This easy pepperoni dip recipe is made by layering cream cheese, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and pizza sauce, then baking it until it all melts together into an ooey, gooey, melty blend of cheeses and flavor. Cover with crispy pepperoni pieces and serve with sweet and savory Hawaiian roll crostini for a soft, buttery flavor. It's seriously good, takes almost no effort to make, and is always a huge hit at any party. It's about to be a new family favorite!
I don’t know about you but to me, there are few things better than pizza, and other foods that taste like pizza! It’s probably the world’s most perfect food.
For this recipe, I’ve taken all of the most recognizable flavors and added them to a cream cheese dip to enjoy with crispy crostini made out of King’s Hawaiian Roll.
Of course you could use any type of crostini or cracker to dip, but the sweetness that the Hawaiian Roll lends is a perfect complement to the flavors of the pizza dip and provides you with that pizza crust feel.
It's truly the perfect appetizer for game day, tailgating, or any dinner party, and has all those classic pizza flavors the whole family enjoys (even the kids). Plus, it's customizable, so you can make it with any of your favorite toppings, too. What's not to love?
We're slightly obsessed with pepperoni pizza here, and who wouldn't be? If you feel the same way, take a deep dive into some of my other recipes, like these Stuffed Pepperoni Sticks or these bite-sized Pizza Biscuit Cups.
Why you’ve got to try this Hot Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe
- Comes together quickly in the oven, so no fancy equipment required
- Classic pepperoni pizza flavor with tender bread that tastes and feels like pizza crust
- Family-friendly flavors you know everyone will devour
- Makes a big batch, so you can really feed a crowd
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
Equipment
To make this cheesy pepperoni dip, you really just need a skillet and a baking sheet. If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, try using an 8 or 9-inch pie plate instead. It also helps to have a little extra foil to crisp up the pepperoni, too.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese - This is the perfect base for the dip because its creamy and tangy, and softens nicely in the oven.
- Shredded Mozzarella cheese - For all that melty cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese - To add extra flavor. Use the real stuff, not the powdered cheese from the jar.
- Pizza Sauce - Use whichever brand you prefer. In a pinch, you can also use marinara sauce, but pizza sauce has a bolder tomato flavor.
- Pepperoni slices - I actually bake these in the oven first to help them crisp up for extra crunch.
- Fresh herbs - Garnish with some fresh basil or parsley.
- King's Hawaiian Roll Crostini - This we'll make ourselves with sweet rolls, olive oil, and garlic seasoning.
For easy clean-up, it can help to spray the pan with cooking spray.
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How to Make Oven-Baked Pepperoni Pizza Dip
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Fold tin foil into a small boat and spread the pepperonis.
- In an 8" skillet, spread an even layer of cream cheese as the base of the pizza dip.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the cream cheese.
- Pour a generous amount of pizza sauce over the cheese layers, ensuring even coverage.
- Add the remaining shredded mozzarella on top, creating a second layer.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the entire surface.
- Add a layer of pepperoni, if desired.
- Bake the pizza dip and foil package of pepperoni slips in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. When done, the pepperoni will be crispy and curled up and the cheese dip will be bubbly and golden.
- Once out of the oven, garnish the pizza dip with fresh basil and crispy pepperoni for an extra kick of flavor and texture.
- Serve warm with Hawaiian roll crostini and enjoy!
TIP - Cook everything at the same time! This expedites the process and gets you eating faster.
Storing Suggestions
Due to all the cheese, this hot pizza dip tastes best warm from the oven. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, either microwave in 30 second intervals or pop it back in the oven or air fryer until melty.
Tips & Variations
- Add your favorite toppings. Just like regular pizza, you can easily add all your favorite pizza toppings, like black olives, green peppers, sausage, and more.
- Get creative with garnishes. In addition to the fresh basil, this cheesy dip is also great with a drizzle of hot honey for that sweet and savory flavor. Add some red pepper flakes, too.
- Season the cream cheese. Since the cheeses and pepperoni are so flavorful, you really don't need to mess with seasonings. But if you want to, you can stir some spices into the softened cream cheese mixture, like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and more.
How to Serve
This easy pepperoni dip is the perfect party appetizer and makes a great option for football season, tailgating, game night, and much more. I like to serve it with the homemade crostini, but if you're in a rush, you can use some store-bought options, instead. Try it with pita chips, tortilla chips, baguette slices, or even bread sticks!
It goes well with many of my other appetizers, too, like this Smoked Poutine Dip or Dr. Pepper Lil Smokies.
FAQs
Can you add pepperoni between the layers of cheese?
Technically, yes, but this will soften the pepperoni and release the oils. This can actually make the cheesy dip turn out a little too oily and heavy. I prefer to add the crispy pepperoni slices on top since this adds a nice texture and crunch.
Do you have to use pepperoni?
Nope! Just like regular pizza, you can top this creamy dip with whichever toppings you prefer. I like it with savory options, like pepperoni or sausage, but you could also add roasted red peppers, bell peppers, or any of your go-to veggie toppings.
Can you make pepperoni pizza dip ahead of time?
You can assemble the layers in the skillet the day before, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Right before serving, remove the plastic and bake like normal.
More Pizza-Themed Recipes
- Stuffed Pizza Biscuits
- Garlic Bread Texas Toast Pizza
- French Bread Pizza
- Pepperoni Pizza Bites
- Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread
Let's get cooking!
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Baked Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 8 oz Shredded Mozzarella divided into 2 layers
- 4 tablespoon Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Pizza Sauce enough to cover, amount may vary
- 6 oz Pepperoni
- 5 leaves Fresh basil for garnish
King's Hawaiian Roll Crostini
- 6 King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- Olive Oil
- Garlic Seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Fold tin foil into a small boat and spread the pepperonis.
- In an 8" skillet, spread an even layer of cream cheese as the base of the pizza dip.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the cream cheese.
- Pour a generous amount of pizza sauce over the cheese layers, ensuring even coverage.
- Add the remaining shredded mozzarella on top, creating a second layer.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the entire surface.
- Add a layer of pepperoni, if desired.
- Bake the pizza dip and foil package of pepperoni slips in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. When done, the pepperoni will be crispy and curled up and the cheese dip will be bubbly and golden.
- Once out of the oven, garnish the pizza dip with fresh basil and crispy pepperoni for an extra kick of flavor and texture.
- Serve warm with Hawaiian roll crostini and enjoy!
Holly Walter says
delicious
Danny Dobrzenski says
Thank you!