This easy Pepperoni Dip with Cream Cheese is the ultimate game day appetizer—cheesy, creamy, and baked until warm and bubbly.
Game days are a big deal in our home. Each weekend we have friends and family over to enjoy various dips and appetizers. We've served Bruschetta Flatbread Pizza and Cast Iron Spinach Artichoke Dip the last couple of weeks, but they have nothing on this savory, cheesy Pepperoni Dip.
It took us a few tries to get this recipe just right, but it was worth it. Blending cream cheese with pizza sauce creates a rich, savory base that's perfectly creamy. It delivers all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza—just without the carbs.
Why We Love Pepperoni Dip with Cream Cheese
- It's SO easy to make and there's very little to no prep time. Dump the ingredients into a baking dish and bake. It's that simple.
- You get all the flavors of a pizza without the crust. It's the perfect low-carb, gluten-free snack.
- It's customizable. You can add in different flavors such as sausage, olives, bell peppers, and more.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Cream Cheese - Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor. Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the dish. Unlike recipes like my Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Dip, you won’t be stirring at the end since this dip has a cheesy layer on top you’ll want to keep intact.
Pizza Sauce - Your favorite store-bought pizza sauce will work great in this recipe. If you're using a homemade version, you'll need around 1.75 cups.
Pepperoni - We enjoy using mini pepperoni because there's no chopping necessary but we've used the cupping pepperoni, turkey pepperoni, and pepperoni bites. Each variation has been delicious.
Cheese - We use mozzarella but we've also tried it with half mozzarella and half parmesan which has taken the flavor a to a whole new level.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Pepperoni Dip with Cream Cheese In The Oven
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Add softened cream cheese, pizza sauce, and half the pepperoni in a small baking dish. Stir until the mixture is fully combined.
Step 3: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top in an even layer. Add the remaining pepperoni over the top evenly.
Step 4: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with your favorite chips or bread.
How to Make Pepperoni Dip with Cream Cheese In a Crock Pot
Step 1: Spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick spray. Then add the softened cream cheese, pizza sauce, and half the pepperoni in a small baking dish. Stir until the mixture is fully combined.
Step 2: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top in an even layer. Add the remaining pepperoni over the top evenly.
Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for about 1–2 hours, until the dip is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Switch to the WARM setting for serving.
Recipe Tips
- Many cheese dips are broiled for a crispy topping, but I don’t recommend it here since the pepperoni on top can burn easily. Broil only if the pepperoni is mixed into the dip.
- If you're using regular sized pepperoni, be sure to chop well to avoid big chunks in a single bite.
- Try adding garlic powder, italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for added flavor and spice.
Must Try Flavor Variations
Meat Lovers - Add crumbled sausage and crispy bacon for a meaty version.
Hawaiian - Try it with chopped ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.
Veggie - Add olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for a hearty and flavor packed variation.
Ways to Serve Pepperoni Dip with Cream Cheese
- Enjoy with tortilla chips, Turkish Flatbread, breadsticks, crackers, or garlic knots.
- Veggies like bell peppers, cucumber rounds, or sliced bell peppers make for an easy low carb option.
- You could also use it as a base in Pizza Stromboli or spoon onto a crostini for a small pizza snack.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warm and bubbly.
More Recipes To Try
If you tried this Pepperoni Dip with Cream Cheese or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Pepperoni Dip with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup Mozzarella
- ½ cup small pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
- To a baking dish, add your softened cream cheese, pizza sauce, half of the pepperoni slices, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Top with cheese and the remaining pepperoni slices
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly
Notes
- Don't broil unless the pepperoni is mixed into the dip.
- If you're using regular sized pepperoni, be sure to chop well to avoid big chunks in a single bite.
- Try adding garlic powder, italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for added flavor and spice.
Leave a Reply