So easy it’s funny, this delicious pizza dip recipe gives you a perfect keto pizza experience, without the added carbs, gluten and calories from the pizza crust.
When it comes to party appetizers, easy is the way to go. And this pizza dip recipe is so easy it’s funny.
Can I even call it a pizza dip recipe? Layering cheese, tomato sauce, and toppings, then melting everything in the oven is hardly a recipe. And indeed, this pizza dip recipe is very forgiving.
What cheese to use in this pizza dip recipe?
Use whatever cheese you like! You can use mascarpone instead of cream cheese, for example, and I dare say whole milk ricotta would work as well. As for the shredded cheese, mozzarella works well of course, but so do provolone, fontina, and Parmesan.
What toppings to use?
Obviously, the toppings can be whatever you want them to be. Pepperoni is a classic, but I often use Spanish chorizo instead. Olives, mushrooms and bell peppers are all healthy and tasty and work well as toppings.
What to serve with this keto pizza dip?
This delicious hot pizza dip gives you a pizza-like experience, without the added carbs and calories from the crust. A perfect party appetizer, and a crowd-pleaser even when served with fresh-cut veggies rather than bread or crackers. So I usually serve this pizza dip with fresh-cut veggies for scooping. Celery, cauliflower and broccoli florets are especially good.
Is this a healthy recipe?
If you’re on a keto diet, you already know that this pizza dip is perfect for you. But even for someone who doesn’t eat low carb, sparing yourself the wheat flour pizza crust is a very good idea indeed. As for the cheeses, happily, current research says that for most healthy people, cheese is harmless.
However, to make this dip as healthy as possible, you might want to forego the pepperoni (processed meats are not the best choice) and use vegetables such as olives, mushrooms, and sliced bell peppers.
More pizza-inspired recipes
Another great pizza-inspired appetizer is pizza mini bell peppers. And pizza stuffed mushrooms are so easy to make and so delicious!
Hot Pizza Dip
INGREDIENTS
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (Rao's is great)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)
Toppings:
- 1 oz black pitted olives, sliced
- 1 oz Spanish chorizo, very thinly sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the cream cheese in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds to soften. Mix in the oregano, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Transfer the mixture to a 1-quart baking dish (such as a 9-inch pie plate). Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Spread the pizza sauce on top of the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with the red pepper flakes.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella on top, then add your toppings.
- Bake 15 minutes, until cheese is melted. If you want it browned, place for an additional couple of minutes under the broiler (make sure your baking dish is broiler-safe). Serve with fresh cut veggies and pork rinds for dipping.
