Sometimes, you just want pizza and the goodness that it offers — the hearty sauce, the ooey-gooey melted cheese, the beautiful array of toppings, and the comforting warmth as these ingredients reach your palate. The only thing you don’t want is the heavy crust and how it can weigh the whole thing down after only a few bites. But what’s a pizza without the crust? You might expect something incomplete and lackluster, yet pizza dip proves the opposite. Make it right, and there’s your shortcut to enjoying pizza sans dough.
Pizza dip may leave out the crust, but it retains the things that truly make a pizza. You’ve still got the sauce to lay that intense flavor base. The bubbling cheese is ever-present, ready to melt right into your taste buds with every decadent scoop. Scattered within are pepperoni, fresh herbs, or whichever customizable toppings dominate your dreams. Just jump right into pure flavor goodness, all gathered in a simple bowl.
And did we mention this is also the perfect gluten-free spin to pizza? Sure, you can always make a gluten-free cauliflower pizza crust, but when the mood calls for quick and easy, this is a great alternative. No mixing and rolling the dough, no impatient wait for a long bake time. Simply layer the ingredients, throw them in the oven (or perhaps even the microwave), and the dip is ready after 5 to 10 minutes.
Pizza dip is just as versatile as actual pizza
Much like on pizza itself, cheese plays a key role in a pizza dip’s success. Softened cream cheese sets a rich base, and you’ll want to opt for cheese varieties that melt well to get that coveted cheese pull. Start with regular pizza staples, like mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda. If you’re in the mood for branching out, try gruyere — the French onion soup staple, or fontina for a fondue-like creaminess. Although not compulsory, a careful two-minute broil will work wonders in giving this cheesy top a deliciously browned, bubbling exterior.
For the sauce, pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or any version of a tomato sauce recipe will work flawlessly. Enhance the flavor with Italian seasoning or chili pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano are splendid for an aromatic undertone. Sweetness doesn’t have to be out of place, either, not if you’re using hot honey. And just like how you can mix pesto and tomato sauce for an unforgettable pizza, a few spoonfuls of pesto drizzled over the top or mixed into the base can also make your pizza dip way more flavorful and exciting.
Lastly, let’s think about the toppings and the dip foods. You probably already know the basics: Pepperoni, vegetables, and basil leaves. But customize to your heart’s content with other additions like bacon, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and jalapeños. Serve the pizza dip with garlic bread, tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, or any of your usual choices and grace your next gathering with a jaw-dropping appetizer.
