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Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

This savory dip layers tangy cream cheese and sour cream with pizza sauce, Italian sausage, mozzarella, mini pepperoni, and bacon bits. Once baked, it delivers all the classic flavors and gooey textures of pizza in an easy-to-share dish—perfect for gatherings or game nights. Customizing toppings is simple, so you can suit every taste by including or omitting ingredients. Best enjoyed hot from the oven, it works great for prepping ahead: assemble up to two days in advance and simply bake before serving.

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Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:18:08 GMT
A white bowl filled with pizza dip. Save
A white bowl filled with pizza dip. | lilicooks.com

This gooey layered pizza dip has turned every gathering at my house into an instant party pleaser. With its creamy base and bubbling cheesy top, it delivers all the best flavors of pizza—with zero fuss and just a few dishes to wash.

I first whipped this up for a last-minute family movie night and was amazed when the kids scraped the dish clean before the opening credits rolled. Now it is my secret weapon for potlucks.

Ingredients

  • Cream cheese: creates a tangy rich base that keeps the dip sturdy opt for brick style for the best texture
  • Sour cream: lightens the creaminess and adds a subtle tang full fat gives a silkier mouthfeel
  • Oregano, garlic powder, ranch seasoning: add bold herby zesty flavor choose fresh spices for the most impact
  • Pizza sauce: brings the classic flavor choose a thicker one for less watery dip
  • Italian sausage: adds tons of savory depth try hot or mild depending on your heat preference
  • Mozzarella cheese: melts into that signature stretch fresh shredding gives the best gooeyness
  • Mini pepperonis: bring classic pizzeria flavor seek out mini size for perfect bites
  • Bacon bits: provide smoky crunch real bacon crumbles will give the most flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven:
Set your oven to 400 degrees so it is fully heated when you assemble your dip ensuring even browning and melting
Mix the Creamy Base:
Combine softened cream cheese sour cream and seasonings until totally smooth using a hand mixer will make this super creamy
Spread in Pan:
Spoon the cheese mixture into your selected dish making sure to fill any edges and press into an even layer for the right base
Layer Sauce and Sausage:
Gently pour the pizza sauce on top spreading it to cover every area then scatter cooked Italian sausage evenly so every scoop gets flavor
Add Cheese and Toppings:
Pile on the freshly grated mozzarella making sure to cover sausage and sauce fully then scatter mini pepperonis and bacon bits for flavor in every bite
Bake to Perfection:
Place in the oven and bake around 25 minutes watch for the dip to bubble at the edges and the cheese to develop golden spots for ultimate flavor
Serve Hot:
Let cool only a few minutes then serve with sturdy dippers such as baguette slices or crackers while the cheese is at peak gooeyness
A pizza dip with pepperoni and cheese. Save
A pizza dip with pepperoni and cheese. | lilicooks.com

I love how the fresh mozzarella makes every bite feel extra special and always brings back memories of my childhood pizza nights. My family always argues over who gets the first scoop with the most pepperoni and bacon.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in an oven-safe dish until hot and bubbly again. It tastes just as good the next day and makes for a swoon-worthy midnight snack.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap turkey sausage if you prefer lighter meats or skip altogether for a vegetarian twist just double up on cheese. Try switching up the pizza sauce with a tomato basil marinara for a fresher note. If you are out of mozzarella go half and half with provolone for a stringy melt.

A pizza dip with pepperoni and cheese. Save
A pizza dip with pepperoni and cheese. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

This dip shines when scooped with toasted baguette slices thicker crackers breadsticks or even sturdy pita chips. For a fresh contrast serve with sliced red bell peppers or cucumbers. It is definitely a must-have next to a veggie platter.

Make it Your Own

There are endless ways to personalize pizza dip. Add olives jalapenos or chopped bell peppers for color. Sprinkle with fresh basil or drizzle with spicy honey just before serving for a gourmet effect. My favorite is a handful of sliced green onions to add some zip.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of baking dish works best?

An 11-inch pie pan or a 9x9 baking dish is ideal for even layering and baking.

→ Can the dip be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate up to two days ahead; add ten extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.

→ What toppings can be added or substituted?

Mini pepperoni, bacon bits, or even veggies like bell peppers and olives work great—choose your favorites!

→ How is the dip best served?

Serve hot with breadsticks, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Omit sausage and bacon bits, and pile on more cheeses or veggies for a meatless version.

→ What’s a good way to get an extra crispy topping?

Broil for a minute after baking to brown the top layer of cheese lightly.

Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip

Tangy cream cheese, pizza sauce, sausage, and mozzarella blend into a crave-worthy, sharable baked appetizer.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 20 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Base Layer

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 8 oz sour cream
03 2 tsp oregano
04 2 tsp garlic powder
05 2 tsp ranch seasoning

→ Toppings

06 14 oz jar of pizza sauce
07 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
08 4 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
09 2 oz mini pepperonis
10 2 oz bacon bits

Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, oregano, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning until well combined.

Step 03

Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of an 11-inch pie pan or a 9x9-inch baking dish.

Step 04

Top the cream cheese layer with the pizza sauce and cooked Italian sausage.

Step 05

Spread the grated mozzarella cheese over the top, then add the mini pepperonis and bacon bits.

Step 06

Bake the dish for approximately 25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Step 07

Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

  1. This dip can be assembled up to two days in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake when ready, adding about 10 extra minutes to the total cooking time.
  2. Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preference. Vegetables can be added, but they may not be favored by all guests at parties.

Required Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • 11-inch pie pan or 9x9-inch baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella)
  • Gluten (check pizza sauce for gluten-free certification if necessary)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 290
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 12 g