Sharing is caring!

Are you looking for the ultimate cheesy appetizer? Then check out this heavenly baked pizza dip recipe that you will fall in love with! 

Baked Pizza Dip Recipe: The Ultimate Cheesy Appetizer

If you’re a fan of pizza (and who isn’t?), you’re going to fall head over heels for this Baked Pizza Dip. This delicious hot pizza dip is the perfect treat for any cheese lover.  With all the ooey-gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and favorite pizza toppings packed into one easy appetizer, it’s everything you love about pizza—without the crust! Whether you’re planning for game days, movie night, or a family get-together, this pizza dip recipe is the ultimate appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a huge hit.

I love this pizza dip because it’s also a low-carb treat you can enjoy. My kids can’t get enough of it every time I make it! 

Why It’s the Perfect Appetizer

What makes this oven-baked pizza dip such a great appetizer?

It’s full of cheesy goodness thanks to loads of melted mozzarella.
It features the best part of pizza—gooey cheese and sauce—without the fuss of a crust.
It’s fast and easy with minimal prep work.
It can be customized with all your favorite toppings.
 It’s portable—great for football season, family gatherings, and game days.

Honestly, for a pizza fan, this is pure comfort food in a perfect hot appetizer form.

One of the best things about this easy pizza dip is that it uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s quick to prep, even quicker to bake, and can be easily customized with all your favorite pizza toppings. Think about layers of softened cream cheese, herby Italian seasonings, rich marinara sauce, ooey-gooey mozzarella, and savory pepperoni minis—all baked together into cheesy goodness that’s practically irresistible.

Plus, it’s versatile enough for every event—from Sunday football season parties to casual backyard hangouts. It’s safe to say this is one of those irresistible dips you’ll find yourself making over and over again.

Ingredients for Baked Pizza Dip

Here’s everything you need to whip up this crowd-pleasing cheesy pizza dip:

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 cup marinara sauce or homemade pizza sauce

• 1 cup mini pepperoni (or regular pepperoni, chopped)

Optional add-ins for extra flavor: diced green peppers, chopped black olives, sautéed Italian sausage, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

How to make this Baked Pizza dip

1. First step: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (f oven).

2. In a large bowl or small bowl, combine cream cheese with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well to create the base of this dip.

   

3. Spread the herby cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate or any safe baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.

4. Top with a smooth layer of marinara sauce or tomato sauce.

5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce layer.

6. Scatter the mini pepperonis (or your choice of toppings) over the top of the dip.

7. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

8. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil or green onions, if desired.

Serve immediately with baguette slices, pita chips, bagel chips, favorite crackers, or even crispy tortilla chips.

Make It Your Own: Fun Variations

• Vegetarian twist: Skip the pepperoni and load up with bell peppers, green onions, fresh basil, and sautéed spinach.

• Meat lovers’ dream: Add cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, or chunks of spicy Italian sausage.

• Extra cheesy: Mix in parmesan cheese, colby jack cheese, or monterey jack cheese for more depth of flavor.

You can even use greek yogurt or a bit of sour cream for extra creaminess in the cream cheese dip base!

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover pizza dip (and that’s a big “if!”), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Next day tip: Reheat in the microwave in short bursts until hot, or place it back in the oven at a low temperature.

• Plastic wrap trick: If you don’t have an airtight container, press plastic wrap tightly over the dip to keep it fresh.

You can even use leftover pizza dip to stuff baked potatoes or spread it on toast for a cheesy snack the next day.

Serving Suggestions

This easy appetizer pairs perfectly with:

• Warm french bread or crusty bread.

• Fresh veggie sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers.

• Crispy pita, bagel chips, tortilla chips or your favorite cracker treats.

Serve it right on the dinner table alongside other favorites like spinach artichoke dip, blt dip, or hot spinach dip for the ultimate party spread.

And if you really want to kick it up a notch, drizzle a little olive oil on top after baking for an added richness.

FAQs About Baked Pizza Dip

Can I make this pizza dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the layers, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Can I make it in a crock pot or slow cooker?
Yes! Simply layer everything in your crock pot and cook on LOW for about 1–2 hours, or until the cheese is melted.

What are the best dipping options?
We love french bread, baguette slices, tortilla chips, or even pita chips.

Can I freeze leftover pizza dip?
It’s not recommended, as the dairy in the cream cheese base can become grainy after freezing.

If you’re looking for an easy pepperoni pizza dip that’s packed with cheesy goodness and tons of flavorful pizza seasonings, this Baked Pizza Dip is your new best friend. It’s the perfect appetizer for pizza lovers, game days, and family gatherings alike. Plus, it’s easy to prep, bake, and serve with whatever favorite food you like best.

Whip up this delicious recipe and get ready for rave reviews the next time you’re hosting a party. It is a great recipe for a casual get-together.  It’s the best thing you can bring to any gathering—guaranteed!

Happy dipping! 

Looking for another delicious appetizer that pairs well with this? Check out these meatball sliders 

Have leftover Pepperoni? Make this delicious Pizza Pasta salad! 

Yield: 10

Baked Pizza Dip Recipe: The Ultimate Cheesy Appetizer

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

This delicious Baked pizza dip recipe is the ultimate cheesy appetizer that's perfect for your next event.

Print

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mini pepperonis

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the cream cheese, 1 cup of
   mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Top with a layer of marinara sauce, then add the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the mini pepperonis on top of the cheese.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted.
   
   

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 271Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 581mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 10g

Value will change if you add more or less cheese and pepperonis to the top.