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Easy Hot Cheesy Pizza Dip

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

Savor layers of warm cream cheese, Italian herbs, tangy pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella in this crowd-pleasing dip. Topped with pepperoni, it’s baked until bubbly and slightly golden for irresistible flavor. Scoop it up with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh-cut vegetables. Customize by adding your favorite pizza toppings like olives or peppers. This dish comes together quickly and can be prepared ahead for party convenience. Serve straight from the oven and watch it disappear fast—this is a game day favorite that’s both easy and deeply satisfying for cheese lovers.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:12:27 GMT
A pan of cheese and pepperoni pizza. Save
A pan of cheese and pepperoni pizza. | lilicooks.com

This hot cheesy pizza dip brings everything you crave in a classic pizza to an irresistibly creamy appetizer. The bubbling cheese and zesty sauce make it my go-to recipe for game days movie nights or any time I need to feed a hungry crowd in minutes.

I whipped this up for a last-minute party and not a single bite was left by the end of the night. Even my pickiest friends kept coming back for more.

Ingredients

  • Cream cheese softened: gives a creamy irresistible base. Choose a high-quality block style for best texture
  • Sour cream: adds a tangy lift and helps everything blend smoothly. I like full fat for a rich taste
  • Italian seasoning: brings classic pizza flavor. Use a fresh bottle for bold herby notes
  • Garlic powder: deepens the savory flavors. Go for a garlic powder without fillers if possible
  • Pizza sauce: offers the zesty tomato punch. Look for a thick sauce with good tomato flavor
  • Mozzarella cheese shredded: gets all melty and stringy. Shred your own for best melting
  • Parmesan cheese grated: amps up the salty cheesy finish. Opt for real Parmigiano Reggiano if you can
  • Pepperoni: classic pizza topping. Use a brand that crisps nicely in the oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:
Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. This gives you a nice hot start for bubbling cheese
Mix the Creamy Base:
Combine cream cheese sour cream Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy no lumps left
Spread the Cheese Mixture:
With a spatula evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture across the bottom of a cast iron skillet or an oven safe baking dish covering all the corners
Add the Pizza Sauce:
Pour the pizza sauce over the cheese mixture then use the back of a spoon to gently spread it in an even layer making sure every bite gets some sauce
Layer the Cheeses:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella first letting it layer over every part of the sauce. Top with grated parmesan for an extra hit of flavor
Top with Pepperoni:
Arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. For a classic look make sure each scoop gets at least one pepperoni
Bake the Dip:
Place the pan uncovered in the oven. Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown around the edges
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dip hot while the cheese is melt in your mouth perfection. Scoop with chunks of bread or sturdy crackers
A slice of pizza with cheese dripping off it. Save
A slice of pizza with cheese dripping off it. | lilicooks.com

I love using a thick pizza sauce with extra herbs because it reminds me of the pizzas my family made when I was growing up. One afternoon my little ones helped layer the ingredients and waited eagerly by the oven for that cheesy goodness

Storage Tips

If there are any leftovers scoop the dip into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to three days and can be gently reheated in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly again

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier kick and more protein. If you are dairy free use a plant based cream cheese and cheese blend plus dairy free pepperoni. Any favorite pizza topping works here so try mushrooms jalapenos olives or cooked sausage if you like

A person is taking a slice of pizza out of a pan. Save
A person is taking a slice of pizza out of a pan. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

For best results serve with chunks of crusty bread baked pita chips or thick crackers that can withstand the cheesy goodness. A side salad or garlic knots round out the spread for a pizza inspired appetizer dinner

Cultural Context

Pizza dip brings together Italian American pizza flavors in a shareable form. Dips like these became game day favorites in the US during the eighties when quick party snacks and comfort food appetizers were all the rage

Recipe FAQs

→ What can I use for dipping?

Crusty bread, pita chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables like bell peppers and carrots work perfectly for dipping.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance, refrigerate it unbaked, then cook when ready. Add extra oven time if very cold.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Try adding sliced olives, mushrooms, peppers, or cooked sausage to customize the flavor to your preference.

→ How do I prevent the dip from getting greasy?

Use moderate amounts of pepperoni, as it releases grease during baking. Or try turkey pepperoni or extra veggies for a lighter option.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, mozzarella and parmesan are classic, but feel free to mix in provolone, fontina, or cheddar for extra flavor.

→ How should I serve this dish?

Serve it hot from the oven for the best cheesy texture, paired with your favorite dippers and a fresh salad on the side.

Easy Hot Cheesy Pizza Dip

Creamy, cheesy dip with pizza toppings baked until golden. Delicious with bread, chips, or veggies for sharing.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American, Italian

Output: 8 Serves

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 ½ cup sour cream
03 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
04 ⅛ tsp garlic powder
05 1¼ cups pizza sauce
06 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
07 ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
08 10 slices of pepperoni

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer until creamy and smooth.

Step 03

Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of a cast iron skillet or pie dish.

Step 04

Spread the pizza sauce over the cream cheese mixture.

Step 05

Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the pizza sauce, then top with pepperoni slices. Note that excess pepperoni may make the dip greasy.

Step 06

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.

Step 07

Serve the dip warm with crusty bread, crackers, or chips.

Tips

  1. Optional: Add ⅛ teaspoon of salt to the cream cheese mixture if desired.
  2. Use any pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, peppers, or sausage as preferred.
  3. Prepare the dip in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Cooking time may take longer if ingredients are cold.
  4. Serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers. Pair with Italian salad or garlic knots for a complete appetizer.

Required Tools

  • Medium bowl
  • Hand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Cast iron pan or other oven-safe pan, or baking dish

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, parmesan)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 247
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 10 g