Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara & Pepperoni

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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

This Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe is like having all the best parts of your favorite pizza melted into one irresistible, shareable dip. It’s quick, comforting, and definitely something you’ll want on repeat for game days or casual get-togethers.

A red baking dish holds a pizza-like dish with two visible layers; the bottom layer is melted golden cheese with a slightly browned edge, topped with round, deep red pepperoni slices spread evenly across the surface. The top layer is smooth melted cheese with a glossy texture, covered by pepperoni slices sprinkled with small green herb bits and some red flakes. A spoon lifts a portion, showing stretchy cheese and a pepperoni slice on top. The edge of the dish has more browned cheese. The background is a black marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe over and over, especially when friends unexpectedly drop by or when I want something cozy without a ton of fuss. It’s hands-off, ridiculously cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more.

All the classic pizza flavor: Creamy, tangy, and loaded with mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni that give you that authentic pizza vibe in dip form.
Simple assembly, big payoff: No dough to make or roll out, just layers of goodness that bake quickly.
Customizable heat and toppings: The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can dial it up or down to suit your taste.
Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a party, a movie night, or just because, this dip gets devoured fast!

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in my Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe comes from layering familiar pizza ingredients with creamy textures. The cream cheese and sour cream create a dreamy base that contrasts so well with the tangy marinara and melty mozzarella. Here’s the lowdown on why I picked these:

Flat lay of softened cream cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, sour cream in a small white ceramic bowl, dried garlic powder, oregano, and basil arranged as small piles of green and beige herbs and spice powders, red pepper flakes in a tiny white ceramic bowl, a white ceramic bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, finely grated parmesan cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, shredded mozzarella cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, a neat stack of fifteen fresh pepperoni slices, and a crusty artisan loaf of bread with a golden-brown crust, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cream cheese: It’s the rich foundation that gives the dip that luscious, velvety texture and a slight tang.
Sour cream: Adds a cool creaminess and helps keep the dip from feeling too heavy; mayo or Greek yogurt work too if you’re switching it up.
Dried garlic powder, oregano, basil: Classic Italian herbs and spice that make every bite taste like pizza night at home.
Red pepper flakes: Just the perfect hint of heat that wakes up the flavors without overpowering.
Marinara sauce: I love Rao’s for the deep, authentic taste or my own homemade version; it ties everything together.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp umami punch; freshly grated is a game changer here.
Mozzarella cheese: The gooey melty cheese you dream about on pizza, shredded from a block for best melt and stretch.
Pepperoni slices: The perfect meaty, slightly spicy topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Crusty bread: For dipping—you want a sturdy bread with crunch on the outside and tenderness inside, something like my no-knead bread does wonders.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve tweaked it plenty of times to suit what I have in the fridge or the heat level I’m craving.

Variation: When I want to amp up the heat, I add extra red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce to the mix. It gives that spicy kick without losing any creaminess.
Vegetarian twist: I swap the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, olives, or roasted red peppers and still get the full pizza vibe.
Dairy-free option: Using dairy-free cream cheese and cheese works surprisingly well, just be sure to choose a flavorful marinara.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe

A close-up of a round dish filled with melted cheese as the base layer, topped evenly with several bright orange-red pepperoni slices with small bits of seasoning on top, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. A woman's hand is holding a toasted piece of bread with a crispy, light brown crust and an airy, bubbly texture, dipping into the cheese and pepperoni mix. The dish has a red rim, and the background surface is black with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Base Layer

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the sour cream, dried garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. I always let the sour cream come to room temperature so the dip bakes smooth—not lumpy. Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of your baking dish, whether it’s a 9-inch pie pan, a cast iron skillet, or a small casserole dish.

Step 2: Layer Your Sauce and Cheese

Spoon the marinara sauce over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly. Don’t skimp on it—that sauce is where a lot of the flavor lives. Next, sprinkle the parmesan cheese and top with shredded mozzarella. Pro tip: freshly shredded cheese melts way better than pre-shredded from a bag—plus the taste really pops.

Step 3: Add Pepperoni and Bake

Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. You can layer slices or even chop them up if you prefer smaller bites. Bake the dip uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when you see the cheese browning around the edges and the pepperoni getting that slight crisp.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle on extra red pepper flakes, freshly cracked black pepper, or a handful of chopped parsley for freshness. Serve immediately with crusty bread, pita chips, tortilla chips, or even crunchy veggies for dipping. I love that crunchy bread to scoop up every last cheesy, spicy bite.

Top Tip

After making this Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe several times, I've picked up a few secrets to get it just right every time. These little tips will help you avoid common hiccups and get maximum flavor and texture.

Don’t use cold sour cream: Taking it out of the fridge 20 minutes before mixing will keep the dip super smooth when baked.
Grate your own cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded.
Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on that golden top for perfectly bubbly and crisp pepperoni—overbaking can dry the edges.
Let it rest briefly: Once out of the oven, wait 5 minutes before serving so the dip firms up enough to scoop easily without burning tongues!

How to Serve Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side photos of a creamy mixture. The left side has a clear glass bowl with a white soft cheese block and a dollop of thick white cream at the bottom. On top of the cheese are four small piles of dry spices in green, yellow, and red colors. A bright blue spatula rests inside the bowl on the top left. On the right side, the mixed creamy sauce is smooth and evenly blended, placed in a white round bowl with a slightly scalloped edge, filling the bowl evenly with a soft texture and some specks of spices inside. The background has a black marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple yet colorful. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh note that balances the richness. Sometimes, I add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for that little pop of heat with each bite. Freshly cracked black pepper gives just enough bite without overshadowing the cheese.

Side Dishes

While this dip is a showstopper on its own, I often pair it with a crisp green salad—something simple like arugula with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier spread, some roasted veggies or even a bowl of your favorite soup makes a nice complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving this Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe in a mini cast iron skillet or individual ramekins for a fun single-serve twist. Arranging the dippables—pieces of crusty bread, colorful veggie sticks, and chips—around the dish on a wooden board makes for a festive, inviting presentation that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and stash them in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. When I reheat, the dip is just as tasty, though the top won’t be as crisp.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dip a few times by assembling it completely but not baking it first. Wrapped well in airtight containers, it freezes for up to a month. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as usual—the texture holds up nicely.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers into a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Microwaving works in a pinch but the oven delivers that melty, fresh-baked feel I love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dip completely, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature for about 20-25 minutes before popping it in the oven for best results.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Good question! Sour cream adds creaminess and tang, but mayo, plain Greek yogurt, or even cottage cheese (blended for smoothness) can be used instead. Each will slightly change the flavor but still yield a delicious dip.

Can I add other pizza toppings?

Definitely! While pepperoni is classic, feel free to add sliced mushrooms, black olives, bell peppers, cooked sausage, or even pineapple to match your favorite pizza toppings. Just make sure toppings are pre-cooked if needed and cut to bite-sized pieces.

What’s the best bread for dipping?

I love using a crusty loaf like my no-knead bread because it’s sturdy enough to scoop the cheesy dip without falling apart. Bagel chips, pita chips, or even crunchy veggies like bell pepper strips also work great for dipping.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Pizza Dip with Marinara and Pepperoni Recipe holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s the ultimate no-fuss comfort food that always impresses guests. It’s like cozy pizza night, but without the hassle of dough or delivery. Trust me—you’ll want to make it for your next gathering, cozy night in, or anytime you crave that perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and savory goodness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way