Hippy High-Protein Hot Pizza Dip (Easy Game Day Appetizer)

This dip tastes just like pizza, only without the carbs and more protein. Winning!

With football season about to kick off (pun intended), if you're looking for an appetizer that's guaranteed to disappear before halftime, this Hippy High-Protein Hot Pizza Dip is it!

Made with creamy cottage cheese, pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and all your favorite pizza toppings, this warm, cheesy dip delivers everything you love about pizza in an easy-to-share appetizer. Blending the cottage cheese creates a smooth, creamy base while adding a boost of protein, making it a lighter twist on a classic party favorite.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Load it up with pepperoni, Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms—or whatever your family loves on pizza. Finish it with a drizzle of hot honey for the perfect sweet-and-spicy bite.

When it comes out of the oven, don't be surprised if it's a little creamier than a traditional cream cheese-based dip. That's exactly what makes it so good. The warm, ooey-gooey texture is perfect for scooping up with toasted naan, pita chips, crackers, or crusty bread, and every bite is loaded with cheesy pizza flavor.

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Whether you're hosting a football watch party, celebrating game day, entertaining friends, or just craving a fun appetizer, this easy dip comes together in minutes and is always one of the first dishes to disappear. After one bite, you'll understand why it's become one of my go-to party recipes.

INGREDIENTS

• 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tsp Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning, divided

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided

• 2 tsp garlic powder, divided

• ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) 

• 2 tbsp half and half or milk

• 14 oz pizza sauce (I like H-E-B Roasted Garlic Pizza Sauce)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Hot honey, for drizzling (optional)

• Pizza toppings of your choice:

  • Turkey or regular pepperoni

  • Cooked Italian sausage

  • Bell peppers

  • Onion

  • Bacon bits

  • Black olives

  • Mushrooms

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese, minced garlic, 1 tsp Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, the half and half, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Pour the cottage cheese mixture into a lightly greased oven-safe 9x9 baking dish and spread evenly in the dish.

4. Spoon about half of the pizza sauce and spread evenly over the cottage cheese layer.

5. Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

6. Spread the remaining pizza sauce over the cheese.

7. Add your favorite pizza toppings evenly across the dip.

8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, then lightly season with the remaining garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning.

9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

10. Let the dip rest for about 5 minutes before serving. If desired, drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-and-spicy finish.

Serve warm with:

• Toasted naan

• Pita chips

• Crostini

• Italian bread

• Crackers

• Bagel chips

• Fresh vegetables

Hippy Serving Tip: For the best bite, scoop all the way to the bottom so you get every delicious layer in every scoop.

Tips

• Blend the cottage cheese well. It creates a smooth, creamy base while adding protein—most people will never know it's made with cottage cheese!

• Customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bacon bits, peppers, onions, olives, spinach, and even jalapeños all work great.

• If you want to skip the heat, leave out the red pepper flakes and hot honey.

• Want it extra spicy? Add sliced jalapeños, more red pepper flakes, or an extra drizzle of hot honey before serving.

• Lighten it up by using fat-free mozzarella cheese.

• Perfect for parties. Bake it in a disposable foil pan for easy transport and cleanup.

• Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13-inch baking dish.

• Make ahead. Assemble the dip up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

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