Hot Pizza Dip
Hot Pizza Dip is everything you love about pizza packed into a warm, cheesy, melty dip. It usually has gooey melted cheese, plenty of diced pepperoni or sausage, and that…
By Ava
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Reading time: 5 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Hot Pizza Dip is everything you love about pizza packed into a warm, cheesy, melty dip. It usually has gooey melted cheese, plenty of diced pepperoni or sausage, and that classic tomato sauce flavor, all baked until bubbly and irresistible. It’s the perfect dish when you want the taste of pizza but with a fun twist that’s easy to share.
I love making this dip for game nights or casual get-togethers because everyone always crowds around with chips or breadsticks to scoop it up. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and I find that no one ever leaves it untouched. I usually add a little extra cheese on top so it gets that perfect golden crust that makes it even better.
One of my favorite things about Hot Pizza Dip is how simple it is to customize. You can easily swap out toppings to match your favorite pizza style—add some olives, mushrooms, or even peppers. I like to serve it with sturdy pita chips or crunchy breadsticks, but honestly, anything that can hold up to all that cheesy goodness works great.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These create the creamy base. Use full-fat for best flavor and texture, but low-fat versions can work if you want a lighter dip.
Cheese: Mozzarella offers that classic stretchy melt, while Parmesan adds sharpness. For a different twist, try provolone or a mild cheddar.
Pizza Sauce: Go for your favorite marinara or pizza sauce. If you want a thicker dip, remove excess water from the sauce by simmering it briefly.
Pepperoni: This brings that iconic pizza flavor. You can swap for cooked sausage, sliced olives, or diced bell peppers for veggie options.
How Do You Get the Cheese Melty and the Pepperoni Crispy?
For that perfect bubbly cheese and slightly crisp pepperoni, here’s what I do:
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly so it cooks uniformly.
- Add pizza sauce carefully on top – avoid mixing it in, so the layers stay distinct.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top, which melts into gooey strings.
- Arrange pepperoni slices flat so edges crisp nicely, but keep them whole to prevent drying out too much.
- Bake long enough (20-25 mins) at 375°F – this melts the cheese fully and browns the edges.
- Let the dip sit a few minutes after baking. It thickens slightly and is easier to scoop.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8-inch round baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the creamy ingredients smoothly.
- Spoon or spatula – for spreading the layers evenly.
- Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot dish when you take it out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage to add a spicier, meatier flavor.
- Add chopped olives or diced bell peppers for a fresh, veggie twist to balance the richness.
- Try shredded provolone or smoked mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
- Mix in red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for extra spice and aroma.
How to Make Hot Pizza Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or oregano for garnish
- Crackers, toasted bread slices, or pita chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 5 minutes to cool before serving, so in total expect around 35-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Mix the Base:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream with half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy.
2. Assemble the Layers:
Spread this creamy mixture evenly in the bottom of an 8-inch round baking dish. Spoon the pizza sauce gently over the cream cheese layer and spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce layer. Finally, arrange the pepperoni slices in a single layer over the cheese.
3. Bake and Serve:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges start to turn golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano if you like, and serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or pita chips for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Cream Cheese for This Dip?
It’s best to use cream cheese that’s fully thawed and softened for easy mixing. Thaw frozen cream cheese in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about an hour before preparing the dip.
Can I Make Hot Pizza Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time 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 gently in the oven or microwave until warm and bubbly again.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Hot Pizza Dip?
Serve it warm with sturdy dippers like crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices to scoop up all the melty goodness without breaking apart.