Easy Pizza Dip in a Skillet with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Seasoning Recipe

If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings all the fun of your favorite pizza into one irresistible dish, then this Easy Pizza Dip in a Skillet with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Seasoning Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s warm, cheesy, packed with flavorful pepperoni, and has a beautifully seasoned bread border that makes dipping pure joy. From game nights to family gatherings, this recipe offers a cozy, comforting way to enjoy pizza flavors with less fuss and all the deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, contributing to a perfect balance of creamy texture, melty cheese goodness, and a hint of garlic and Italian herbs that brighten every bite. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up this delightful skillet dip.

• Frozen dinner rolls: These form the golden, soft crusty edge that’s perfect for dipping and gives the dish a satisfying texture contrast.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and blended with spices, it adds richness and a fragrant buttery layer to the rolls.
• Garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory note, enhancing the dip with classic garlic flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a fresh, aromatic kick essential for that authentic pizza taste.
• Cream cheese: Acts as the luxurious creamy base of the dip, smooth and rich for delightful indulgence.
• Mozzarella cheese: Divided into two portions, it melts beautifully to create that stretchy, gooey pizza cheese pull we all love.
• Pepperoni slices: Packed with bold, savory flavor, these give the dip its classic pizza personality.
• Pizza sauce: Layered in and on top, it infuses the dish with tangy tomato goodness and balances the richness of the cheese.

How to Make Easy Pizza Dip in a Skillet with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Seasoning Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet and Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Take your frozen dinner rolls and arrange 12 to 16 of them around the outer rim of a large (8-10 inch) cast iron skillet or similar baking dish. This will create a lovely bread border that’s perfect for scooping up the dip. Let the rolls thaw for about 15 minutes while you work on the rest of the recipe, allowing them to soften just enough for easy baking.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoned Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This flavorful butter mixture is what will give the rolls their irresistible golden color and fragrant aroma. Set it aside for a moment before brushing onto the rolls.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Pepperoni Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until perfectly smooth and creamy. Next, stir in most of the pepperoni slices chopped into quarters (or mini slices if you’re using them) along with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Beat again until everything is well combined, creating a velvety, flavorful base ready to layer into your skillet.

Step 4: Bake the Buttered Rolls

Brush each thawed roll generously with your seasoned butter mixture, making sure to cover every nook and cranny for maximum flavor. Pop the skillet into the oven and bake the rolls for 20 minutes. They’ll puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown, setting the stage for the pizza dip magic to come.

Step 5: Assemble the Dip Layers

Once the rolls are beautifully baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Pour ¼ cup of your pizza sauce into the bottom of the skillet inside the ring of rolls. Then spread the cream cheese and pepperoni mixture evenly over the sauce with a spatula. Next, cover with the remaining ½ cup of pizza sauce, followed by the last cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Finally, top with the remaining pepperoni slices, halving standard ones if you like a balanced distribution or keeping minis whole for a fun pop of flavor in each bite.

Step 6: Final Bake and Cooling

Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the flavors meld perfectly. Once done, let it cool for about 15 minutes to set slightly, making it easier to serve without losing any of that gooey, cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Easy Pizza Dip in a Skillet with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Seasoning Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or a handful of thinly sliced green onions over the dip right before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous brightness that lifts the rich flavours. If you love a little heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes adds a perfect kick.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs beautifully with crunchy veggie sticks like celery or bell peppers, adding a fresh, crisp contrast. You can also serve alongside garlic knots or crunchy breadsticks to double down on that bread-and-dip pleasure. For a more filling option, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dip straight in the skillet for a rustic, effortless look that keeps it warm longer and encourages sharing. Or, if you want to impress at a party, transfer to a decorative serving dish and surround it with mini pretzels, pita chips, or even tortilla chips for a fun twist. You could even portion the dip into mini skillets or ramekins for single-serve indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, remove the rolls from the skillet and store them separately from the dip in airtight containers. This helps maintain the texture of the bread. Refrigerate both portions for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy the flavors again without losing any appeal.

Freezing

This dip freezes surprisingly well! Transfer the dip portion (without the rolls) into a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the dip in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) until bubbly and heated through, usually around 15-20 minutes. For the rolls, gently warm them separately wrapped in foil to keep them soft and fresh, avoiding microwaving which can toughen the bread.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of frozen rolls?

Absolutely! Fresh pizza dough rolled into small balls about 1 inch in diameter works wonderfully. Just adjust the baking time slightly if needed, as fresh dough might bake faster or slower than frozen rolls.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni and add flavorful extras like sautéed mushrooms, olives, or roasted red peppers to keep the dip just as delicious but meat-free.

Can I prepare this dip without the bread border?

Definitely. You can bake the dip in any 8-10 inch baking dish without the rolls. The bread adds a fun dipping element but the dip alone is fantastic and great for serving with chips or veggies.

What type of mozzarella cheese works best?

Fresh mozzarella that you shred yourself tends to melt creamier and stretchier, but pre-shredded works well too and offers convenience without sacrificing much flavor or texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the frozen dinner rolls with gluten-free bread or crackers suitable for dipping, you can enjoy this dish with gluten-free guests safely, keeping all the same delightful flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pizza Dip in a Skillet with Pepperoni, Mozzarella, and Garlic Seasoning Recipe perfectly captures all the fun and flavor of pizza with a unique, shareable twist. It’s easy to make, irresistibly cheesy, and bound to become a favorite at your next get-together. Give it a try and watch how fast it disappears—you’re going to love every bite!

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