gentle kick—add more on top for spice-lovers!
- Marinara Sauce: The bright, rich tomato layer (use your favorite jarred or homemade—Rao’s is my go-to for store-bought!).
- Parmesan Cheese (finely grated): Adds sharp, salty depth—the fresh kind melts best, so grate your own if possible.
- Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): For that unforgettable melty cheese stretch—hand-shred from a block for maximally gooey results.
- Pepperoni Slices: The superstar topping—use classic rounds or try minis for more in every bite.
- Crusty Bread (for serving): You’ll want something sturdy (and delicious) for dipping into all that cheesy, saucy goodness!
Variations
One of the joys of Pepperoni Pizza Dip? It’s a blank canvas for your pizza cravings! Feel free to improvise with toppings, cheese blends, or swap-ins for a dip that fits your tastes or needs perfectly.
- Veggie Supreme: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or black olives to up the flavor and color—great for vegetarians.
- Hawaiian-Inspired: Top with diced ham and pineapple chunks (yes, pizza debates welcome!) for a sweet-salty twist.
- Meat Lovers: Crumble cooked sausage or ground beef on top for a heartier dip that will satisfy even the hungriest eaters.
- Low-Carb or Keto: Replace the marinara with no-sugar sauce and serve with sliced veggies instead of bread.
- Cheesy Spinach: Stir a handful of chopped spinach into the base for extra greens and color.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Step 1: Prep the Creamy Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Make sure the sour cream isn’t ice-cold—this keeps your base from getting grainy as it bakes. Blend until everything is velvety and fully mixed. Scoop the base into a 9-inch pie dish, oven-safe skillet, or baking pan, and spread evenly to cover the bottom.
Step 2: Layer on Pizza Goodness
Next, spread a generous layer of your favorite marinara sauce directly over the creamy base—go right up to the edges for maximum sauciness! Sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly on top, making sure every inch gets plenty of cheesy love. Finally, arrange the pepperoni slices all over (don’t worry about being fancy—just try to cover most of the surface).
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the assembled dip, uncovered, right in the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden at the edges. If you like a truly crispy top, you can broil it for the last minute or two—just watch closely so nothing burns. The aromas will make it hard to wait!
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Once baked, let your Pepperoni Pizza Dip cool for a few minutes (it’s molten hot!). If you want that wow-factor, add an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes, some freshly ground black pepper, and a scattering of chopped parsley. Serve straight from the baking dish with plenty of crusty bread, bagel chips, or veggie sticks for dipping, and watch it disappear.
Pro Tips for Making Pepperoni Pizza Dip
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Skip the pre-shredded bags—hand-shredding both mozzarella and Parmesan ensures the cheese melts smoothly, with no waxy residues or clumps.
- Bring Dairy to Room Temp: Let cream cheese and sour cream sit out for 20–30 minutes before mixing—this keeps the dip ultra-creamy, not lumpy.
- Assemble Ahead for Parties: Fully layer your dip (without baking) up to 3 days in advance, store covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving for stress-free hosting.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t just stop at pepperoni—even a handful of olives, mushrooms, or fresh basil scattered on top can take your Pepperoni Pizza Dip to the next level!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Garnishes
A little garnish can go a long way with Pepperoni Pizza Dip. I love to finish it with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley or basil for pop and freshness, and you can never go wrong with another sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a crank of black pepper for looks and zing. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, dust with a pinch more Parmesan before digging in.
Side Dishes
This dip is endlessly scoopable, so anything sturdy and toasty works! My go-to is thick slices of homemade no-knead bread, but pita chips, bagel chips, or even lightly toasted baguette rounds are a hit. For a lighter touch, try crunchy veggie sticks like bell peppers, carrots, or celery—they perfectly balance the richness of the dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Pepperoni Pizza Dip straight from a cast iron skillet for rustic, cozy charm, or portion it into small ramekins for cute, individual servings at a party. For a fun twist, hollow out a round bread loaf and bake the dip inside, then tear off chunks for dipping—guaranteed to wow a crowd! Even simple party platters with an array of dippers make the whole thing look (and feel) like an appetizer feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The dip will keep well for up to 3 days, though it’s honestly at its melty best on day one!
Freezing
While Pepperoni Pizza Dip technically can be frozen, the texture of the cream cheese base may become a bit grainy after thawing. If you must, wrap tightly before baking, freeze up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For best taste and consistency though, bake fresh or refrigerate if making in advance.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the leftover dip into a 325°F (165°C) oven, covered, for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and gooey again. You can also microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Add a bit more cheese on top before reheating if it looks dry!
FAQs
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Can I use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in Pepperoni Pizza Dip?
Yes! If you want to lighten it up, low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt both work nicely in place of full-fat versions—the dip will still be creamy, especially with all that melty mozzarella. Just note, it might be slightly less rich in flavor.
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How far can I prep Pepperoni Pizza Dip in advance?
You can assemble everything (just don’t bake it yet!), cover well, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready, let it sit at room temp for about 20 minutes before popping into the oven for perfect results.
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What can I use if I don’t have marinara sauce?
Any pizza sauce or even a good-quality tomato basil pasta sauce will do the trick. If you want extra flavor, try stirring in a little extra garlic powder, a dash of Italian seasoning, or a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
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Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Dip without pepperoni?
Absolutely! Feel free to skip the pepperoni for a vegetarian version, or swap in any toppings you love—think sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even pineapple. It’s endlessly adaptable to your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Few things bring people together like a bubbling skillet of Pepperoni Pizza Dip, with cheese stretching from plate to plate and everyone battling for the last swoop of bread. Whether you’re hosting game day, movie night, or just want an excuse for pizza flavors at home, this dip is a guaranteed hit—so gather your crew and give it a try!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A crowd-pleasing and indulgent Pizza Dip that combines all the flavors of a classic pizza into a creamy, cheesy dip. Perfect for parties or game nights!
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sour cream (can substitute mayo)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for topping
Layering:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 slices pepperoni
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Spread on the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate, baking pan, or cast iron skillet.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on top, then add the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese.
- Add pepperoni or desired pizza toppings.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top begins to brown.
- Optional: Garnish with additional red pepper flakes, freshly ground pepper, and roughly chopped parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread, pita/tortilla/bagel chips, or vegetables.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Method: Assemble the dip as outlined. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days prior to baking. When ready to bake, let it sit out for 20-25 minutes, then bake as outlined.
- Pro Tips:
- I recommend grating the Parmesan and shredding the mozzarella from a block for the best taste and consistency.
- Consider using Rao’s marinara sauce or homemade marinara for this recipe.
- Additional topping options include sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, beef, ham, pineapple, feta, and more!
- Sour cream substitutes: mayo, plain Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese.
- Pair with No Knead Bread for dipping.
- Explore other pizza recipes like Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza, and French Bread Pizza.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
