Pizza Dip
If you’re feeding a hungry crowd for game day, this hot pizza dip needs a spot on your menu! It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it serves up some serious football party energy. You start with a creamy garlic-herb base, layer on marinara, pile on the cheese, add plenty of pepperoni, and bake it until it’s bubbling and golden.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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It’s served hot and melty — the ultimate game day comfort food
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Takes just a few minutes of prep and bakes beautifully and bubbly
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Total crowd pleaser (I’ve made this tons of time and it’s always ones of the first things to disappear from the table!)
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Easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings (I like a little pineapple on top, but you do you)
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Perfect for football parties, holidays, or any time you need something snacky and fun!
Ingredients
Please note that you’ll find your printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!
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Cream cheese, softened: Gives the dip that ultra-creamy, scoopable base that everyone loves.
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Sour cream: Lightens the cream cheese and adds a little tang so the dip isn’t too heavy.
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Garlic powder: Brings that classic pizza-shop flavor without overpowering anything.
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Italian seasoning: Adds a mix of herbs that makes the whole dip smell amazing while it bakes.
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Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for gentle heat — add more if you like things spicy.
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Marinara sauce: Keep it simple with your favorite jarred sauce; it gives the dip that true “pizza” flavor.
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Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and sharpness to balance the creamy base.
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Shredded mozzarella: The melty, stretchy layer on top — essential for that pizza pull.
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Pepperoni slices: Crisps up in the oven and makes the dip feel like a true crowd-pleasing pizza moment.
How To Make Pizza Dip
- Lightly spray a pie dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until it’s smooth and fluffy. Spread that mixture into the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon the marinara over the top.
- Sprinkle on the mozzarella and Parmesan, and finish with a generous layer of pepperoni.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until it’s bubbling around the edges and the top looks golden in spots.
- Serve warm with crusty bread, pita chips, or whatever you like!
Recipe Notes
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Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened. It mixes so much smoother and gives you the best possible texture for your base.
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Use a good marinara you actually like. The flavor really comes through in a simple dip like this!
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If you want the pepperoni to get extra crispy, cut the slices into quarters so more edges can curl and brown.
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You can easily double this and bake it in a larger dish if you’re feeding a crowd.
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Let the dip sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly and doesn’t slide off your bread the second you scoop.
Variations
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Swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage, bacon, or mini meatballs if you like.
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Add chopped bell peppers, onions, olives, or mushrooms to make it taste like your favorite pizza order.
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Use a spicy marinara or arrabbiata sauce if you like a little kick.
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Try it with a blend of Italian cheeses (asiago, provolone, romano) for extra richness.
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Want a little sweetness? Add a few chopped pineapple pieces. Controversial but I think this tastes really good!
Serving Ideas
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Set it out with a big pile of toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or garlic bread. Anything sturdy enough to scoop up that cheesy goodness works really well!
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Pretzel bites are so good with this and feel very “watching football on the couch” in the best possible way.
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Add veggies like bell pepper strips or celery if you want a lighter option on the table.
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Serve it right alongside wings, sliders, or any of your usual game-day snacks to round out the spread.
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If you want to make it feel more like a “pizza bar,” offer toppings on the side, like extra pepperoni, olives, and red pepper flakes, and let people load up their own scoops.
Pizza Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 slices pepperoni
Instructions
- Lightly spray a pie dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until it’s smooth and fluffy. Spread that mixture into the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon the marinara over the top, sprinkle on the mozzarella and Parmesan, and finish with a generous layer of pepperoni.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until it’s bubbling around the edges and the top looks golden in spots.
- Serve warm with crusty bread, pita chips, or whatever you like!
This one’s super simple to prep, and it’s always such a winner for game day gatherings! Serve it warm with your favorite dippers, and I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. If you try it, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. You can also tag me in your pics on Instagram @slimmingviolet.
