This hot pizza dip is ready in 20 minutes and is so easy to make. It gives you the perfect pizza experience without a crust!
When it comes to party appetizers, easy is the way to go, and this recipe fits the bill. Spinach artichoke dip is delicious but requires some prep work. Here, you simply layer cheeses, tomato sauce, and toppings, then melt everything in the oven. Much like sour cream dip and cream cheese dip, it's a forgiving recipe, so you can change the ingredients according to what you have.
Ingredients and Substitutions
See the recipe card for exact measurements. Here are my comments on the ingredients.
- Cream cheese: It's best to use full-fat cream cheese. Mascarpone is a good substitute.
- Spices: I use oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Pizza sauce: My favorite brand is Rao's. It has no added sugar and is delicious.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Another cheese that works well is provolone.
- Toppings: I use pepperoni.
Instructions
The detailed instructions and step-by-step photos are included in the recipe card. Here's a quick overview.
Soften the cream cheese in the microwave. Mix in the spices. Mix them well so that they are evenly distributed.
Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a baking dish. Top it with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and toppings.
Bake the dip in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, until it is heated through and the cheese is melted. Serve with dippers such as pork rinds and raw veggies.
Recipe FAQs
Any 1-quart ceramic or glass baking dish will work, but I almost always use a ceramic 9-inch pie plate. There's no need to grease the pan.
The toppings can be whatever you want them to be. Pepperoni is a classic, but I often use Spanish chorizo instead. Olives, anchovies, sautéed mushrooms, and sliced bell peppers are all delicious and work well as toppings.
Yes. Although marinara sauce intended for pasta is usually more watery and chunkier than pizza sauce, you can use it in this recipe, especially if you use Rao's marinara sauce, which tends to be fairly thick.
If you have any leftovers, you can keep them in the baking dish and allow them to cool. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap as shown in the image below and place it in the fridge.
The leftovers will keep this way for up to 4 days. When it's time to reheat them, remove the plastic wrap and reheat them in the microwave at 50% power until the cheese is fully melted.
Serving Suggestions
A perfect party appetizer, this dip is a crowd-pleaser even when served with fresh-cut veggies rather than bread or crackers. So, I usually serve it with vegetables for scooping. Mini peppers, celery, cauliflower, and broccoli florets are especially good.
Other tasty dipper options include any of the following:
Recipe Card
20-Minute Hot Pizza Dip
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese - cubed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 4 ounces
Toppings:
- 1 ounce pepperoni slices - or your favorite toppings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the cream cheese in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds to soften. Mix in the oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer the mixture to a ceramic or glass 1-quart baking dish (such as a 9-inch pie plate). Spread it evenly with a rubber spatula.
- Spread the pizza sauce on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella on top, then add your toppings.
- Bake the dip until the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Notes
- Any 1-quart ceramic or glass baking dish will work in this recipe, but I almost always use a ceramic 9-inch pie plate. There's no need to grease the pan.
- If you have any leftovers, you can keep them in the baking dish and allow them to cool. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. The leftovers will keep this way for up to 4 days. When it's time to reheat them, remove the plastic wrap and reheat them in the microwave at 50% power until the cheese is fully melted.
Nutrition per Serving
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Disclaimers
Most recipes are low-carb and gluten-free, but some are not. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate. Please verify it independently. The carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Please read these Terms of Use before using any of my recipes.
