Pepperoni Pizza Dip: The Ultimate Easy Hot Pizza Dip Recipe (Microwave or Oven!)

Craving the flavors of your favorite pepperoni pizza but want something dippable, shareable, and incredibly easy to make? This pepperoni pizza dip is exactly what you need! This creamy, cheesy easy pizza dip recipe combines all the classic pizza toppings – tangy cream cheese, melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni – into one irresistible hot appetizer. Best of all, you can make this hot pizza dip in the microwave in just minutes for a quick snack or bake it in the oven for that perfect golden, bubbly finish. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, holidays, or cozy nights in!

This pepperoni pizza dip has become a staple in many homes because it captures the essence of pizza without the fuss of dough or delivery. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, need a fast after-school snack, or want a fun family appetizer, this easy pizza dip recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The best part? You have two cooking options: the super-fast microwave pizza dip method when you’re short on time, or the oven baked pizza dip version for extra crispiness and that restaurant-quality look.

Perfect for dipping with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies, this hot pizza dip is versatile, customizable, and always a hit. Kids love it, adults devour it, and it disappears fast every single time!

Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni Pizza Dip

There are so many reasons this easy pizza dip recipe stands out from the crowd:

  • Incredibly Quick: Microwave version ready in under 10 minutes!
  • Two Cooking Methods: Choose microwave for speed or oven for that perfect bubbly top.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: All the taste of pepperoni pizza in dippable form.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and heat when ready to serve.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings easily.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.

This hot pizza dip is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, tailgates, or movie nights. It’s one of those recipes that people beg you to make again and again!

Ingredients

This pepperoni pizza dip comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • ½ cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped regular pepperoni
  • Additional mini pepperoni and dried oregano for topping

These ingredients make about 8-10 servings as an appetizer – perfect for sharing!

Instructions

You have two easy methods to make this pepperoni pizza dip. Choose based on your time and desired texture!

Microwave Method (Quick Version):

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined.
  2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a microwave-safe 9-inch pie plate or similar shallow dish.
  3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  4. Sprinkle ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
  5. Top with mini pepperoni slices.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan on top, plus extra pepperoni for garnish.
  7. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Check at 3 minutes and continue in 30-second intervals if needed.
  8. Let stand for 2 minutes before serving (it will be very hot!). Garnish with a sprinkle of oregano.

Oven Method (Baked Version):

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  3. Spread the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish or 9-inch pie plate.
  4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the top.
  5. Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.
  6. Arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese.
  7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, plus extra pepperoni.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown on top.
  9. For extra crispy pepperoni, broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!).
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve your hot pizza dip warm with your favorite dippers!

Best Dippers for Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Make your easy pizza dip recipe even more fun with these dipping options:

  • Toasted baguette slices or crostini
  • Tortilla chips or pita chips
  • Garlic bread bites
  • Crackers (Ritz or wheat thins work great)
  • Veggie sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
  • Breadsticks or soft pretzels
  • Bagel chips

Tips for the Perfect Hot Pizza Dip

  • Soften cream cheese properly for smooth mixing – leave at room temperature for 30-60 minutes or microwave briefly.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the richest, creamiest texture.
  • Mini pepperoni works best as it crisps up nicely, but regular pepperoni chopped small is fine too.
  • For extra flavor, mix some pepperoni into the cream cheese layer.
  • Don’t overcook in the microwave – the dip continues to heat after removal.
  • Make it ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then heat when ready.
  • Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Delicious Variations

Customize your pepperoni pizza dip to suit any taste:

  • Supreme Pizza Dip: Add diced bell peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms.
  • Meat Lovers: Include cooked sausage and bacon with the pepperoni.
  • Veggie Pizza Dip: Skip pepperoni and load up on veggies.
  • Spicy Version: Add jalapeños and extra red pepper flakes.
  • Four Cheese: Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan.
  • Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip: Swap pepperoni for shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This microwave pizza dip or oven baked pizza dip shines in many settings:

  • Game day spread with wings and nachos
  • Holiday appetizer table
  • Movie night snack platter
  • Potluck contribution (transport assembled and bake on-site)
  • Kids’ party food (they love the pizza flavor!)

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Not recommended as dairy separates when frozen.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the dip up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time if starting cold.
  • Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds or bake the whole dish at 350°F until hot.

Why This is the Best Easy Pizza Dip Recipe

Countless pepperoni pizza dip recipes exist, but this one stands out for its perfect balance of creamy base, tangy sauce, melty cheese, and crispy pepperoni topping. The dual cooking methods make it incredibly versatile – perfect for when you need something fast (microwave) or want that impressive baked presentation (oven).

The flavor is spot-on pizza perfection, and the texture contrast between the creamy layers and crispy pepperoni is addictive. It’s simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress guests.

Ready to make the best hot pizza dip of your life? This pepperoni pizza dip will become your new go-to appetizer – guaranteed!

Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Creamy, cheesy hot pizza dip loaded with pepperoni and classic pizza flavors – make it in the microwave or oven!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Oven method 20 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Cream Cheese Layer
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp dried basil
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp onion powder
  • 0.125 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Toppings
  • 0.5 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 0.5 cup mini pepperoni slices

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Microwave-safe dish or baking dish
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  2. Spread mixture in microwave-safe dish or baking dish.
  3. Top with pizza sauce.
  4. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Add pepperoni slices.
  6. Top with remaining cheeses and extra pepperoni.
  7. Microwave method: Heat 3-5 minutes until bubbly. Oven method: Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.
  8. Let stand a few minutes, then serve warm with dippers.

Notes

Microwave for quick prep or oven for crispy top. Serve with breadsticks, chips, or veggies.