Save Pin
This pizza dip brings all the gooey cheese and crowd-pleasing flavors of a deluxe meat pizza straight to your appetizer table. Layers of mozzarella and ricotta melt with smoky bacon, savory sausage, and spicy pepperoni for a bubbling party starter you can scoop up with bread or chips. I love serving this at game day gatherings because it vanishes in minutes and makes everyone nostalgic for their favorite slice.
I first made this dip for a movie marathon night with my friends. Every time the cheese bubbled up golden and gooey, we would scramble to be the first one with a baguette slice. Now it is a staple for every big game or family get-together.
Ingredients
- Bacon: cut into one inch pieces adds smoky crunch Look for thick-cut for the best texture
- Italian sausage: with casings removed brings hearty meaty flavor Choose a spicy or sweet style based on your preference
- Cream cheese: softened creates a rich creamy base Let it come to room temperature for easy mixing
- Shredded mozzarella: both inside and on top for gooey melts Freshly shredded is best for stretch
- Ricotta cheese: gives extra creaminess and lightness Select whole milk ricotta for richness
- Italian seasoning: balances with herbs Look for a blend that lists oregano basil and thyme as top ingredients
- Garlic powder: deepens the flavor profile Choose a fresh or recently opened jar to avoid a dusty taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes: add a little kick Adjust more or less for your spice preference
- Pizza sauce: coats everything in tangy tomato Use good quality or homemade for best results
- Pepperoni slices: classic topping look for the mini ones or slice a large log for better flavor
- Freshly grated Parmesan: tops the whole dip with sharpness Buy a wedge for the best taste and grate right before serving
- Sliced baguette for serving: crunchy dunking vehicles A fresh crusty bread works best
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Meats:
- Add bacon to an oven safe skillet over medium heat Let it cook for about eight minutes until it is crispy and deep golden Lay bacon pieces on a paper towel to drain Save a couple teaspoons of bacon fat for flavor In the same pan add Italian sausage Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into small crumbles Cook six minutes until it loses all pinkness Drain any fat left in the skillet to avoid greasiness
- Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl stir cream cheese until very smooth Add one cup mozzarella ricotta Italian seasoning garlic powder and crushed red pepper flakes Whip everything together until evenly combined This step makes your base creamy and spreadable
- Combine and Assemble:
- Stir bacon and sausage into the cheese mixture Scrape everything back into the skillet and spread it into an even layer This ensures every bite gets a mix of meats and cheese Smooth pizza sauce across the top Sprinkle over the remaining mozzarella then scatter on pepperoni and finally shower with Parmesan
- Bake Until Bubbling:
- Heat your oven to 375 degrees Place skillet uncovered in oven Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until cheese is melty and slightly brown at the edges Watch for bubbling so you know it is ready
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove skillet carefully Let hot dip sit two or three minutes before serving Spoon directly onto baguette slices or set out for everyone to dig in with chips or breadsticks
Save Pin
My favorite ingredient is the combination of mozzarella and ricotta The ricotta gives the filling its unique pillowy smoothness I remember my nephew asking for a bowl of just the filling once because he thought it was the creamiest thing ever
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat portions in the microwave or oven for best results For longer storage freeze portions in small containers Thaw overnight in the fridge and broil briefly to revive the cheese topping
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit for a lighter version Ground turkey or chicken sausage work if you are skipping pork Use cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer Add bell peppers onions olives or mushrooms to channel your favorite pizza toppings
Serving Suggestions
Offer the dip hot with roasted garlic bread baguette crostini pita chips or crunchy breadsticks For a veggie platter scoop onto celery ribs or bell pepper strips Serve as an appetizer or make it the centerpiece of a casual dinner
Save Pin
Pizza Inspiration
Pizza in dip form is believed to have become popular as game day snacks evolved to include more shareable hot dips This version is a nod to classic American meat lover’s pizza but you can adapt it to any regional style Chicago deep dish lovers can add more sauce and provolone Try a Margherita version with fresh basil and tomatoes
Commonly Asked Questions
- → What cheeses are used in this dip?
This dip mixes cream cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan for a creamy, stretchy texture and bold flavor.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dip?
Absolutely! Try diced onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, or black olives—just sauté them before mixing for best results.
- → What can I serve alongside this dip?
Sliced baguette, garlic bread, pita chips, crackers, or breadsticks all pair perfectly for dipping.
- → Is there a substitute for pizza sauce?
Premade or homemade marinara sauce works well if pizza sauce isn’t available.
- → How do I prepare this dip in advance?
Assemble all components in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for a hot, fresh dip.