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• My Cheesy Pizza Dip Recipe Is Perfect For Your Party
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Pizza Dip
• My Recipe Tips
• Pizza Dip (Easy Party Recipe) Recipe card
• Recipe Variations
• Serving Ideas
• Recipe Reviews

My Cheesy Pizza Dip Recipe Is Perfect For Your Party

I didn’t set out to make a pizza dip , but after too many nights dipping veggies into my pizza casserole or pizza bowl , this recipe practically created itself. It’s extra creamy, layered with marinara, gooey cheese, and plenty of pepperoni. Basically a simpler, cheesier crustless pizza , and perfect for scooping. Here’s why this pizza dip recipe has become one of my easiest, most-requested appetizers:

• Creamy, cheesy, bubbly layers – I use three cheeses for the perfect bite. Cream cheese for smoothness, mozzarella for stretch, and parmesan for that salty, golden top.
• Quick and easy – My pizza dip is ready in under 30 minutes with just 6 simple ingredients I usually have on hand.
• Always a party hit – I’ve made this for parties, holidays, even a random Tuesday movie night. It never lasts long, and someone always asks me how to make it.
• Endless customization options – There are so many ways to switch it up. You can change the sauce, add veggies or protein, or play with the cheese. Check out my variations to make it your own.

If you love pizza and need an easy app everyone will love at your party, this one’s for you. Make this cheesy pepperoni pizza dip with me and see why it always disappears!

“My family loved this for football game day! It was so easy and tasted like our favorite pizza!”

-Addison

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my pizza dip recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Cheese – I used 3 types of cheese for this pizza dip recipe. Mozzarella gives it that classic stretchy melt, parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite, and cream cheese makes it super creamy and scoopable. You can mix it up with other melty cheeses too. Provolone, Monterey jack, or even cheddar cheese all work if that’s what you have.
• Pepperoni – I used regular slices, but turkey pepperoni or the mini ones work great, too. I chop half of it to mix into the dip and leave the rest whole on top, so it looks like pizza. See my variations below for more filling and topping ideas!
• Marinara Sauce – You can use my homemade marinara , pizza sauce , or any sauce you love. Just choose one you’d enjoy on an actual pizza. If you love garlic and your sauce isn’t very garlicky, add 2 cloves of minced garlic or 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder .
• Italian Seasoning – I used my homemade seasoning blend , but any store-bought one will do the trick. You could also use individual herbs, like dried oregano or basil.

How To Make Pizza Dip

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Mix the cream cheese base. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the parmesan, Italian seasoning, and chopped pepperoni. Scoop the mixture into your baking dish and spread it out evenly. I use a small one so the layers stay nice and thick.
2. Add marinara. Pour the marinara sauce over the cream cheese mixture and spread gently.
3. Add toppings. Sprinkle mozzarella on top, then add more pepperoni slices. I leave the ones here whole, so it really looks and tastes like pizza.
4. Bake. Pop the pizza dip in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve it hot with tortilla chips or fresh veggies!

My Recipe Tips

• Softened cream cheese mixes a lot more easily. I usually let it sit out for 30 minutes. If you forget, you can microwave it for 10-20 seconds until it’s easy to mash and stir.
• For the layer inside the dip, I like to chop the pepperoni pretty fine, around 1/4-inch pieces. Bigger chunks tend to clump and don’t spread as well, which makes the flavor less even.
• I find it helpful to add the marinara in dollops. That way I don’t have to spread it too far and it doesn’t mix with the cream cheese layer too much.
• The cheese should be bubbly and just starting to brown when it’s done. If you leave it in too long, the oils can separate and make it greasy. I usually start checking around the 12-minute mark.
• This isn’t a full casserole-sized appetizer. I like to use a smaller baking dish like this one , so the layers stay extra thick and cheesy. If you’re doubling the recipe for a crowd, try something closer to an this size to keep the proportions right.
• Can you make pizza dip in the Crock Pot? Yes! Use a mini Crock Pot like this (it’s the same one I use for slow cooker queso ) and layer everything the same way, then cook on Low until melty. I love this option for parties because I can keep the dip hot on the Warm setting.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 8 oz Cream cheese (softened) ▢
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded) ▢
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning ▢
• 4 oz Pepperoni (divided; half of them chopped finely) ▢
• 3/4 cup Marinara sauce ▢
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. In a medium or large bowl, mix softened cream cheese with shredded parmesan, Italian seasoning, and 2 ounces finely chopped pepperoni slices. Spread this mixture in the base of a small baking dish ( this one is the perfect size) .
3. Pour the marinara sauce evenly on top of the cream cheese.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the marinara and top with the remaining 2 ounces of pepperoni slices (whole this time).
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes , until the cheese is bubbly.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1/4 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture and make this pizza dip recipe easy.
• Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations below! They’re a fun way to change up the flavor or use whatever you already have on hand.
• Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Meal prep: You can assemble this dip up to 3 days ahead. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Reheat: Warm it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Freeze: Let it cool, then wrap it up in plastic or a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Fall Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Pizza Dip Recipe

Recipe Variations

If you’ve got favorite pizza toppings, this is the perfect excuse to toss them in. Here are a few of my favorite ways to change it up:

• Proteins – Swap in cooked sausage, ham, or even leftover bacon . I’ve used air fryer sausage before and it was so good.
• Fruits & Veggies – Try sauteed spinach , mushrooms , black olives, onions, or even pineapple. I cook any watery veggies first, and if using pineapple, I recommend adding it on top instead of mixing it in.
• Sauce – Not into red sauce? I’ve done this pizza dip with pesto and even alfredo sauce (with chicken and spinach) and it totally changes the vibe in the best way.

Serving Ideas

Wondering what to scoop up this pizza dip with? Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Veggie Dippers – I usually go for celery, cucumber slices, carrots, or mini bell peppers . They add a fresh crunch that’s so good with the warm, cheesy dip.
• Bread & Crunchy Things – Tortilla chips , pretzels, or baguette slices all work great here. Sometimes I use almond flour crackers or zucchini chips for a lighter option.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Pizza Dip (Easy Party Recipe)

My easy pizza dip recipe layers cream cheese, marinara, melty cheese, and toppings for the ultimate crowd-pleaser. You’ll want to double it!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/pizza-dip/

Ingredients

• 8 oz Cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4 oz Pepperoni (divided; half of them chopped finely)
• 3/4 cup Marinara sauce
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. In a medium or large bowl, mix softened cream cheese with shredded parmesan, Italian seasoning, and 2 ounces finely chopped pepperoni slices. Spread this mixture in the base of a small baking dish ( this one is the perfect size) .
3. Pour the marinara sauce evenly on top of the cream cheese.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the marinara and top with the remaining 2 ounces of pepperoni slices (whole this time).
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes , until the cheese is bubbly.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size : 1/4 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture and make this pizza dip recipe easy.
• Variations: Don’t miss my recipe variations below! They’re a fun way to change up the flavor or use whatever you already have on hand.
• Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Meal prep: You can assemble this dip up to 3 days ahead. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Reheat: Warm it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Freeze: Let it cool, then wrap it up in plastic or a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Fall Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)