Whenever friends or family drop by, a hot pizza dip is my go-to appetizer. It’s a warm, creamy blend of seasoned cream cheese, pizza sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings — everything you love about pizza in dip form.
While I enjoy pepperoni dip, sometimes I want something hot and cheesy that I can scoop with a breadstick or tortilla chip. This hot pizza dip delivers that familiar pizza flavor in a shareable, party-friendly dish.
With a bit of planning you can have this ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for game day, last-minute guests, or any casual gathering.
I usually keep the pantry staples on hand, so this recipe is my quick, last-minute option. It’s easy to customize and almost always disappears by the end of the night.
Customize the Ingredients
The best part of this dip is how adaptable it is. Add cooked ground sausage, sautéed mushrooms, onions, or any toppings you enjoy on pizza.
Start with a base of seasoned cream cheese spread in a microwave-safe pie plate or another shallow dish. Layer on shredded Italian blend or mozzarella, add toppings, and spoon pizza sauce over the cheese.
Finish with another layer of shredded cheese and more toppings. Heat until the cheese is melted and the dip is hot. You can use the microwave for speed, or bake in the oven for a slightly slower but equally delicious result.
Below are tips and step-by-step guidance to make the dip. The recipe is straightforward, and I often follow it as written, but feel free to make substitutions to suit your taste.
Hot Pizza Dip Recipe
*Specific measurements and a printable recipe card are included below. Read on for tips and techniques.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 3/4 cup Italian blend shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni, diced
- 1 can (8 ounces) pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
- Breadsticks or tortilla chips, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
This recipe is simple and quick, beginning with the cream cheese. Because the dip is heated, the cream cheese doesn’t need to be fully at room temperature — just softened slightly so you can blend in the seasoning.
To soften quickly: remove the cream cheese from its packaging and microwave it for about 10 seconds. If it isn’t soft enough, heat in 5-second increments until slightly softened but not mushy.
How to Mix the Base
Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Beat or stir for 2–3 minutes until well combined so every bite has that authentic pizza flavor.
Spread the seasoned cream cheese evenly in the bottom of a 9-inch microwavable pie plate or another shallow 8–9 inch microwave-safe dish.
Layer the Ingredients
Sprinkle half of the shredded Italian cheese over the cream cheese, then add half of the diced pepperoni to help ensure every bite has a bit of pepperoni.
Spoon the pizza sauce over that layer, then top with the remaining cheese and pepperoni. Finish with diced green pepper and sliced green onion. If you add mushrooms, sauté them briefly first so they’re fully cooked and flavorful after the quick heating.
Cook Time
Microwave the assembled dip, uncovered, on HIGH for 2–3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If your microwave doesn’t rotate, turn the dish a couple times while cooking to ensure even heating.
Carefully remove the dish and let it stand for 1–2 minutes before serving. This short rest cools the cheese slightly so it won’t burn your mouth and helps the dip set just enough for easy scooping.
Serve with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or breadsticks.
Other Pizza-Inspired Recipes
If you love pizza, here are more ideas to try: Pizza Rose Bites, Homemade Pizza Rolls, Air Fryer Pizza made with biscuit dough, Pizza Sticks, Pizza Casserole, Air Fryer Pizza Bombs, English Muffin Pizzas, Garlic Toast Pizza, Mexican Pizza, Instant Pot Pizza Casserole, Bubble Up Pizza Casserole, French Bread Pizza, Pizza Muffin Bites, Zucchini Pizza Boats, and Homemade Pizza Hot Pockets.
Enjoy! Mary
Follow My Facebook Page For Great Recipes! Make Your Meals Facebook Page
To receive three recipe articles in your inbox each week, sign up for the free email list found in the middle of each recipe, or email [email protected]. You can also follow the site on Facebook and Pinterest. This article may contain affiliate links that could earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Easy Hot Pizza Dip Recipe
A super easy cream cheese–based pizza dip that cooks in the microwave and is ready in under 15 minutes.
10 minutes
3 minutes
13 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 3/4 cup Italian blend shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni, diced
- 1 can (8 ounces) pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
- Breadsticks or tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and Italian seasoning until well blended. Spread the mixture in an ungreased 9-inch microwave-safe pie plate.
- Sprinkle half the shredded Italian cheese over the cream cheese, then add half of the diced pepperoni.
- Pour the pizza sauce over the top, then add the remaining cheese and pepperoni. Sprinkle with green pepper and sliced green onion.
- Microwave uncovered on high for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If your microwave doesn’t rotate, turn the dish a couple times during cooking. Let stand 1–2 minutes before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips, toasted baguettes, or breadsticks.
Notes
Recipe provided by Make Your Meals
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 120Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 265mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 6g
Nutritional information is a general guideline. Values vary based on product types and brands used.