Easy Slow Cooker Pizza Dip is everything you could hope for and more – warm, cheesy pizza flavors in dippable form! Layer everything in and cook until perfectly melted and smooth, thanks to the creamy ricotta. Serve with bread, crackers, or veggies for a delightfully cheesy appetizer!

closeup of black slow cooker with pizza dip and hand holding bread that has been dipped in pizza dip

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What’s To Love About This Recipe

This simple pizza dip comes together with a few wholesome ingredients to make a creamy cheese base with ricotta and cream cheese, plus classic pizza sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
Crowd-pleasing pizza dip feels familiar and indulgent, but this version has a smoother texture than most while keeping incredible flavor.
I like this pizza dip recipe because it stays creamy even after sitting out, which makes it great for game day or casual gatherings. Ricotta keeps the texture smooth instead of stretchy or gooey.
Warm, melty pizza dip is delicious with so many dipping options! I like to serve it with a sturdy, toasted bread and fresh veggies to keep it from being too heavy.
Keep this cheesy, flavorful appetizer simple with traditional pizza flavors or customize with add-ins like pepperoni, olives, or mushrooms.
The ingredients in this recipe are minimally processed and easy to throw together in the slow cooker. It’s the perfect party appetizer or gameday snack!

Ingredients Needed

Whole-milk ricotta cheese – Ricotta is intentionally used to soften the texture and keep the dip creamy and scoopable. Most pizza dip recipes rely heavily on cream cheese and mozzarella, which, unlike ricotta, can turn gluey in the slow cooker.
Cream cheese – Soften the cream cheese to room temperature for easier melting in the slow cooker. The tangy cream cheese brings a flavorful balance to the mozzarella and ricotta.
Mozzarella – Use freshly shredded low-moisture mozzarella for classic pizza flavors. Low-moisture mozzarella works best to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
Parmesan – Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a decadent touch!
Pizza sauce – Select your preferred jarred or canned pizza sauce, but make sure it is a thicker sauce for the best consistency.
Italian seasoning – A pinch of Italian seasoning adds just the right amount of herbal flavor. Use a premixed blend or this homemade Italian mix you can prepare in minutes.
Optional toppings – Load up your pizza dip with fun additions such as sliced pepperoni, sliced black olives, or sautéed mushrooms.

ingredients to include containers of ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning ,sliced pepperoni and black olives

How To Make Pizza Dip In The Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of a small (2 to 3-quart) slow cooker.
In a bowl, stir together ricotta, cream cheese, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella until smooth.

glass bowl of ricotta cheese, cream cheese, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning and mozzarella cheese

glass bowl of ricotta cheese, cream cheese, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning and mozzarella cheese all stirred together

Spread the mixture evenly into the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Add optional toppings if desired.

stirred ingredients in black slow cooker with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top

black slow cooker with pepperoni on top of cheese mixture

Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, until the dip is fully warmed and melted.

black slow cooker with pizza dip surrounded by basket of bread, Parmesan cheese and grater, and serving plate

Stir gently halfway through, then again before serving, for an ultra-creamy texture.
Switch to the warm setting and serve directly from the slow cooker.

Pro Tips

Soften cream cheese first for more even melting in the slow cooker.
Use low-moisture mozzarella only in this recipe. Fresh mozzarella releases too much liquid, and it is best to shred your own cheese rather than use pre-shredded, as the anti-caking agents can hinder smooth melting.
When ready, this dip should be warm and melty, not bubbling or browned.
If the dip is too stringy, it needs to heat longer.
Once melted, keep on the warm setting only to avoid overcooking. Pizza dip can remain on the warm setting for about 2-3 hours with occasional stirring to prevent burning around the edges.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

The decadent, cheesy base is delicious on its own, but it’s easy to customize the pizza dip to your favorite flavors!

If you swap any cheese options, it’s best to stick with full-fat dairy for the best consistency. You could also add a handful of shredded Colby Jack cheese or cheddar cheese for a slight variation.
If you don’t have pizza sauce specifically, look for another thick tomato-based sauce, such as marinara. Avoid thin tomato sauce since it can make the dip too watery.
Create a loaded pizza dip with add-ins or toppings such as chopped black olives, bacon bits, sliced pepperoni, or sautéed green peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Top off the pizza dip with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for spice or garnish with fresh or dried parsley, basil, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

closeup of toasted bread with pizza dip held over slow cooker of pizza dip

Oven-Baked Pizza Dip

Prepare the ingredients as directed in a greased, oven-safe baking or casserole dish.
Sprinkle the dip with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and any desired toppings.
Bake uncovered at 350 ℉ for 20-25 minutes, or until fully melted and smooth. (Dip should not be bubbling or browned around the edges.)

How To Serve Pizza Dip

For the perfect pizza dip, you need a selection of sturdy, dippable options that can handle the cheesiness! I usually serve this dip with a mixture of bread options and something fresh so it doesn’t feel overly heavy. Try serving the dip with:

Toasted baguette or crostini slices
Breadsticks cut into quarters or smaller pieces
Warmed naan or pita bread
Thick crackers
Garlic knots
Carrot sticks
Celery sticks
Sliced bell peppers
Pretzel rods

Serve pizza dip as a main appetizer or make it a party spread with a variety of other tasty dips and finger foods, such as:

closeup of black slow cooker containing slow cooked pizza dip

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Store leftover pizza dip in the fridge in a tightly sealed container for 2-3 days. (The dip will not freeze well due to dairy separation.)

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat single servings of pizza dip in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating. You can also add the pizza dip to an oven-safe dish and reheat at 325-350 ℉ until warmed through and bubbly. Stir once or twice during reheating and add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the dip.