Cream Cheese Pizza Dip: Hot, Cheesy, Ready in 15 Minutes

This pizza dip with cream cheese turns everything you crave about a pepperoni slice into a gooey, shareable skillet of melted cheese and tangy sauce.

You can get it on the table in about 15 minutes, so it’s the kind of warm appetizer that vanishes the fastest at any get-together.

Why This Dip Always Disappears First

The cream cheese creates a rich base that stays spoonable even after it cools, never seizing up the way a pure cheese sauce can.

Little pepperoni cups crisp at the edges under the broiler while staying chewy in the center, giving you that real pizzeria texture in every scoop. It leans on pantry ingredients I always have, so it’s my go-to when friends drop by.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: full-fat brick cream cheese spreads smoothest.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella: low-moisture whole milk mozzarella melts best.
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce: your favorite jarred or homemade.
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni: the small rounds crisp up quickly.
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano: adds that classic pizzeria flavor.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan: for a salty, nutty finish.
• Breadsticks, baguette slices, or tortilla chips for serving.

Variations / Substitutions

• Make it meatier: swap pepperoni for 1/2 cup cooked crumbled Italian sausage.
• Add some brightness: fold in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil after broiling.
• Turn up the heat: scatter a pinch of red pepper flakes with the oregano.
• Go dairy-free: use a good plant-based cream cheese and shredded mozzarella alternative.
• Finish with a drizzle: a little hot honey right before serving adds sweet heat.

Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a perfect match if you’re wondering what to serve this dip with.

How to Make Cream Cheese Pizza Dip

Step 1: Spread the Cream Cheese Base

Preheat your broiler with a rack placed about 6 inches from the element. Press the softened 8 oz cream cheese into an even layer across a small 8‑inch oven-safe skillet, going all the way to the edges.

The surface will look smooth and pale. That’s fine, because it will melt into a creamy foundation as it heats up.

Step 2: Layer the Pizza Toppings

Spoon the 1/2 cup pizza sauce over the cream cheese, spreading it gently so it doesn’t blend into the cheese below. Leave a thin border around the edge so the cream cheese peeks through.

Scatter the 1 cup mozzarella on top, then dot with the 1/2 cup pepperoni. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1/2 tsp dried oregano over everything. The pepperoni will render a little orange oil as it cooks, seasoning the melted cheese from above.

Step 3: Broil Until Bubbly

Slide the skillet under the broiler and broil for 4 to 6 minutes, until the mozzarella is fully melted and the pepperoni edges are dark and crackly.

Watch closely because broiler heat varies. You want browned spots on the cheese and pepperoni that has curled into tiny cups. The cream cheese underneath will be hot and scoopable.

Step 4: Serve It Hot with Breadsticks

Carefully remove the skillet with a sturdy mitt and place it on a heatproof trivet. Dig in right away with breadsticks, crisp baguette slices, or sturdy tortilla chips while the dip is still stretchy and molten.

A Few Tips Before You Start

• Use brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable tub. The tub version has more moisture and can make the dip too loose.
• If you can’t find mini pepperoni, slice regular ones into quarters. The smaller pieces crisp better.
• Set the skillet on a trivet and warn everyone about the hot handle before setting it down.
• For extra browning, sprinkle a tiny bit of additional Parmesan right after it comes out of the broiler.

Broiling times shift with your rack position:

Storing Leftover Pizza Dip

• Refrigerate: Cool the dip completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30‑second bursts. The texture will be a little thicker but still creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

You can spread the cream cheese and sauce in the skillet, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours. Add the cheeses and pepperoni right before broiling.

Can I bake this instead of broiling?

Yes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly, then switch to the broiler for the last minute to crisp the top if you like.

Can I use ricotta instead of cream cheese?

You can replace up to half the cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture. Using only ricotta will make the dip watery.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 10‑inch skillet and add 2 to 3 extra minutes of broiling time. Keep an eye on the top so it doesn’t overbrown.

Cream Cheese Pizza Dip Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 340

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Breadsticks, baguette slices, or tortilla chips for serving

Method

 

1. Preheat broiler with a rack 6 inches from heat. Press softened cream cheese into an even layer in an 8‑inch oven-safe skillet.
2. Spoon pizza sauce over cream cheese, leaving a border. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, and oregano.
3. Broil 4 to 6 minutes until cheese melts and pepperoni crisps.
4. Remove carefully, set on a trivet, and serve hot with bread or chips for dipping.

Notes

If your skillet handle isn’t oven-safe, wrap it in a double layer of foil before broiling. A small baking dish works just as well.