Description

This Pizza Dip is a warm, gooey, and cheesy appetizer loaded with classic pizza flavors. Made with layers of cream cheese, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings, it’s perfect for dipping with crackers, breadsticks, or veggies!

Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Middle & Top Layers:

1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pepperoni slices (mini or chopped)
1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Dipping:

Breadsticks
Tortilla chips
Crackers
Garlic bread
Sliced bell peppers

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an oven-safe dish (9-inch pie dish or small casserole dish).
Prepare the base layer: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Add the pizza layers: Spread marinara sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Top with pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, and red pepper flakes (or any toppings you like).
Bake the dip: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden brown top (optional).

Serve & enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with breadsticks, crackers, or veggies for dipping!

Notes

Meaty Version: Add cooked crumbled sausage or bacon.
Veggie Lover’s: Add mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes.
Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey.
Make Ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.