Creamy High Protein Pizza Dip

This high protein pizza dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer with a classic pizza flavor that bakes up creamy, melty, and perfectly scoopable! It's oven-baked for that irresistible bubbly finish and made with simple protein-forward swaps that keep it rich and satisfying without sacrificing taste. Each serving delivers a solid protein boost thanks to the cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan baked into the creamy base.

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Why You'll Love This High Protein Pizza Dip

Who doesn't love a good dip recipe? My high protein buffalo chicken dip and high protein cottage cheese queso dip recipe have been the stars of many parties, and this pepperoni pizza dip is no different. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with all the classic pizza flavors you crave. A blend of cream cheese and cottage cheese creates that familiar, indulgent pizza dip texture while adding a protein boost that keeps it satisfying without feeling overly heavy.

After testing this recipe a few different ways, blending the base proved to be the key to a smooth, scoopable dip that stays creamy even after baking. It's also a low-effort, crowd-pleasing recipe that couldn't be easier to make. Everything comes together in one bowl, bakes in a single dish, and can be served straight from the oven. If you love make-ahead recipes with classic pizza flavors, you also have to try this pizza breakfast casserole!

Ingredients You'll Need

• Cream cheese: Creates a rich, creamy base and creates the most scoopable cream cheese pizza dip. 
• Cottage cheese: Adds protein while blending smoothly into the base so the dip stays creamy.
• Mozzarella cheese: Gives the dip that classic, melty, stretchy pizza texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, savory depth and extra flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Brings familiar pizza-style herb flavor.
• Crushed red pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the richness.
• Salt: Enhances all of the flavors in the dip.
• Minced garlic: Adds savory depth and warmth.
• Pizza sauce: Provides tangy tomato flavor and that unmistakable pizza vibe.
• Pepperoni: Add smoky, savory flavor; I like the Applegate brand.
• Hot honey: Adds a light sweet contrast that pairs perfectly with the savory cheese. If you love the sweet-and-savory combo from the hot honey, you might also try my creamy whipped feta dip.
• Chopped fresh basil: Brightens the dip and adds fresh flavor at the end.
• Gluten-free crackers or baguette: For scooping and serving.

How to Make High Protein Pizza Dip

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, one cup of shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and minced garlic.

Step 2: Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. The mixture should look smooth and spreadable, with no visible cottage cheese curds, before transferring it to your baking dish.

Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a pie plate or a 2-3 quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Spoon a layer of pizza sauce over the top.

Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the sauce.

Step 6: Arrange the pepperonis in a single layer on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden around the edges. For extra bubbly, lightly browned cheese, you can broil the dip for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Step 7: Finish with a drizzle of hot honey and fresh chopped basil.

Step 8: Serve warm with gluten-free crackers or your favorite baguette and enjoy!

Tips, Variations, and Swaps

• If you want to change things up, stir cooked Italian sausage into the cheese mixture before baking.
• A hand mixer works best, but a blender or food processor will also get the base smooth and creamy.
• For a lighter option, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella. I’ve tested this with both full-fat and lower-fat dairy, and the dip still baked up creamy and flavorful.

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