Pizza dip with cream cheese is a total crowd-pleaser that’s super easy to whip up. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of all the classic pizza flavors—think melted mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and a little zing from Italian spices, all mixed with smooth cream cheese for that perfect dip texture.
I love making this dip when friends come over because everyone ends up grabbing chips, bread, or veggies to scoop it up and chat. It’s one of those dishes where you don’t have to worry about fancy plating—just a big bowl, some good dippers, and a hungry group of people ready to enjoy. Plus, the cream cheese keeps it rich without being heavy, which I really appreciate.
My favorite way to serve this dip is warm right out of the oven so the cheese stretches when you pull up a bite. It’s great for game nights, casual parties, or even just a cozy night in when you want something fun but easy. Honestly, I think it tastes like pizza in dip form, and that’s just the best kind of comfort food to have around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This makes the dip rich and creamy. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. If you want a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese—it’s like cream cheese but with fewer calories.
Sour Cream: Adds a little tang and smoothness. Greek yogurt works well here as a healthy swap and keeps the dip creamy.
Pizza Sauce: Choose a good quality marinara or pizza sauce for real tomato flavor. If you don’t have sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes with a pinch of garlic powder and Italian herbs.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives the classic stretchy cheese feel, while cheddar adds a bit of sharpness. You can add Parmesan for extra bite or use just mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni gives the dip a fun, authentic pizza topping feel. Turkey pepperoni or sliced olives work as alternatives depending on your taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Melt and Cheese Pull in Pizza Dip?
Melted, stretchy cheese is what makes this dip so irresistible! Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your cream cheese and sour cream are well softened and mixed until smooth—no lumps.
- Use shredded cheese, not pre-sliced, so it melts evenly.
- Cover your dip with the rest of the cheese on top to get that golden-brown, bubbly layer baking in the oven.
- Bake it long enough (20-25 mins) at 375°F, but keep an eye so the cheese doesn’t burn.
- Letting the dip sit for a few minutes after baking helps it thicken a bit and makes scooping easier.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe baking dish – Perfect for baking and serving your dip right away.
- Mixing bowl – To easily combine cream cheese, sour cream, and other ingredients.
- Spatula or spoon – Great for mixing and spreading the dip evenly in the dish.
- Cheese grater – For shredding mozzarella and cheddar fresh for the best melt.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or ground beef for a meaty twist.
- Add chopped green bell peppers or olives for extra veggies and flavor.
- Mix in red pepper flakes for a little spicy kick when you want some heat.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella with Parmesan or Monterey Jack for creamier texture.
How to Make Cream Cheese Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (125 g) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 20-25 mini pepperoni slices
- Optional: fresh basil or dried oregano for garnish
- To serve: toasted baguette slices, breadsticks, or chips
Time Needed:
This dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. After baking, allow 5 minutes to rest before serving. So, in total, plan for about 35-40 minutes to have this delicious pizza dip ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. This creates the rich, creamy base for your dip.
2. Add Flavor and Cheese:
Stir in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Then, fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all the cheddar cheese until evenly mixed.
3. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface, then arrange the mini pepperoni slices on top like little pizza toppings.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the dip rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or dried oregano if you like. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, breadsticks, or your favorite chips for dipping.
Can I Make This Pizza Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture and assemble it in the baking dish a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving for the freshest, meltiest dip.
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, try cooked sausage, diced ham, or even sliced olives or mushrooms to keep that pizza flavor but suit your taste.
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 warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Can I Freeze This Dip?
Yes, you can freeze the baked dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.
