Hot Pizza Dip: A Cheesy, Flavorful Delight

Hot Pizza Dip is the perfect appetizer for pizza lovers and anyone craving a savory, cheesy snack. Packed with classic pizza flavors, this warm dip combines the richness of cream cheese, the meltiness of mozzarella, and the tang of pizza sauce, all topped with fresh veggies. Serve it with breadsticks or tortilla chips for the ultimate comfort food experience.

If you’re looking for more fun and easy dip recipes, check out The Best Dip Recipes for more ideas or Food Network’s Dip Collection for a variety of tasty options.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Hot Pizza Dip Recipe: A Cheesy, Savory Appetizer

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Hot Pizza Dip is a warm, cheesy, and savory appetizer that captures all the flavors of pizza in a dip form. With a creamy base of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, topped with zesty pizza sauce, green peppers, and green onions, it’s perfect for dipping with breadsticks or tortilla chips. It’s an irresistible dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 can (8 ounces) pizza sauce
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
Breadsticks or tortilla chips for dipping

Instructions

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (about 9×9 inches or equivalent).
Prepare the dip base:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Assemble the dip:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the pizza sauce over the top, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the chopped green pepper and sliced green onions on top of the sauce.
Bake the dip:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
Serve:
Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with breadsticks or tortilla chips for dipping.

Notes

You can customize this dip by adding your favorite pizza toppings such as sliced pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or sausage.
If you want a spicier version, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a few jalapeño slices on top before baking.
This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of dip
Calories: 180
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Hot Pizza Dip Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:

The foundation of this dip begins with the cream cheese. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a medium-sized mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese. For the best consistency, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. Add the Italian seasoning into the bowl and mix thoroughly with a spatula or spoon until the seasoning is fully incorporated into the cream cheese. The smooth, creamy texture of the cream cheese will act as the base for the dip.

2. Layer the Ingredients:

Once the cream cheese mixture is ready, transfer it into a shallow, oven-safe dish. A 9-inch pie plate works well for this recipe. Use the back of your spoon to smooth the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. This will ensure that the cream cheese creates a solid, creamy foundation for the pizza dip.

Next, spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture. Follow with the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even distribution of both cheeses. Then, take the pizza sauce and drizzle it evenly on top of the cheese layer. Use a spoon to gently spread the sauce across the top of the cheeses. The pizza sauce will give the dip that familiar, tangy pizza flavor that we all love.

3. Add Fresh Veggies:

One of the best parts of this dip is the addition of fresh vegetables. Finely chop the green pepper into small pieces, and add them on top of the pizza sauce. Then, slice the green onion thinly and sprinkle it over the green pepper. These vegetables add not only a fresh crunch but also a burst of flavor to balance the richness of the cream cheese and mozzarella.

4. Bake the Dip:

Now that your layers are complete, it’s time to bake the dip. Place the assembled dip into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese has melted and become bubbly and the top is slightly golden. This baking time will give the dip a nice golden crust and make sure everything is thoroughly heated and combined.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once your Hot Pizza Dip is finished baking, take it out of the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving to prevent burning your tongue on the hot cheese! Serve it with breadsticks or tortilla chips for dipping. The warm, cheesy dip is perfect for dipping and sharing with friends and family. You can even serve it alongside some veggie sticks if you prefer a lighter option.

Advanced Techniques

Add Extra Toppings for More Flavor:

While the basic recipe is delicious as is, there’s always room for creativity. Feel free to experiment with additional toppings to make your Hot Pizza Dip even more indulgent.

Pepperoni: Adding some sliced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage can bring that classic pizza flavor to the dip. Layer the sliced meats on top of the cheese before baking for extra flavor and a meaty texture.
Mushrooms: For a more earthy twist, consider adding sliced mushrooms to the dip. The mushrooms will soak up some of the pizza sauce and enhance the overall flavor profile. If you want a more refined taste, you can sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the dip.
Olives: Adding sliced black or green olives can provide a briny contrast to the richness of the cheeses. This Mediterranean twist will make your dip even more flavorful.

Make It Spicy:

If you like heat, add a bit of spiciness to the dip by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños. You can either sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes on top of the sauce layer or add chopped jalapeños for a zesty kick. Adjust the spice level to your liking to make this dip as hot as you prefer.

Grilled Version:

For a smoky flavor, try grilling the dip instead of baking it in the oven. Grill it on indirect heat in a grill-safe dish. The indirect heat will add a touch of char and create a more rustic flavor. Keep an eye on the dip to avoid burning it, and make sure the cheese is fully melted before serving.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storage:

If you have leftover Hot Pizza Dip (though it’s unlikely!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the dip to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. It can be kept for up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure the dip is properly sealed to prevent it from absorbing any other odors from the fridge.

Reheating:

To reheat leftover Hot Pizza Dip, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly again. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Reheating in the oven is recommended to preserve the texture and ensure that the cheese melts evenly.

Freezing:

You can freeze Hot Pizza Dip for longer storage. To do this, allow the dip to cool completely after preparing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The dip can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version:

To make Hot Pizza Dip gluten-free, serve it with gluten-free breadsticks or tortilla chips. Ensure that all the ingredients, such as the pizza sauce and seasonings, are gluten-free as well. Always double-check the labels of any packaged ingredients to avoid hidden gluten.

Vegan Version:

If you need a vegan version of Hot Pizza Dip, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative like vegan cream cheese or cashew cream. Use dairy-free mozzarella and vegan Parmesan as well. Make sure the pizza sauce and all other ingredients are vegan-friendly by checking the labels.

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly Version:

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, you can serve the dip with celery sticks, cucumber slices, or low-carb crackers instead of breadsticks or tortilla chips. Make sure all your ingredients, such as the pizza sauce and cheese, are compatible with a keto diet. Some pizza sauces can be high in sugar, so look for a low-sugar or sugar-free alternative.

FAQs About Hot Pizza Dip

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the dip in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, simply bake as directed.

2. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! This dip is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables. You can add mushrooms, spinach, olives, or even zucchini. Just chop them finely so they blend well with the other ingredients and bake as usual.

3. Can I use other cheeses?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dip. A mixture of cheeses can create a richer, more complex taste.

4. How spicy is this dip?

The base of the dip itself is not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to increase the spice level. Add to taste, depending on how much heat you enjoy.

5. What can I serve this dip with?

This dip pairs wonderfully with breadsticks, tortilla chips, vegetable sticks (such as carrots and celery), or crackers. You can also serve it with grilled pita or baguette slices for an elegant touch.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Hot Pizza Dip is an irresistible appetizer that captures all the best flavors of pizza in a warm, creamy dip. With a simple base of cream cheese, mozzarella, and pizza sauce, it’s a comforting dish that’s sure to be a crowd favorite at your next gathering. Plus, it’s versatile enough for you to get creative with toppings, whether you prefer a spicy kick or extra veggies. Serve it alongside breadsticks or tortilla chips, and you’ve got yourself the perfect appetizer for any occasion!