There is nothing quite like sharing a warm, gooey appetizer that brings people together around the table, and this White Pizza Dip with Cheesy Dipping Rolls Recipe does exactly that. Imagine golden, fluffy pizza dough rolls filled with melty cheese, encircling a luscious blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and fresh basil, baked to perfection in one simple skillet. This dish is a fantastic crowd-pleaser that combines the irresistible flavors of pizza with the fun, interactive experience of dipping—making any gathering instantly cozier and more delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are easy to find and come together to create a harmonious balance of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous notes. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and appeal for this White Pizza Dip with Cheesy Dipping Rolls Recipe.
- Salted butter: Used to coat your baking dish so the dough won’t stick and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust: This forms the soft, fluffy dipping rolls, making preparation quick and fuss-free.
- ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, melty cheesiness directly into the dip mixture.
- ½ block cream cheese (4 ounces), softened: Provides creaminess and a luscious texture for the dip center.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds a tangy note that cuts through the richness and keeps the dip light.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Brings an aromatic kick enhancing all the cheesy goodness.
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil: Introduces a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat that’s perfect if you like a little spice.
- Pinch of black pepper: Grounds the flavor with a subtle hint of warmth.
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping: Creates a bubbly, golden cheese crust that’s pure comfort food heaven.
How to Make White Pizza Dip with Cheesy Dipping Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously butter an oven-safe 9-inch skillet or a round baking dish to prevent any sticking, while also adding a touch of rich flavor to the crust edges. This simple step helps achieve that perfect golden crust you’ll love.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, red pepper flakes if using, black pepper, and shredded mozzarella. Mix everything until it is uniformly blended, creating a smooth and savory centerpiece for your dip. This mixture is the heart of the recipe, bringing in creaminess balanced by aromatic herbs and a hint of heat.
Step 3: Shape the Pizza Dough Rolls
Roll out the refrigerated pizza crust onto a clean surface and cut the dough into 12 squares. Then, roll each square gently into a small ball. These will become the cheesy dipping rolls surrounding the creamy dip. Their fluffy, soft texture is what makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble the Dip and Rolls
Arrange the dough balls around the edge of the buttered skillet or baking dish, forming a circular border. Drop the creamy cheese mixture into the center, spreading it out so that it touches all the dough balls. Finally, sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup mozzarella evenly on top to create that golden, melty topping that ties everything together.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Bake the entire skillet for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is lightly golden and bubbly and the pizza dough balls have puffed up to a soft, inviting texture. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to dive in!
Step 6: Serve It Warm and Fresh
Once out of the oven, feel free to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil, extra black pepper, or even a dash more red pepper flakes to amp up the flavor. Serve the White Pizza Dip with Cheesy Dipping Rolls Recipe warm to enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness at its absolute best.
How to Serve White Pizza Dip with Cheesy Dipping Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes lift this dish beautifully. Sprinkling additional chopped fresh basil on top adds a vibrant green contrast and fresh herbal note. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide an exciting pop of flavor that guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This dip shines as an appetizer but also pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or a vibrant vegetable platter. Crunchy carrots, celery sticks, and sliced bell peppers are perfect for dipping alongside the rolls, balancing out the richness of the cheese with fresh, crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dip right in the skillet it was baked in for an inviting, rustic presentation everyone will love. Alternatively, present it alongside a plate of assorted olives, cured meats, and roasted garlic for a playful pizza-night twist that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dip remains creamy and flavorful, and the dough balls will keep their soft texture after gentle reheating.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the dip before baking for up to one month. Assemble the dish as directed, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Avoid the microwave if possible, to maintain the fluffy texture of the cheesy rolls and avoid a soggy dip.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated crust?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will work beautifully and may add an extra depth of flavor and a chewier texture, which makes the dish even more special.
Is it possible to make this dip vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it uses no meat products. Just be sure your cheese is made without animal rennet if you follow strict vegetarian guidelines.
Can I add other herbs besides basil?
Definitely. Fresh oregano, thyme, or even a sprinkle of rosemary can add lovely new dimensions to the flavor profile. Just choose herbs you enjoy and use them sparingly to complement the existing mix.
What can I serve instead of pizza dough rolls for dipping?
If you want to switch it up, try serving the dip with toasted baguette slices, crunchy breadsticks, or even assorted crackers for different textures alongside the gooey dip.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it is not gluten-free because it uses regular pizza crust. However, you can substitute a gluten-free pizza dough or roll to suit dietary needs without sacrificing deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
This White Pizza Dip with Cheesy Dipping Rolls Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite appetizers to bring to any gathering because it’s easy, comforting, and downright addictive. Whether you’re serving it for game day, a family dinner, or a casual party, the melty cheese, soft dough, and fresh basil make every bite a joyous occasion. Give it a try and watch how fast it disappears!
PrintWhite Pizza Dip with Cheesy Dipping Rolls Recipe
This warm White Pizza Dip features fluffy pizza dough rolls surrounding a gooey, cheesy center, perfectly seasoned with garlic, basil, and a hint of spice. Baked all in one dish, this appetizer is easy to prepare and ideal for sharing at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Baking Dish
- Salted butter, for coating the baking dish
For the Dough and Cheese Dip
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust
- ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ block (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pinch black pepper
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 9-inch oven-safe skillet or round baking dish with salted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, fresh chopped basil, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Prepare Dough Balls: Roll out the refrigerated pizza crust on a clean surface. Cut the dough into 12 equal squares. Roll each square into a tight ball to form the pizza dough dipping rolls.
- Arrange Dough Balls: Place the dough balls in a circular pattern around the edge of the prepared skillet or baking dish, forming a ring.
- Add Cheese Center and Topping: Spoon the cheese mixture into the center of the dough ball circle, spreading it evenly until it touches the dough balls. Sprinkle the top with ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly golden and the dough balls are fully cooked and fluffy.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped fresh basil, black pepper, and additional red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to make mixing easier.
- Refrigerated pizza crust works well for convenience, but homemade dough can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dip.
- Serve this dip immediately for the best texture and taste as the cheese center is warm and melty.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.
