Crockpot Supreme Pizza Dip for Easy Entertaining Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To keep the dip warm throughout your party, leave the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting after the initial cooking time is complete.

This ensures the cheese remains soft and stretchy, preventing it from firming up as it sits. If the dip gets too thick over time, you can stir in a small amount of warm marinara sauce to loosen it.

If you want to add extra heat, stir in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with the sausage. For a more robust flavor, you can also add finely diced bell peppers or onions to the sausage while browning, provided they are cooked until softened. These additions add a nice textural contrast to the creamy cheese base.

Variations

• Veggie Supreme Dip: Replace the sausage with 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, and sliced black olives for a vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.
• Spicy Arrabbiata Dip: Use a spicy marinara sauce and add 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños to the layers for an extra kick that pairs perfectly with the rich mozzarella.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese and mozzarella will change significantly upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot and creamy.

If you have leftovers, allow the dip to cool for no more than two hours before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat portions in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until the cheese is melted and hot throughout.

You can prepare the dip by layering the ingredients in the slow cooker insert up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the insert tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, remove the insert from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes to take the chill off before starting the cooking cycle.

Serving ideas

Serve this dip directly in the slow cooker to keep it at the perfect temperature for dipping.

Surround the pot with a variety of dippers, such as toasted garlic breadsticks, crostini, or even raw vegetable sticks like bell peppers and celery for a lighter option. The contrast between the hot, gooey dip and the crunchy bread is key to the experience.

Consider setting up a small station around the slow cooker with extra garnishes like fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or extra red pepper flakes. This allows guests to customize their own servings.

Ensure you provide sturdy spoons or spreading knives so guests can easily transfer the thick, cheesy dip onto their breadsticks or plates without making a mess.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Supreme Pizza Dip for Easy Entertaining

Prep 10 minCook 1 h 30 minRest 5 minTotal 1 h 45 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz Italian herb cream cheese
• 1 lb Italian sausage, browned
• 2 cups rich pizza marinara
• 3 cups whole-milk mozzarella, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup cup-and-char pepperoni
• Fresh basil for serving
• Garlic breadsticks for serving

Instructions

1. Place the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the meat is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Drain any excess fat thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker.
2. Add the Italian herb cream cheese to the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the browned sausage, pizza marinara, shredded whole-milk mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and cup-and-char pepperoni on top of the cream cheese base.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 90 minutes. The dip is ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the pepperoni cups glisten with oil. Garnish with fresh basil before serving with warm garlic breadsticks.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

14.5 g

Carbohydrates

6 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.