We understand craving pizza but not wanting to drive to the closest pizza place. Our pizza dip recipe will give you the same satisfaction with all the cheesy sauciness your heart desires. We love that it's versatile enough to be used for almost anything, and we think you will, too.
Cheesy Pizza Dip Recipe
Make your kitchen smell like your favorite pizza joint when you make this yummy pizza dip. It makes approximately 4 to 5 cups. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to three days.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, separated
- 1 (14 or 16-ounce) jar pizza sauce or homemade marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup pitted Kalamata or sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 teaspoon parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spread the olive oil on the bottom and sides of a 8-inch round baking dish.
- Beat the cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of the Italian seasoning.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture in the baking dish.
- Pour pizza or marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the cheese and olives over the top.
- Add the other tablespoon of Italian seasoning and the teaspoon of parsley over the top of the sauce and cheese.
- Place in the oven until cheese is melted and bubbly, 5 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on the dip, because you don't want the cheese to burn.
- Allow the dip to rest for a few minutes before digging in.
Save your oven from the dip boiling over by placing the pan on a rimmed baking sheet. The sheet will catch any spills.
Tasty Variations
This is a versatile dip, so feel free to switch things up.
- Add ¼ to ½ cup of cooked, crumbled sausage or mini pepperonis to the top of the dip before baking.
- Replace the Italian seasoning in the cream cheese layer. Mix ½ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Sauté 2 tablespoons of chopped onions with ¼ cup of sliced mushrooms and add to the dip before baking. Mix in the cheese or layer on top.
- Use equal parts mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses instead of only mozzarella.
Dipping Suggestions for Parties
While breadsticks might be your first choice for dipping, they aren't the only option. If you're throwing a gathering or party, try serving this dip with these sides.
- Thinly sliced garlic bread
- Pita bread
- Baguette slices (toasted or fresh)
- Baked pepperoni chips or salami crisps
- Sliced red or green peppers
- Parmesan crackers
- Veggies (cucumbers, carrots, celery)
- Chips (bagel chips, pita crackers, etc.)
Make Pizza Dip Your Go-To Snack
Whether your veggie cravings are kicking in or you're looking for a small snack to munch on, this pizza dip is perfect for almost everything — and we mean everything. This sauce will quickly become your go-to. You can pack it in your lunch, for your next road trip, or even whip it up for movie night.
