Next Level Pizza Dip
Updated: Feb 6, 2022
Want to know what makes this pizza dip next level? Keep reading. Or, better yet, whip it up and let us know what you think!
DOUBLE THIS RECIPE! Our Next Level Pizza Dip is that good. I, Keyen, have been making this dip for years. It’s been a huge hit with whoever tries it, and I can always count on bringing an empty dish home. America loves their dips right? And what I love about this dip is that it’s delicious but not overly popular. So, I can count on the fact that I’ll be the only one bringing pizza dip to an event.
I discovered Pizza Dip on Pinterest when I was looking for a new appetizer for our annual family fish fry. It was probably one of the first recipes I made from Pinterest when it first launched around 2010. I only recall seeing one recipe back then and the base was just cream cheese and I believe parmesan. I started off following the recipe, but after stirring the cream cheese and parmesan together it felt like something was missing. We love cream cheese, but for a dip it was in need of a creamier element and more flavor. So I added some mayo and seasonings to the cream cheese base. The results were next level, hence the name. There are a few too many pizza dip recipes on Pinterest now to find the creator who inspired me to create this recipe but whoever they are, thank you! I cannot wait for you to try it and be sure to let us know what you think!
Besides the creamy rich flavor, I have two favorite things about this dip. One, once you have the base you can use whatever toppings you’d like to create what your taste buds are craving. From traditional pizza toppings to BBQ chicken, the options are nearly endless! Check out our suggestions for variations at the bottom of this recipe.
My second favorite thing is that this dip freezes well. You can make it days or months ahead and freeze it before you bake it. Or freeze your leftovers and re-bake from frozen.
The Super Bowl is right around the corner. If you’re looking for a quick and fun dip that tastes like you spent lots of time on it, try our Next Level Pizza Dip!
Need other appetizer recipes? Check out our Winter Cookbook!
Next Level Pizza Dip
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Ingredients
For Base
2 - 8oz cream cheese blocks, softened
½ cup mayo, heaping
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
dash of pepper
For Toppings
1 ½ cups pizza sauce, homemade or store bought
1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz. cooked sausage, crumbled
30-40 pepperonis, quartered
½ cup onion, diced
½ cup black olives, diced
banana peppers, diced
crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Italian seasoning, optional
Directions:
Pre-Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set out the cream cheese to soften, cook sausage. Dice all toppings. Measure ingredients.
For Base:
Combine softened cream cheese, mayo, garlic powder, basil, and oregano in a medium sized bowl and mix until well combined. Then fold in the mozzarella and parmesan. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch cake or pie pan.
For Toppings:
Pour the pizza sauce on top of the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly. Next, add your mozzarella cheese and distribute it evenly across the pizza sauce. Then layer your sausage, onion, olives, banana peppers, and pepperoni on top of your cheese.
Bake your dip until fully heated through, about 30 min. Lastly, place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to brown your cheese and pepperoni to your liking. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with crushed red pepper and Italian seasoning. Serve with tortilla chips.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Freeze pre-prepped dip in the freezer for 2-3 months.
I cannot wait for you to try it. Please let us know what you think of this dip by leaving a comment below, or sharing a post on social media and tagging us @yellowhousevibes.
If you are looking for other dip recipes, check out our Cheesy Fried Corn Dip. It is so delicious and super fun to eat! If you are looking for a new cheese ball recipe you can also check out our Bacon Gouda Jalapeno Cheese Log.
Notes
Use a good quality pizza sauce with flavor
Spice it up and add crushed red pepper to the base
Sometimes it’s hard to see pepper on an ingredients list without salt, but that’s intentional here. The mayo and toppings will add plenty.
We recommend not freezing dips in cast iron or glassware. If you do, make sure to set your dips out at least 20 minutes at room temp. Putting these materials directly in a hot oven, may cause them to crack.
Besides tortilla chips, serve with: toasted French bread, pita chips, Doritos, breadsticks, pretzel thins, crackers, bagels, bagel chips, garlic bread, or fresh veggies.
Pizza Dip Topping Variations:
Make your favorite pizza into a pizza dip!