Introduction

White Pizza Dip is a delicious twist on classic pizza flavors, perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a cozy snack. This creamy, cheesy dip is surrounded by soft garlic knots made from pizza dough, creating a fun and interactive appetizer everyone will love.

A round black cast iron skillet holds a baked bread dish with soft golden brown dough pieces arranged in a circle, each piece sprinkled with herbs and spices giving a speckled texture. The center is filled with creamy melted white cheese, slightly browned on top, and garnished with small green herb leaves scattered across. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface, with a green basil leaf nearby and a blue and white towel blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

24 oz. pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
1 Tbsp olive oil
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tsp garlic (minced)
1½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp kosher salt
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 Tbsp milk
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
1½ tsp minced garlic
1 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Brush a 9” or 10” cast iron skillet with olive oil. Place a small bowl or crock in the center of the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Divide the pizza dough into 12 equal pieces, about 2 ounces each.
Step 3: Cut each piece into 3 smaller pieces. Roll each piece between your palm and the countertop in a circular motion until tight dough balls form. Toss the dough balls in olive oil to coat evenly.
Step 4: Arrange the dough balls around the outside edge of the prepared skillet. Cover the skillet and place it in a warm spot for 1 hour to let the dough rise. (A warm oven with the light on works well.)
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, milk, fresh basil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
Step 7: Remove the cover and take the small bowl or crock out of the skillet. Spoon the cheese dip mixture into the center of the skillet.
Step 8: Bake for 28-30 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. For extra color, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking if desired.
Step 9: While baking, whisk together the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt.
Step 10: Take the skillet out of the oven and brush the garlic knots with the butter mixture. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dip, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Try swapping fresh basil for fresh oregano or parsley for a different herbal note.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a similar oven-safe pan or baking dish will work but adjust the dough arrangement accordingly.
Make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate; just bring to room temperature before shaping and rising.

Storage

Store any leftover dip and garlic knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through to keep the texture soft and delicious. The dough may lose some of its fresh texture after refrigeration, but the flavors remain excellent.

How to Serve

A black skillet filled with golden brown baked dough balls arranged in a circular pattern, each ball topped with green herbs. In the center, there is a creamy white cheese dip melting slightly, creating a smooth texture. A woman's hand is pulling one dough ball away from the skillet, showing the soft inside. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with some green basil leaves in the background and a striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping the dough balls.

What can I use if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

An oven-safe round baking dish or deep pie pan can be substituted, though the dough balls may spread differently. Just arrange them neatly around the edges with the dip in the center.