Print

Best Game Day Football Pizza Dip Recipe (Easy 20-Min)

pizza dip - featured image
Print Recipe

This thick, cheesy pizza dip is loaded with all the best pizza fixings and sturdy enough to hold up to even the heartiest scooping. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s the perfect game day appetizer that will make people forget about the actual game for a minute.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (preferably thick, like Rao’s or Classico)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Bagel chips, crostini, or sturdy crackers (for serving)
  • Vegetable sticks like celery, bell pepper strips, or cucumber rounds (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature (if forgotten, cut into cubes and microwave for 15-20 seconds).
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or small baking dish, smoothing it out to the edges with a rubber spatula.
  4. Spread the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer using the back of a spoon, being careful not to mix them. Leave about a half-inch border around the edges.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle the Parmesan on top. Ensure every bit of sauce is covered with cheese.
  6. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top in a slightly overlapping pattern. If using olives, scatter them around now.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden in spots. Check at 15 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top while still warm.
  9. Serve immediately with your chosen dippers. If serving over a longer period, keep warm in a slow cooker on low for up to an hour.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth texture. Shred your own mozzarella for best melting. Don’t overbake to avoid greasy separation. If pizza sauce is watery, simmer it for 5-7 minutes to reduce before using. Layer in order: cream cheese, sauce, cheese, toppings. For make-ahead, assemble without baking up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then add 2-3 minutes to bake time.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza dip, game day dip, football dip, easy appetizer, 20-minute recipe, pepperoni dip, cheesy dip

Find it online: https://crispcraving.com/best-game-day-football-pizza-dip-recipe-easy-20-min/