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Crock Pot Pizza Dip

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A piece of bread dipped in crock pot pizza dip.
This crock pot pizza dip is a savory blend of melted cheese, pizza sauce, and hearty toppings, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It's an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for game days, parties, or any casual get-together.
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Table of Contents
  1. Crock Pot Pizza Dip Ingredients
  2. How To Make This Slow Cooker Pizza Dip Recipe
  3. Substitutions and Additions for Crock Pot Pepperoni Dip
  4. How To Serve This Pizza Dip Crock Pot Recipe
  5. How To Store Cream Cheese Pizza Dip
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. Why This Crock Pot Pizza Dip Is The Best
  8. More Easy Appetizers For Parties
  9. JUMP TO RECIPE

This Crock-Pot pizza dip has become a staple for every gathering, from family nights to big events. It’s a recipe born from countless experiments in the kitchen, where everything we love about pizza has been captured in a warm, creamy dip. This isn’t just any hot dip—it’s an appetizer our friends and family request time and time again. Now, we’re thrilled to share it with you.

A crock pot full of pizza dip
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Crock Pot Pizza Dip Ingredients

Slow Cooker Pizza Dip raw ingredients that are labeled

With a base of cream cheese, mozzarella, and the perfect blend of seasonings, you’re going to love the simple yet rich flavors of our easy slow-cooker pizza dip.

To make this hot dip recipe, you’ll need:

  • 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 ½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (divide 1 ½ cups filling and 2 cups topping)
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 (5 ounce) pepperoni minis
  • 1 (14 ounce) jarred pizza sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
  • French bread, bread sticks, naan bread, or fresh veggies for dipping

How To Make This Slow Cooker Pizza Dip Recipe

This cheesy pizza dip recipe not only delivers on the promise of delicious, but also offers the simplicity and convenience of slow cooking. It’s a breeze to prepare – perfect for those seeking a fuss-free appetizer or a fun family meal.

This recipe will guide you through each step with ease, ensuring your success every time.

STEP ONE: Begin by adding the softened cream cheese to a medium-size mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the cream cheese for one to one and half, minutes until smooth.

This creates a creamy and lump-free base, crucial for a smooth dip texture.

PRO TIP:

Ensure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened to avoid lumps in your dip. Leaving it out at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing is a helpful practice.

cream cheese added to the bowl

STEP TWO: Add one and a half cups of the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the cream cheese. Continue to mix just until well combined. This step infuses the base with flavors reminiscent of classic pizza toppings.

PRO TIP:

Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a better melt and flavor than pre-shredded cheeses, which often contain anti-caking agents.

mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder added to the cream cheese

STEP THREE: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. 

STEP FOUR: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker. This acts as the foundation for your layers.

STEP FIVE: Sprinkle half of the package of mini pepperoni over the top of the cream cheese mixture. 

PRO TIP: Lightly press the pepperoni into the cheese layer to prevent them from curling up too much during cooking.

pepperoni minis sprinkled over the top of the cream cheese mixture

STEP SIX: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the pepperoni minis layer.

pizza sauce spread evenly over the pepperoni minis layer

STEP SEVEN: Sprinkle the remaining freshly shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pizza sauce layer. 

shredded mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top of the pizza sauce layer

STEP EIGHT: Sprinkle the remaining half of the pepperoni minis over the shredded cheese. This top layer of pepperoni becomes slightly crispy, adding a delightful texture contrast to the gooey cheese beneath.

STEP NINE: Place the slow cooker lid on top and cook on the low setting for three hours, or high heat for two hours. 

Pizza Dip being cooked in a Slow Cooker

STEP TEN: When you’re ready to serve, switch the CrockPot to the warm setting. Sprinkle the top of the pizza dip with freshly chopped basil for a touch of color and freshness. Serve with your choice of bread, bread sticks, naan, or fresh veggies for dipping.

Substitutions and Additions for Crock Pot Pepperoni Dip

If you need to adapt this ooey gooey pizza dip recipe, there are several easy substitutions and additions you can make. Keep in mind that any changes might alter the taste and texture of the final dish, so feel free to use these suggestions at your own discretion.

Cream Cheese: For a lower-fat version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese.

Cheeses: If you don’t have mozzarella on hand, a pizza blend cheese can be used instead. Freshly shredded parmesan can be substituted with powdered parmesan if needed. For a different flavor, you can also use asiago or romano cheese.

Italian Seasoning: If you’re out of Italian seasoning, you can make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

Pepperoni Minis: If you can’t find mini pepperonis, you can use regular pepperoni slices or turkey pepperoni cut into qu1arters. Alternatively, cooked and crumbled ground beef, turkey, or sausage are great options.

Pizza Sauce: Homemade pizza sauce can be used instead of jarred sauce. You can also use marinara sauce or even a thicker spaghetti sauce in a pinch.

Fresh Basil: If fresh basil isn’t available, fresh parsley or a small amount of dried basil can be used as a garnish.

Additions: You can add any of your favorite pizza toppings to this easy dip, although don’t add too much, as to keep the proportions fairly equal.

Here are some suggestions:

  • Sauteed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onion
  • ​Chopped bacon (or pre-cooked bacon crumbles)
  • Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
  • Spicy sausage
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Red pepper flakes (or sprinkle a touch for a garnish)

How To Serve This Pizza Dip Crock Pot Recipe

Classic Party Dip: Serve the dip with a selection of dippers. Any of these will make the perfect dippers for this ultra cheesy pizza dip:

  • Breadsticks
  • Baguette slices
  • Mini naan or pita bread
  • Sliced green bell peppers
  • Tortilla chips
  • Cucumber slices
  • Baby carrots

Pizza Stuffed Bread: Hollow out a loaf of French bread or Dutch oven bread and fill it with the hot pizza dip. Wrap the bread in foil and bake in the oven until the bread is crispy. Slice and serve as a hearty and fun appetizer that’s perfect for game day or casual get-togethers.

Baked Potato Topping: Top baked potatoes with a generous scoop of pizza dip and sprinkle with chopped green onions. This transforms a simple baked potato into a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Pizza Night: Spice up your pizza night by making this yummy dip instead of traditional pizza. Serve with Little Caesar’s crazy bread and finish the meal with homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Complementary Dishes and Drinks: Pair this pizza dip with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dip. For drinks, consider serving a light limoncello spritz or for a non-alcoholic option, strawberry lemonade.

This dip is the perfect appetizer for feeding a hungry crowd. It’s a hit on movie night, at a Friday night sleepover, or even at a birthday party or celebration.

How To Store Cream Cheese Pizza Dip

Storing your crock pot pizza dip properly can help maintain its delicious flavor and texture, ensuring you can enjoy it even after the initial serving.

Here’s a guide on how to make ahead, store, and reheat your dip effectively:

MAKE AHEAD: This is a great recipe to make ahead.

  1. Prepare the crock pot pizza dip ahead of time by following the recipe up to the point of cooking.
  2. Once the ingredients are layered in the slow cooker, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
  3. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook according to the original instructions, allowing a bit of extra time if starting from cold.

STORE IN THE FRIDGE: After serving, let any leftover dip cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

The dip will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When storing, ensure the lid is securely fastened to prevent the dip from drying out.

DO NOT STORE IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend freezing this dip. The texture won’t be the same. In addition, the5 cream cheese layer may be watery once it’s thawed.

HOW TO REHEAT:

  • Microwave: Transfer a portion of the dip to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid, and heat on high for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until fully warmed.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
  • Slow Cooker: If you have a larger portion to reheat in the slow cooker, set it to low and heat for 1one to two hours. Stir occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese for this recipe?

While you can use pre-shredded mozzarella, freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture.

Do I need to cook the pepperoni before adding it to the crock pot pizza dip?

No, the pepperoni cooks perfectly in the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients.

Is it necessary to spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray?

You don’t have to, but spraying the slow cooker helps prevent the pizza dip from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can use a pizza blend, but mozzarella gives the best melt and traditional pizza flavor.

How can I prevent the edges of my crock pot pizza dip from burning?

Keep the slow cooker on low heat if you notice the edges cooking too quickly and avoid lifting the lid frequently.

Do I need to stir the crockpot pizza dip while it’s cooking?

No, we don’t recommend stirring, as your layers won’t be distinct.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker pizza dip?

Yes, diced green peppers, onions, black olives, or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Why This Crock Pot Pizza Dip Is The Best

With so many pizza dip recipes out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choices. But what if I told you that my crockpot pizza dip stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons?

Whether it’s the perfect balance of flavors, the rich, creamy texture, or the ease of preparation, this dip checks all the boxes.

After trying countless variations, we’ve perfected a recipe that combines the best of all worlds, making it a must-try for any pizza lover.

a Slow Cooker of Pizza Dip garnished with basil

This crock pot pizza dip is a perfect blend of cheesy, savory goodness that’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Perfect for game nights, parties, or just a cozy night in, this dip transforms traditional pizza ingredients into a crowd-pleasing hot appetizer.

More Easy Appetizers For Parties

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A piece of bread dipped in crock pot pizza dip.

Crock Pot Pizza Dip 

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This crock pot pizza dip is a savory blend of melted cheese, pizza sauce, and hearty toppings, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for game days, parties, or any casual get-together.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 ½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divide 1 ½ cups filling and 2 cups topping
  • cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 5 ounces pepperoni minis, I used Hormel brand
  • 14 ounces jarred pizza sauce, I used Ragu brand
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil, optional garnish
  • French bread, bread sticks, naan bread or fresh veggies for dipping

Instructions
 

  • Add the cream cheese to a medium size (2-3 quarts) mixing bowl. Use a handheld mixer on medium high speed to beat the cream cheese for 1 to 1 ½ minutes until smooth.
  • Add 1 ½ cups of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder to the cream cheese. Continue to mix just until well combined.
  • Spray either a 4-5 quart -or- a 6-7 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle half of the package of pepperoni minis over the top of the cream cheese mixture.
  • Evenly spread the jarred pizza sauce over the pepperoni minis layer.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pizza sauce layer.
  • Sprinkle the remaining half of the pepperoni minis over the shredded cheese.
  • Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low heat for 3 hours, or high heat for 2 hours. Just before serving sprinkle the top of the pizza dip with the fresh chopped basil. Serve with your choice of bread, bread sticks, naan or fresh veggies.

Notes

  • Ensure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened to avoid lumps in your dip. Leaving it out at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing is a helpful practice.
  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a better melt and flavor than pre-shredded cheeses, which often contain anti-caking agents.
  • Lightly press the pepperoni into the cheese layers to prevent them from curling up too much during cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 985mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 982IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 329mg | Iron: 1mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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