If you love everything about pizza—the gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and a parade of colorful toppings—but wish you could shovel it up with a hunk of bread, then you absolutely need to add Skillet Pizza Dip to your recipe lineup. This recipe takes all the classic pizza flavors you crave and transforms them into a hot, bubbly, perfectly scoopable appetizer that disappears in minutes at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting game night or just want a cozy snack for movie time, Skillet Pizza Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that lets everyone get their own “slice,” one dip at a time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—a handful of essential, widely-loved ingredients come together to deliver maximum flavor and irresistible texture. Each component plays its own important part, so don’t skip a thing (unless you’re swapping for toppings you love). Here’s what you’ll want:

Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The creamy base ensures every bite is rich and irresistibly smooth.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and helps lighten the base just enough to keep things luscious but not too heavy.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This simple mix brings those instantly recognizable herby pizza notes.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just a pinch brings warmth and depth, reminiscent of classic pizzeria garlic bread.
Pizza sauce (1 cup): Use your favorite jarred or homemade version—this is the zesty, tomatoey heart of the dip.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): For that perfect molten cheese pull and classic pizza flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers a nutty sharpness and golden finish once baked.
Mini pepperoni slices (1/2 cup): Mini means more pepperoni in every scoop! Swap for veg or turkey if you like.
Chopped green bell pepper (1/4 cup): A crisp, pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
Sliced black olives (1/4 cup): Adds a briny bite and that signature pizza parlor taste.
Chopped red onion (2 tablespoons): A mild bit of zip and pretty color among the toppings.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Drizzled for a glossy top and extra flavor boost.
Fresh basil (optional): The finishing touch if you’re after that fragrant Italian aroma.
Toasted baguette slices or breadsticks: For maximum dipping power—don’t skimp on these!

How to Make Skillet Pizza Dip

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab a small oven-safe skillet or a round baking dish—just make sure it’s large enough to hold all the glorious layers. Lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray, which will make serving (and cleaning up!) way easier later.

Step 2: Blend the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend everything together until it’s velvety-smooth and flecked with herbs. This is the base layer that’s going to make the entire Skillet Pizza Dip ultra-luxurious and rich.

Step 3: Layer Into the Skillet

Spread that creamy base evenly over the bottom of your prepared skillet. Take your time to get it right to the edges—every bite should have a taste of that dreamy foundation.

Step 4: Add the Pizza Sauce

Pour your pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it gently, creating the classic “pizza” look and, more importantly, giving each scoop a hit of tangy tomato flavor.

Step 5: Cheese, Please

Next up: sprinkle the shredded mozzarella in an even layer, followed by a generous dusting of grated Parmesan. This double-cheese combo will bubble and brown in the oven, forming the ultimate molten cheese layer that everyone loves about Skillet Pizza Dip.

Step 6: Toppings Galore

Scatter on your mini pepperoni, chopped green bell pepper, sliced black olives, and red onion. There’s no perfect pattern—just make sure they’re spread evenly, so every scoop gets a little bit of everything!

Step 7: Drizzle and Bake

Finish the assembled dip with a light drizzle of olive oil over the top. Pop the skillet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until everything is hot, bubbly, and golden around the edges. Keep an eye out: when the cheese is perfectly melted and starts to sizzle, it’s time!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Let the Skillet Pizza Dip cool for just a minute or two, sprinkle with fresh basil if you’re using it, and bring it straight to the table. Serve warm alongside plenty of toasted baguette slices or crunchy breadsticks for ultimate dipping satisfaction.

How to Serve Skillet Pizza Dip

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh basil adds a hit of fresh aroma and a pop of color, making the entire dish look irresistible. Sometimes, I’ll also shave a little extra Parmesan on top right before serving, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like things a bit spicy. Just let your toppings add the finishing touch that fits the crowd!

Side Dishes

Skillet Pizza Dip really steals the show, but you can absolutely round out your table with some simple sides. Think a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette, roasted vegetables for a wholesome balance, or even a few bowls of mixed olives for nibbling. And don’t forget extra dipping vessels like pretzel bites, crackers, or even crunchy raw veggies for lighter companions.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, serve Skillet Pizza Dip right out of the hot skillet for that rustic, cozy feel—just place the skillet on a trivet and hand out forks or sturdy chips! Or, portion it into individual ramekins for single servings—great for parties. Edible bread bowls are another fun option: hollow out small rolls and fill them with the finished dip for a “pizza in every bite” surprise factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just scoop the remaining dip into an airtight container and refrigerate. The cheesy layers will stay delicious for up to three days, and honestly, the flavors get even better as they mingle overnight!

Freezing

While Skillet Pizza Dip is best enjoyed fresh and molten, you can freeze it if you need to. Prepare the dip completely but hold off on baking; cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before heading to the oven.

Reheating

To revive that glorious melty texture, pop leftovers back into a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until warmed through. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese before reheating to restore that gooey magic!

FAQs

Can I make Skillet Pizza Dip without a skillet?

Absolutely! Any small oven-safe baking dish or casserole pan works just fine. Choose one with high enough sides to hold all the cheesy, saucy layers, and you’re good to go.

What other toppings can I use?

The beauty of Skillet Pizza Dip is how easy it is to customize. Try cooked Italian sausage, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, jalapeños, or diced banana peppers—the options are endless and can suit any pizza lover at the table.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dip?

Definitely! Simply omit the pepperoni, or use a vegetarian or plant-based alternative. Load up on veggies instead, and you’ll have a delicious, hearty vegetarian Skillet Pizza Dip everyone can enjoy.

How far in advance can I prep this dip?

You can assemble Skillet Pizza Dip up to a day ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking so the center heats evenly.

What’s the best way to serve Skillet Pizza Dip at a party?

Let the dip cool for a couple of minutes after baking, then set the skillet in the center of the table along with a big basket of toasts or breadsticks. It’s all about that fun, communal scooping that gets everyone talking!

Final Thoughts

Skillet Pizza Dip is a true celebration of comfort food, made even better by how simple it is to bring to the table. If you’re craving that classic pizza flavor in shareable form, this recipe is sure to win hearts (and taste buds) with every gooey, cheesy scoop. You owe it to yourself and your crew to try this at your next get-together—or honestly, anytime you want a little pizza-inspired joy!

Skillet Pizza Dip Recipe