Pizza Bread Bowl Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer made with cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, pizza sauce, and pepperoni, all baked inside a crusty bread bowl. The melted cheese and pizza flavors make this an easy appetizer for parties, game days, and family gatherings.
One of my favorite things about making this dip is that nothing goes to waste. I save the bread removed from the center of the loaf and cut it into pieces for dipping. Everyone can scoop up the cheesy filling and enjoy the bread bowl, too!
Why I Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
- Bread Bowl: A round loaf of crusty bread holds the warm, cheesy pizza dip.
- Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce block creates a thick, creamy base. Soften it before mixing.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a little tang to the dip.
- Garlic: Four fresh cloves add plenty of savory flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Pizza Sauce: One cup brings all those classic pizza flavors together.
- Pepperoni: Add slices on top for a classic pepperoni pizza finish.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Pizza Bread Bowl Dip
Step 1: Make the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Cheese
Mix in the minced garlic and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread Bowl
Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving enough bread around the sides and bottom to hold the dip. Save the removed bread for dipping.
Step 4: Layer the Pizza Dip
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly inside the bread bowl. Spoon the pizza sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese, or add your favorite pizza toppings.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Wrap the outside of the bread bowl in aluminum foil, leaving the top exposed. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the filling is heated through.
Tips I Found Helpful
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let it come to room temperature so it mixes smoothly with the sour cream.
- Choose a Sturdy Bread Bowl: A round loaf of Italian or sourdough bread works well and holds the filling without falling apart.
- Save the Bread Pieces: Cut the bread removed from the center into bite-sized pieces for dipping.
- Try Different Toppings: Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, or diced bell peppers for your favorite pizza flavors.
- Watch the Oven: Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add a few extra minutes if the center isn’t heated through.
- Store Leftovers: Transfer leftover dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat until hot before serving.
More Dip Recipes I Love
Pizza Bread Bowl Dip
Pizza Bread Bowl Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer made with cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, pizza sauce, and pepperoni. Baked inside a crusty bread bowl, it's perfect for parties and game day!
Ingredients
- 1 round bread bowl
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- Pepperoni slices, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the minced garlic and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving enough bread around the sides and bottom to hold the dip. Save the removed bread for dipping.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly inside the bread bowl.
- Spoon the pizza sauce over the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Top with pepperoni slices or your favorite pizza toppings.
- Wrap the outside of the bread bowl in aluminum foil, leaving the top exposed. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated through.
- Serve warm with the reserved bread pieces for dipping.
Notes
Use a sturdy round loaf of Italian or sourdough bread to hold the dip.
Soften the cream cheese before mixing for a smooth, creamy filling.
Customize with cooked sausage, olives, mushrooms, or your favorite pizza toppings.
If the center isn't hot after 20 minutes, continue baking until heated through.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 213Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 333mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 8g
This looks really yummy, I’m glad I’m lactose intolerant!
This looks so delicious! Thanks so much for sharing your yummy recipe on the Monday Funday Party!