Crock Pot Pizza Dip is a must-try for any pizza lover. This warm, cheesy dip combines all the flavors of a classic pizza—cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, pizza sauce, and pepperoni—into a smooth and gooey appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. It’s easy to make in a slow cooker, meaning you can set it and forget it while preparing the rest of your meal. Serve the dip with fresh bread or veggies for a fun twist on pizza that your guests will love.
Crock Pot Pizza Dip is the perfect appetizer for pizza lovers. Combining the rich flavors of mozzarella, cream cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, this cheesy dip brings all the deliciousness of pizza into one warm, gooey bite. It’s an ideal dish to serve at game day parties, gatherings, or just as a treat for family and friends. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, it's both convenient and a crowd-pleaser.
Let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to create this easy and flavorful dip.
INGREDIENTS
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese provide the rich, creamy base for the dip.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 3 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese bring that classic pizza flavor and create the gooey, cheesy texture everyone loves.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to complement the mozzarella.
- Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning gives the dip an aromatic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle garlicky kick.
- Pepperoni Minis: 5 ounces of pepperoni minis give the dip that unmistakable pizza flavor. Half will be mixed in, and the other half will be sprinkled on top.
- Pizza Sauce: 14 ounces of pizza sauce serve as the heart of this dip, bringing a tangy tomato flavor.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil for garnish adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish.
- Bread or Veggies for Dipping: Serve this dip with sliced bread, crackers, or fresh veggies for a variety of dipping options.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Blend the Cream Cheese
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese on medium-high speed for about 1 minute, until smooth and creamy. This creates the base for your dip, ensuring it’s rich and smooth.
- Step 2: Mix with Cheese and Seasonings
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix everything together until well combined. This layer adds extra cheesiness and flavor to the dip.
- Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the dip from sticking to the bottom. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture on the bottom of the slow cooker, forming the first layer.
- Step 4: Add Pepperoni and Pizza Sauce
- Sprinkle half of the pepperoni minis (2 1/2 ounces) over the cream cheese layer. Then, pour 14 ounces of pizza sauce on top of the pepperoni, spreading it evenly. This gives the dip that classic pizza flavor in every bite.
- Step 5: Top with Cheese and More Pepperoni
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce, then top with the remaining pepperoni minis. This ensures the dip is extra cheesy with plenty of that delicious pepperoni flavor.
- Step 6: Cook the Dip
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook the dip on low for 3 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, sprinkle the dip with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the dip hot with sliced bread, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Crock Pot Pizza Dip straight from the slow cooker to keep it warm and gooey throughout your event. Provide a variety of dipping options such as sliced French bread, breadsticks, crackers, or even fresh veggies like bell pepper slices and carrots for a lighter option.
- This dip is great for casual get-togethers, game nights, or any gathering where you want to impress with a warm, cheesy appetizer. It’s also a fun dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings where pizza flavors are always a hit.
- If you have leftovers, store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or return it to the slow cooker until heated through.
- This pizza dip also makes a great sandwich spread or pizza topping the next day! Just layer it onto some crusty bread, top with more cheese, and toast it in the oven for a quick pizza snack.
Helpful Notes
- For a spicier version of the dip, feel free to add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture.
- Want to add more toppings? Feel free to customize your dip by adding mushrooms, olives, or even cooked sausage for extra pizza flavor.
- If you don’t have pepperoni minis, you can use regular pepperoni slices cut into quarters or even turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Ina Garten: Always use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor. A mix of mozzarella and parmesan creates a perfect balance of creamy and salty.
- Gordon Ramsay: When making dips, be sure to season each layer well to ensure the final dish is flavorful throughout. Don’t be afraid to add a bit of extra seasoning.
- Rachael Ray: If you want a fun presentation, serve the dip in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own cheesy portion.