Dinner

Cheesy Pizza Dip with Pepperoni and Marinara Recipe

ByHailey Reed January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Introduction

This pizza dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. With layers of creamy cheese, tangy marinara, and spicy pepperoni, it brings all the flavors of a classic pizza in dip form. Serve it up with crusty bread or chips for a crowd-pleasing snack.

A red baking dish filled with a layer of melted, bubbly cheese topped with evenly spaced round slices of pepperoni. The cheese is golden brown in places, showing a mix of melted mozzarella with some browned spots, and has a smooth, gooey texture. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast. A shiny metal spoon is lifting a portion, revealing a thick, stretchy cheese layer beneath pepperoni slices, with a slightly crispy golden edge around the dish. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
¾ cup sour cream (can substitute mayo)
½ teaspoon dried garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus more for topping)
1 cup marinara sauce
¼ cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
1 ¼ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
15 slices pepperoni
Crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. For best texture, make sure the sour cream is not cold before baking. Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, baking dish, or cast iron skillet.
Step 3: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle with the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
Step 4: Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese layer or use your favorite pizza toppings.
Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and beginning to brown.
Step 6: Optional: Garnish with extra red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, and roughly chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Step 7: Serve warm with crusty bread, pita chips, tortilla chips, bagel chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a milder dip, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Try adding cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor.
Use mayo instead of sour cream for a slightly tangier taste and smoother texture.
For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni and add bell peppers or artichoke hearts.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm and bubbly. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked dish in a red ceramic baking dish, filled with melted white cheese topped with evenly spaced round slices of reddish-brown pepperoni. The cheese is golden and bubbly, showing some browned edges around the sides. The pepperoni slices have a slightly crispy texture with visible small herbs and seasoning sprinkled on top, along with small bits of green herbs scattered across the cheese. A silver spoon lifts a cheesy portion with one pepperoni slice, showing the gooey texture of the melted cheese. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip through step 4, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Baking time may be slightly longer if the dip is cold from the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have pepperoni?

Feel free to substitute pepperoni with other pizza toppings like cooked sausage, diced ham, or vegetables such as mushrooms and bell peppers. You can also omit meat for a vegetarian option.