With only a handful of ingredients, this Cheesy Pizza Dip is the perfect party appetizer! Add pepperoni or sausage to spice it up!
Gosh, just looking at this Cheesy Pizza Dip Bread Bowl has me wishing it were actually in front of me! This pizza dip has only 4 ingredients, takes no time to whip up, and may be the most attractive food you will ever make.
Gooey cheese, spicy tomato sauce, and crispy bread all come together perfectly to make this Cheesy Pizza Dip. It is so good, I bet it won’t last more than a few minutes after you set it out at your next party.
Next time you’re at a party (serving this dip), try out a cheese question as an ice breaker. I bet $100 there will be someone who hates bleu cheese or goat cheese…there is always someone who isn’t a fan of those. Luckily for those few people, there isn’t any bleu or goat cheese in this recipe.
How to make a Cheesy Pizza Dip in a Bread Bowl:
**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**
- Preheat the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Hollow out a large bread bowl (although this would be SUPER cute in mini bread bowls too!), pour the marinara inside, top with cheese and basil, tent the dip with foil, and bake!
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot!
Tip for making the pizza dip:
- Use your own homemade marinara sauce
- This Cheesy Pizza Dip is vegetarian, however you can easily add ground sausage or pepperoni to add more protein. Alternatively, you could add more veggies like sliced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms!
- Use toothpicks on top of the bread bowl to help tent the foil and prevent it frok sticking to the cheese.
You could also try this Lasagna Dip in a bread bowl which would be amazing for any event!
Like cheesy recipes as much as I do? Try these other ideas from Domestic Superhero:
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
- French Onion Grilled Cheese
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cream Cheese
- Hot Artichoke Dip
- One Skillet Enchilada Rice
With only a handful of ingredients, this Cheesy Pizza Dip is the perfect party appetizer! Add pepperoni or sausage to spice it up!
- 1 large sourdough or french bread bowl
- 3 cups marinara (your favorite kind!)
- ½ TBS oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (best if you shred yourself)
- 2 TBS fresh basil leaves , chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Place bread bowl onto a foil lined baking sheet. Hollow out the middle, carefully as to not go through the bottom/sides of the bread. Pour marinara sauce into center of bread bowl; add oregano and black pepper to sauce, stir to combine. Sprinkle cheeses over the top of the marinara, covering where the sauce meets the bread (creating a 'seal'). Sprinkle basil over the top.
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Tent foil loosely over the top of the bread bowl, you don't want it to touch the cheese, and place in oven. Bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake for 5-10 more minutes, or until cheese is melted and browning (could also broil on high for a few minutes watching closely).
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Serve with bread slices, crackers, bread sticks, or whatever you want!
I usually place toothpicks around the top of the bread bowl (stuck into the bread close to the cheese), so that the foil doesn't end up falling into the cheese- you don't want the foil pulling off all of the cheese when you remove it!
First published April 2015. Updated February 2024.
Kim says
I made this for my grandsons birthday party and it was delicious. The only problem was that the inside of the bread bowl got very mushy. I wonder if baking it first after making with hole would toast it up and make it less likely to be mushy.
Allyson says
I think if you don't eat it fast enough, regardless the bread will get a little soggy. Just eat it quickly! LOL
Sierra says
Layer cheese down first and around the sides. Then pour in marinara. The cheese blocks the bread from absorbing too much of the sauce.
Allyson says
GREAT TIP!
RoseMary Colarusso says
That’s why I love Neapolitan pizza. The cheese goes down first then the sauce and the crust stays really crispy.
Gina says
This was SOOOOOOO good - I couldn't get enough!
Andie says
WHAT!! This is genius! How have I never tried this before now. It is so yummy and easy as well! Loved it.
Kristyn says
Mmmm!!!! This is so addicting & delicious!! My kids devour it! We have made it so many times! If you love pizza, then you will love this!
Mel says
Wow, this was AMAZING! We couldn't get enough!
Beth says
I LOVE serving this dip in a bread bowl like this. It's a delicious pairing on its own, and it makes a great presentation.
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says
It is really yummy! I made this and everyone at our house loves it!
Katerina Petrovska says
This cheesy pizza dip was incredibly delicious! It was super cheesy, gooey, and full of all my favorite pizza flavors. Definitely a crowd-pleaser and so easy to make!
April says
Ok, so this was delicious. Breadsticks dipped in marinara sauce is one of my favorite snacks - this was all of it all in one, I couldn't get enough!
Melissa says
Delicious - my family absolutely loves your recipe. Everyone is asking if I can make it again soon! I definitely plan on it!
Catalina says
Wow, this Cheesy Pizza Dip was a total hit at our game night! It was so creamy and packed with that pizza flavor we all crave.