This Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip is a fun and tasty treat! Loaded with melty cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of this dip. It’s so cheesy, I sometimes joke it should come with a warning! Pair it with some chips or bread, and you’ve got an instant party starter.
Making this dip is super easy! Just mix the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and watch it bubble. It’s always a hit at gatherings, and it’s hard to stop at just one scoop!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy base. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but similar texture.
Cheese Selection: Mozzarella and cheddar are the stars here, but feel free to mix in a little provolone or fontina for extra flavor. Just make sure they melt well!
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce for convenience or homemade marinara if you prefer. If you’re in a pinch, even tomato sauce works.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni adds fun and flavor. You can also switch to turkey or vegetarian pepperoni if you want a healthier alternative.
Veggies: The olives, bell pepper, and onion are optional but add great taste. You can mix in mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist!
How Do I Get the Cheese Dip to Be Perfectly Creamy and Melty?
To achieve that deliciously creamy and melty texture, a few steps can help make a difference:
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened—this makes it easier to mix with the other cheeses.
- Mix the cheeses together thoroughly until smooth before adding the sauce and toppings. This ensures even melting.
- Bake the dip until bubbly and golden brown. Keeping an eye on it toward the end will help prevent overcooking.
This method creates a wonderfully gooey dip that’s hard to resist!
Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut into small pieces)
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1-2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Baguette slices, crackers, or breadsticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes before you can dive into this cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to get your dip nice and bubbly.
2. Mix the Cheeses:
In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Use a fork or a hand mixer to combine everything until it’s smooth and creamy. The cream cheese should be softened to make this easier.
3. Combine with Pizza Sauce:
Next, fold in the pizza sauce along with the Italian seasoning. If you choose to use them, add the sliced olives, green bell pepper, and chopped onion at this stage. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Make sure it’s nicely distributed so it bakes evenly.
5. Add Pepperoni:
Now, take the mini pepperoni slices and arrange them evenly on top of the cheese mixture. This will add delicious flavor as it bakes!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the dip is bubbly and the top is a lovely golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the dip warm with baguette slices, crackers, or breadsticks for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Now you’re all set to make this tasty Cheesy Baked Pizza Dip for your next gathering or just as a cozy snack at home!
Can I Use Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of this dip! The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How Can I Make This Dip Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dip vegetarian by omitting the pepperoni and adding more veggies, like mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes, for extra flavor and texture.
Can I Prep the Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to stir in a little extra cheese or sauce to freshen it up!
