Pizza Dip with Cheese Crostini
Featuring all the bold flavors of pizza and paired with cheesy crostini, this Pizza Dip recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer! Baked in 20 minutes, it’s perfect for game day, movie night, and afternoon snacks!
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Dip Recipe
There’s nothing better than a piping hot pizza after a long day! Whether you’re making your own or ordering from your local pizza shop, it always hits the spot. So, when it comes to creating an easy dip that will satisfy a crowd, it seemed logical to go the pizza route! This dip is:
- Made with 9 ingredients and loaded with cheesy, creamy goodness.
- Paired with baked crostini for easy dipping.
- Baked in 20 minutes and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Guaranteed to please even the pickiest of crowds.
What’s In Pizza Dip? Ingredients You’ll Need
For this pizza dip recipe, we took all our favorite pizza toppings and added them to a creamy dip. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dip
- Cream Cheese – This helps thicken the dip.
- Sour Cream – Used to create a smooth texture and add a tangy taste.
- Cheese – A combination of Ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Mozzarella cheese creates the ultimate creamy texture and cheesy flavor!
- Italian Herbs – Used to enhance the pizza taste.
- Marinara Sauce – To save time, we use a store-bought option, but feel free to make your own!
- Black Olives – We love black olives for their salty, savory taste and the healthy fats they add.
- Pepperoni – We use turkey pepperoni, but pork pepperoni would taste great, too!
For the Cheese Crostini
- Rolls – We love Rhodes warm and serve white rolls for easy preparation. However, any fluffy white rolls can be used.
- Cheese – Parmesan cheese makes this crostini extra tasty.
- Olive Oil – This helps the cheese and seasonings cling to the bread while allowing it to crisp up and enhancing the flavor.
- Italian Herbs – Used to tie in the flavors with the dip.
How to Make Pizza Dip and Cheese Crostini
This recipe is the perfect solution for those times when you’re craving pizza but want an easier option!
For the Pizza Dip Recipe
- Combine the Ingredients. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, Ricotta, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning to a large bowl, and stir to combine.
- Layer. Place the mixture in a baking dish, and spread the marinara sauce on top followed by the Mozzarella, olives, and pepperoni.
- Bake. Place the dip in the oven until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
For the Cheese Crostini
- Slice the Bread. Using a sharp knife, slice the bread into ½-inch thick pieces, and place them on a grasped baking sheet.
- Coat the Bread. Brush each piece of bread with olive oil. Then, add a sprinkle of cheese and the seasonings.
- Serve. Dunk the bread in the pizza dip. Or, if you prefer a crispier texture, pop them in the oil for a minute or two to brown the tops first!
Flavor Variations
We kept this pizza dip recipe fairly simple. However, feel free to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings to suit your needs! For instance, you could include:
- Chopped Bell Peppers
- Chopped Red Onions
- Sausage
- Ham
- Pineapple
Serving Suggestions
Thanks to the crostini, this dip is perfect for serving as it is. However, if you want more dipping options, try pairing it with items like:
- Pita Chips
- Cheesy Focaccia Bread
- Pretzels
- Crackers
- Breadsticks
How to Store
If you happen to have leftovers or want to prepare this recipe in advance, this pizza dip can be covered or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to eat, warm individual portions in 30-second intervals in the microwave. Or, just pop the whole dish in the oven until it’s heated through!
More Pizza-Inspired Recipes
Loved pizza as much as we do? Don’t miss out on these great recipes!
Pizza Dip with Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dip:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Optional: 1/4 cup black olives
- 4 ounces turkey pepperoni
For the Cheese Crostini:
- 1 bag Rhodes Warm and Serve Soft White Rolls
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
Instructions
For the Pizza Dip:
- Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, mixing until smooth.
- Add the mixture to an oval baking dish followed by the marinara sauce. Sprinkle the Mozzarella cheese on top, and arrange the olives and pepperonis in an even layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
- Cool for 15 minutes before serving!
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For the Cheese Crostini:
- Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Grease a baking sheet with oil spray. Set aside.
- Slice the bread into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the bread with olive oil. Sprinkle the cheese and Italian herbs on top.
- Place in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- Serve warm with the pizza dip.
