The Best Easy Pizza Dip Recipe

This easy pizza dip is the ultimate warm and cheesy appetizer made with a creamy base of whipped cream cheese and Greek yogurt, layers of marinara, melty mozzarella, and plenty of pepperoni on top. It’s baked until golden, bubbling, and totally irresistible. This version is extra flavorful thanks to a few cozy herbs and spices added to the cream cheese base, and it’s been tested to absolute perfection!

Table of Contents

In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make pizza dip in the oven, get tips for customizing it with your favorite toppings, ideas for serving, and even how to make it ahead. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, this pizza dip recipe is simple, fast, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Dip (And Why You Can Trust Me)

I’m a professional recipe developer and home entertaining expert with years of experience creating approachable, elevated recipes for everyday cooks. My readers love my flavor-packed recipes that come together with minimal ingredients, this one included.

This pizza dip has been tested multiple times to strike the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, herby, and melty. I’ve brought it to family dinners, game nights, and holiday parties, and it’s always the first thing to disappear from the table. So if you’re looking for a no-fuss, cozy dip that tastes like a slice of your favorite pizzeria pie, you’re in the right place.

A Little Story Behind This Recipe

Pizza dip has always had a spot at my parties. I first whipped up a version years ago when I was short on time but needed something warm and comforting. Over time, I added some upgrades: Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess, onion and garlic powder for depth, and a sprinkle of dried herbs to mimic classic pizza flavors. And honestly? I haven’t looked back. This version is my go-to—and it just works.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this cheesy pizza dip:

  • Cream cheese (16 oz) – Softened to room temperature so it blends easily. For extra creamy texture.
  • Greek yogurt (¼ cup) – Adds a little tang and lightens up the dip slightly.
  • Onion powder & garlic powder (½ tsp each) – Bring bold flavor to the base.
  • Dried oregano & basil (½ tsp each) – Classic pizza herbs that take this dip from good to great.
  • Salt – Just a pinch to balance it all.
  • Marinara or pizza sauce (2 cups) – Use store-bought to keep it simple or homemade if you have some.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups) – Melts beautifully into that gooey pizza top.
  • Grated parmesan (½ cup) – Adds salty sharpness and depth.
  • Pepperoni slices – for that classic pizza flavor.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about pizza dip? It’s endlessly customizable:

  • Make it vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni or swap in sliced mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
  • Add spice: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot honey drizzled on top after baking.
  • Try different cheese: Sub in provolone, cheddar, or Italian cheese blend for mozzarella.
  • Use ricotta instead of Greek yogurt: For a more traditional Italian-inspired creamy base.
  • Mini pizza dip: Bake in individual ramekins for personal-sized servings.
  • Slow cooker pizza dip: Mix all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours until hot and melty.

How to Make Pizza Dip (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or pie dish.

Step 2: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and basil until fluffy and smooth.

Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Pour the marinara sauce over the cream cheese base and spread it evenly.

Step 5: Top with shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and a generous layer of pepperoni.

Step 6: Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and starting to turn golden brown. If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a bubbly, browned top.

Step 7: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with toasted crostini, pizza dough breadsticks, or even fresh veggies.

Expert Tips for Pizza Dip Success

Use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure a super smooth and spreadable base.

Don’t skip the herbs and spices. That’s what takes this dip from basic to bold and flavorful.

Use good-quality marinara. Since it’s a major flavor component, the sauce matters!

Add toppings after baking if they’re delicate (like fresh basil or arugula).

Serve it in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation and to keep the dip warm longer.

Make-Ahead & Storage

To make ahead:
Assemble the dip fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cook time if cold.

To store leftovers:
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

To freeze:
I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as the dairy can separate and affect texture.

FAQ

Yes! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or until bubbly and melty.

Yes, the dip itself is gluten-free. Just serve with GF dippers like gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks.

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 5–7 minutes longer.

Final Thoughts

This pizza dip is everything you love about a cheesy slice of pepperoni pizza—packed into a warm, dippable dish. It’s easy, foolproof, crowd-friendly, and endlessly adaptable to your taste. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a random Tuesday, this is the kind of recipe that makes entertaining feel effortless and delicious.

So go ahead—grab the marinara and cheese. This dip is waiting.

Cheesy Pizza Dip Recipe

Yield: serves 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

The ultimate warm, gooey, and flavorful pizza dip! Made with a creamy herbed base, marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and pepperoni. Perfect for parties and game day.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Pepperoni slices, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a pie dish or small baking dish.
  2. Make the base: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and basil until light and fluffy using a hand mixer.
  3. Layer the dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with marinara sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  4. Top it off: Add pepperoni slices evenly across the top.
  5. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning, if desired.
  6. Serve hot with crostini, garlic bread, or breadsticks.

Notes

Optional Toppings & Variations

  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Sliced olives
  • Cooked sausage crumbles
  • Hot honey drizzle
  • Fresh basil after baking

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 507Total Fat: 39gSaturated Fat: 22gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 1151mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 32g

Similar Posts