Cheesy goodness is the name of the game with this Baked Pepperoni Dip. All the familiar flavors of pepperoni pizza—ooey-gooey cheese, zesty sauce and crispy pepperoni—come together in an easy, baked appetizer that’s perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, movie night or a casual weeknight treat.
This recipe uses just a few ingredients and is quick to assemble. It bakes into a warm, shareable dip that pairs well with chips, bread or pita. Simple, comforting and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why you’ll love this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Dip recipe
This baked pepperoni dip captures all the favorite pizza flavors in an easy-to-eat format. It’s layered, melty and satisfying—featuring a creamy base, bright tomato sauce, plenty of mozzarella and pepperoni that crisps around the edges. It takes only minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to bake, so it’s ideal when you need a fast, flavorful appetizer.
The layered structure keeps flavors distinct while still combining into a cohesive, dippable pizza experience. Serve it warm and bubbly for maximum appeal.
Ingredients in pizza dip
- Brick-style cream cheese — use the block (not the spreadable tub). Full-fat gives the richest texture, but low-fat (Neufchâtel) works too. Soften to room temperature for easy spreading.
- Pizza sauce — store-bought or homemade both work.
- Sliced pepperoni — slice into quarters or use mini pepperoni so the pieces are bite-sized.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese — gives that classic melted pizza pull.
- Fresh parsley — optional, for a bright garnish.
How to make easy pepperoni dip
Step 1: Spread the cream cheese.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Use a small casserole dish or a 9-inch pie plate. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step 2: Layer the remaining ingredients.
Spread the pizza sauce over the cream cheese. Scatter half the pepperoni over the sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella. Finish with the remaining pepperoni.
Step 3: Bake until bubbly.
Bake 15–20 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and the edges are bubbling. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Let cool slightly before serving to avoid burning from the hot cheese.
Tips
To avoid double-dipping at parties, consider making individual servings in small ramekins. Softening the cream cheese to room temperature makes spreading much easier.
Variations
Customize this dip by adding your favorite pizza toppings: sliced black olives, diced red onion, roasted peppers or fresh basil. Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have pizza sauce, use marinara or plain tomato sauce with a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Finish with grated Parmesan for added depth.
What to serve with pepperoni dip
This dip is delicious with pita chips, tortilla chips, baguette slices, breadsticks or crackers. It also pairs well with fresh vegetable sticks for a lighter option.
More warm dip recipes
Try other baked dips for game day or gatherings—hot taco-style dips and jalapeño popper dips are crowd favorites that deliver warm, melty flavor.
Other delicious appetizers
For a similar snack vibe, consider soft pretzel bites, make-ahead holiday appetizers or crispy buffalo cauliflower bites.
If you make this pepperoni cheese dip, come back and leave a comment or rating to let others know how it turned out.
Recipe
Baked Pepperoni Dip
Deanne Frieders | This Farm Girl Cooks
Ingredients
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 14 ounces pizza sauce
- 6 ounces pepperoni slices cut into quarters
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Method
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Use a small baking dish or a 9-inch pie plate. Evenly spread the softened cream cheese on the bottom of the dish.
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Spread pizza sauce over the cream cheese. Add half the pepperoni, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Top with the remaining pepperoni.
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Bake 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges bubble. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
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Serve warm with pita chips, tortilla chips, baguette slices or crackers.
Farm Girl Tips
Nutrition
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