Name: Chilled Pizza Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Pepperoni Slices: ½ cup Mayonnaise: ¾ cup Diced Roasted Red Peppers: ½ cup Diced Scallions: ¼ cup Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper: ¼ teaspoon Sharp Provolone, finely grated: 1 ½ cups Fontinella, finely grated: 1 ½ cups Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup Crackers, Chips, Pretzels, Veggies: for serving

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 23 reviews

Imagine everything you love about a gooey slice of pizza but reimagined as a zesty, cool, and utterly scoopable snack—meet Chilled Pizza Dip, the party hero you never knew your table needed. Loaded with layers of sharp cheese, crunchy pepperoni, and pops of sweet roasted red pepper, this dip is as fun as it is flavorful. Whether you’re rallying friends for movie night or hunting for something new to bring to a potluck, Chilled Pizza Dip brings bold taste, creamy textures, and an irresistible twist on classic comfort food. Trust me, once you dip in, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted without it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chilled Pizza Dip is how it transforms simple, classic ingredients into a colorful, flavor-packed creation. Each component brings its own magic to the bowl, from cheesy stretches to savory bites and a little zippy heat—so don’t skip a thing!

Pepperoni slices: Roasted until crispy for a satisfying crunch and intense pizza flavor in every bite.
Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base that keeps the dip rich and luscious (never greasy or oily).
Diced roasted red peppers: Add gorgeous color and a hint of sweetness that balances the savory cheeses.
Diced scallions: For a fresh contrast and a gentle onion kick that brightens the dip.
Dried Italian seasoning: Brings authentic, herby pizza vibes with minimal effort.
Crushed red pepper: A little heat for those who like their dip with a kick—adjust to taste!
Sharp provolone (finely grated): Delivers a tangy, bold cheese flavor you won’t want to miss.
Fontinella (finely grated): Melts beautifully and brings a mild, buttery richness.
Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and deeply savory—just what a pizza-inspired dip needs.
Crackers, chips, pretzels, or veggies: For dipping, crunching, and making every scoop uniquely delicious.

How to Make Chilled Pizza Dip

Step 1: Crispy Pepperoni Prep

Let’s kick things off with a flavor boost: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, then spread your pepperoni slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Baking them for about 10 to 12 minutes transforms them into savory, crispy toppers that will add irresistible crunch and bold pizza flavor. Move the pep slices to a paper towel so any extra grease gets wicked away. Once cool, give them a rough chop or crumble—this will make sure every dip gets a bite of that pepperoni punch.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, diced roasted red peppers, scallions, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. This vibrant combo sets the stage for a dip that’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of zesty. The roasted peppers and scallions infuse each bite with freshness and sweet complexity.

Step 3: Cheese it Up

Now for the magic: Working gently with a spatula, stir in your generous piles of finely grated sharp provolone, fontinella, and parmesan cheese. Combining multiple cheeses gives this dip irresistible stretch, creaminess, and tang—a true homage to the best pizza pies! At this point, give the base a taste. You might want a pinch of salt or pepper, but usually, the cheese brings enough savory power on its own.

Step 4: Finish and Chill

You’re almost there! Fold in the crumbled pepperoni, reserving a little for garnishing the top if you’re feeling fancy. Scoop your Chilled Pizza Dip into a serving bowl or pop it into an airtight container. You can serve immediately for instant gratification, or (even better) let it chill in the fridge for a bit—this gives flavors time to meld and deepens that pizza-in-a-bite magic.

How to Serve Chilled Pizza Dip

Garnishes

Topping your Chilled Pizza Dip with extra crumbled crispy pepperoni, a shower of fresh scallions, or a final pinch of parmesan takes the look and taste over the top. Garnishes add both flavor and a pop of color, instantly letting people know this dip is anything but ordinary!

Side Dishes

Give your guests choices! Classic crackers, sea salt pita chips, or garlicky breadsticks work beautifully for scooping up the dip. For something lighter, serve with a big bowl of crunchy raw veggies (think bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber slices) which pair especially well with the creamy, savory layers of Chilled Pizza Dip.

Creative Ways to Present

Shake up your presentation by spooning Chilled Pizza Dip into individual ramekins, hollowed-out mini bell peppers, or cute mason jars for easy, no-double-dipping snacks. For a party platter, ring the dip bowl with an assortment of crackers and snappy veggies for a show-stopping centerpiece your friends will circle instantly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra? Lucky you! Just transfer any leftover Chilled Pizza Dip to a tightly sealed container and store in the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for up to 4 to 5 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for snacking or entertaining throughout the week.

Freezing

While Chilled Pizza Dip is at its best fresh from the fridge, you can freeze it in a pinch. Place it in a freezer-safe container and aim to use within 1 month for best flavor. Thaw completely in the fridge before serving, then stir well to bring back its creamy texture—the cheeses may separate a bit, but a quick mix will help it come back together.

Reheating

This dip is meant to be enjoyed cold, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can absolutely warm it up! A gentle zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a 350 degree F oven will melt the cheeses for a totally different, pizzas-meet-fondue experience. Just be sure to use a heatproof dish and keep an eye on it so the mayo base doesn’t break.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of pepperoni?

Absolutely! Try crispy cooked bacon, diced cooked ham, or even some spicy salami for different savory twists. Just be sure to crisp and drain them well so your Chilled Pizza Dip stays light and scoopable.

Is there a way to make this dip vegetarian?

For sure—just skip the pepperoni altogether, or replace it with roasted mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or extra roasted peppers for a delicious vegetarian version everyone can enjoy.

What if I can’t find fontinella cheese?

No worries! Fontina or even mozzarella work well in its place. Use your favorite melty cheese, just make sure to grate it finely to keep the dip smooth and creamy.

Can I make Chilled Pizza Dip ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s actually better that way! Assemble the dip a day ahead, seal it tightly, and refrigerate. The flavors meld overnight, making your Chilled Pizza Dip taste even more like a classic pizza, but with a fresher, creamier twist.

What’s the best way to transport this dip to a party?

Spoon the dip into a sturdy airtight container, keep it chilled with an ice pack, and save your crackers and garnishes for assembly right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and picture-perfect when you arrive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that packs all the fun of pizza in one irresistible scoop, you owe it to yourself (and your friends) to try Chilled Pizza Dip. It’s easy, make-ahead friendly, and bursting with flavor in every bite—so grab your favorite dippers and get ready to fall in love!