Description
Easy Pizza Dip is a warm, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that mimics the flavors of your favorite pizza slice without the crust. Featuring layers of creamy softened cream cheese, savory marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, plus optional toppings like pepperoni and bell peppers, this dip is perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you want a quick, comforting snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings (Optional)
- ¼ cup mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper or black olives
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the dip.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Base: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the Italian seasoning until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or small baking dish to form a smooth base layer.
- Add Sauce Layer: Spoon the marinara or pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer. Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon to create a consistent sauce layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce layer, covering the entire surface for a cheesy topping.
- Add Toppings: Distribute mini or chopped pepperoni and any other optional toppings like chopped green bell pepper or black olives evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm with crackers, breadsticks, or sliced baguette for dipping.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, sausage, or jalapeños to suit your taste.
- To make ahead, assemble the dip fully and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for best results.
- For a Gluten-Free option, serve with gluten-free crackers or dippers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
