Hot White Pizza Dip is basically all the cheesy goodness of white pizza without having to make an actual pizza. And really, that sounds pretty great for a party appetizer.
You still have the garlic, Italian seasoning, and plenty of melted cheese, just in a warm dip that’s ready for dunking.
This one uses cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, so there’s a lot of creamy, cheesy goodness going on. The garlic gives it that familiar white pizza flavor, and you can sprinkle a little fresh basil on top if you have some.
You’ll need an 8×8-inch baking dish and a mixing bowl. Nothing complicated here. Just mix everything, spread it into the dish, add more cheese on top, and bake until it’s bubbling.
It’s a great option for game day, Christmas parties, or anytime you need a hot appetizer that people can share. Set out some toasted baguette slices, breadsticks, or crackers and let everyone dig in.
Just be sure to serve it warm. That’s when the cheese is at its meltiest, and that’s exactly what you want with a white pizza dip.
Why You’ll Love This Hot White Pizza Dip
All the Good Stuff From White Pizza
No crust, no tomato sauce, just that creamy garlic and cheese filling that makes white pizza so good. There’s mozzarella for that gooey melted cheese, ricotta for a softer texture, and Parmesan for a little extra cheesy flavor.
Ready in 30 Minutes
You only need about 10 minutes to prepare everything before the dip goes into the oven. That’s a pretty nice deal when you have other party food to worry about.
That Golden, Cheesy Top
You can broil the dip briefly at the end for a lightly browned top. It’s optional, but those little golden spots are definitely a nice touch.
Plenty of Ways to Serve It
Toasted baguette slices are an obvious choice, especially if you want that pizza crust feeling. Breadsticks, crackers, and even warm pita bread work, too.
Great for Sharing
The recipe makes 8 servings, so it’s a good size for a small gathering. You can also double the recipe if you’re planning a larger party.
Ingredient Substitutions
Cream Cheese
Regular full-fat cream cheese gives the dip its creamy texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer. The dip may be a little less rich, but it will still work.
Sour Cream
Plain Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream in the same amount. It has a slightly tangier taste, so expect a small change in flavor.
Ricotta Cheese
Cottage cheese is an option if you don’t have ricotta. Blend it until smooth before adding it to the other ingredients so you don’t end up with little curds throughout the dip.
Mozzarella Cheese
Shredded provolone is a good substitute. It melts nicely and has a slightly sharper flavor than mozzarella.
Parmesan Cheese
Pecorino Romano can work in place of Parmesan. It’s saltier, though, so you may want to reduce the added salt.
Fresh Garlic
If you’re out of fresh garlic, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder instead of the 2 cloves. It’s an easy swap, and you don’t have to mince anything.
Fresh Basil
No fresh basil? You can skip it. A small sprinkle of dried basil is another option, although fresh basil has a different flavor.
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Hot White Pizza Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Place the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese in a medium mixing bowl.
- Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbling around the edges, and the cheese is melted.
- Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, if desired, until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil, if desired.
- Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, breadsticks, or crackers.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Shred your own cheese – Freshly shredded mozzarella generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. Watch the broiler – The top can brown quickly, so keep a close eye on it during those last 1 to 2 minutes. Keep the dippers sturdy – Thick baguette slices, breadsticks, and sturdy crackers are easier to scoop with than thin, delicate crackers. Make it ahead – You can assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. Allow a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s still cold.Storing and Reheating
Refrigerating – Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheating in the oven – Place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and heat at 350°F until warmed through. Reheating in the microwave – Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl in 20 to 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals until hot.Nutrition
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