If you love indulging in all the rich, cheesy goodness of pizza but want it in dip form, then you are going to adore this Crockpot Pizza Dip Recipe. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or just an easy weeknight treat. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with savory pepperoni and fresh basil, this dip offers all the comfort of a classic pizza with a fun, shareable twist. Plus, cooking it in the crockpot means hands-off convenience that lets the flavors meld beautifully while you get on with your day. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to appetizer every time you want something warm, gooey, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly simple but incredibly important because they work together to create the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Each one adds a special something, whether it’s the melty cheese texture, the fresh pop from basil, or the hearty bite of pepperoni.
- 16 ounces low fat cream cheese: Provides the creamy base that makes this dip so luscious and smooth without being too heavy.
- 10 ounces pepperoni: I used mini pepperonis for a perfect bite-size burst of spicy, meaty flavor throughout the dip.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped): Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note that lifts and balances the richness beautifully.
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce: This is the heart of the pizza flavor, offering that classic tangy tomato goodness you crave.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle hint of garlic deepens the flavor without overpowering anything.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning — don’t skip this step, it really makes all the flavors pop.
- 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that irresistible stretchy, cheesy topping everyone loves.
How to Make Crockpot Pizza Dip Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by gathering your cream cheese, pepperoni, fresh basil, marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and shredded mozzarella. Toss them all directly into your slow cooker. This is the magic moment when everything begins to come together into a gooey masterpiece that’s soon going to be your new favorite dip.
Step 2: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic
Set your slow cooker to high and let it cook for 1 to 2 hours, or choose low for 3 to 4 hours if you prefer a longer, slower melt. It’s important to stir the dip every 30 minutes so that all the flavors blend perfectly, and everything melts evenly into a warm, cheesy concoction.
Step 3: Ready to Serve
Once the dip is bubbling and the cheese is melted to perfection, it’s time to delight your crowd. Serve your Crockpot Pizza Dip Recipe hot straight from the cooker, making sure to scrape all the cheesy goodness from the edges.
How to Serve Crockpot Pizza Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few extra slices of pepperoni on top just before serving amps up the presentation and boosts flavor. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also signal that this dip means business and adds an irresistible finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dip is marvelous when paired with toasted baguette slices, crunchy pita chips, or even classic Tostitos. The contrast of the crispy dippers with the melty, savory dip creates a perfect bite every time. Fresh veggie sticks like bell peppers and cucumber slices also make refreshing companions if you want a lighter option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl to keep it warm and inviting throughout the gathering. You can also portion it into small ramekins for individual servings or layer it with extra mozzarella on top and broil for a couple of minutes to achieve a bubbly golden crust that mimics a fresh-baked pizza.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Crockpot Pizza Dip Recipe (which is rare but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dip will keep perfectly for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy all over again without spoiling that delicious cheesy goodness.
Freezing
This dip freezes well, so if you want to prepare it ahead of time, place cooled dip in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to bring back that melty, creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk or marinara sauce can help restore the perfect consistency if it seems too thick after chilling.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of low fat?
Absolutely! Using regular cream cheese will make your dip even creamier and richer. The low fat version is just a lighter option, but either works wonderfully in this recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dip?
For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the pepperoni and consider adding chopped veggies like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers to keep the pizza flavors vibrant and exciting.
Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes! You can make this dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and everything combines, but the slow cooker does the work for you hands-free and develops deeper flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil works in a pinch but fresh basil truly brightens the dip with a fresh, herbal kick that dried just can’t replicate. If all you have is dried, use about one-third the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How spicy is this dip?
This Crockpot Pizza Dip Recipe is mildly spicy thanks to the pepperoni, but it’s nothing overwhelming. You can always adjust by choosing a spicy or mild pepperoni or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong diving into this Crockpot Pizza Dip Recipe; it’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you serve it. The ease of the slow cooker combined with the classic, comforting flavors makes it a winner for any occasion. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, invite some friends or just treat yourself, and get ready to fall in love with pizza night in dip form!
Print
Crockpot Pizza Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low
- Total Time: 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low (including prep)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Pizza Dip is a warm, cheesy blend of low-fat cream cheese, pepperoni, fresh basil, marinara sauce, garlic powder, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, it’s a simple and delicious dip that combines all your favorite pizza flavors into one cozy crockpot-ready recipe.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces low fat cream cheese
- 10 ounces pepperoni (mini pepperonis recommended)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the low fat cream cheese, mini pepperoni, chopped fresh basil, marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and shredded mozzarella cheese into your slow cooker. Mix gently to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Cook the Dip: Set the slow cooker to high for 1 to 2 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the dip every 30 minutes during cooking to ensure even melting and blending of flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the dip is hot and bubbly, serve immediately with toasted bread, pita chips, or Tostito chips for dipping. Enjoy the comforting, pizza-flavored dip hot from the crockpot!
Notes
- For a spicier dip, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, but use about 1 tablespoon dried.
- If you prefer a thicker dip, reduce the marinara sauce slightly.
- This dip can be kept warm in the crockpot on the ‘keep warm’ setting for up to 2 hours before serving.
- For best results, use a slow cooker liner for easy cleaning.
