If you are looking for a dip that packs both comfort and a little kick, the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Dip with Mozzarella and Hot Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This lush, cheesy dip brings together tender broccoli florets, a blend of three cheeses that melt beautifully, and a subtle yet exciting heat from the hot sauce. It’s a perfect appetizer that feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight snack. Trust me, once you get a taste of this combo, you’ll be coming back for it every time there’s an occasion or even just a craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with bright green broccoli florets. The broccoli pieces have a fresh, slightly rough texture and are tightly packed inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that has irregular grey and brown veins, adding contrast to the green of the broccoli. The image shows light shining softly on the broccoli, giving it a slightly shiny look. The bowl has ridges along its sides, visible due to the light reflections. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this dip plays a starring role, combining creamy, tangy, cheesy, and spicy notes to elevate the humble broccoli. The simplicity of these fresh and pantry staples means you can whip this up anytime with pantry-friendly staples and fresh greens that brighten the flavor and texture.

Chopped broccoli florets (3-4 cups): Fresh broccoli adds a lovely tender crunch and vibrant color to the dip.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): Provides the silky, creamy base that holds the dip together with richness.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and balances the richness while keeping it light.
Mayo (1/4 cup): Boosts creaminess and flavor, blending everything seamlessly.
Hot sauce (2 tablespoons): Gives just the right punch of heat without overpowering the cheese.
Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dip with an herbaceous brightness that complements the cheese beautifully.
Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle savory depth that wakes up the flavors.
Onion powder (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall savory profile with mild sweetness.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a smoky warmth and a hint of color to the dip.
Shredded white cheddar cheese (3/4 cup): Offers sharpness and a creamy melt that’s essential for that classic broccoli cheddar vibe.
Shredded cheddar cheese (3/4 cup): Blends perfectly with white cheddar for a rich, layered cheese flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (3/4 cup): Melts into gooey stretchiness that’s utterly irresistible.
Black pepper (to taste): Rounds out the flavor with a mild kick of spice.
Hard pretzel twists (for serving): The perfect salty, crunchy vessel for scooping up this luscious dip.

How to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Dip with Mozzarella and Hot Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by chopping your fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. You want them to be small enough to blend nicely in the dip but still offer that satisfying bite. If you prefer a softer texture, you can lightly steam the broccoli for a couple of minutes to take the edge off while keeping its bright green color.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and mayo. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and silky. This creamy foundation is where all your flavors will come together, setting the stage for the cheeses and spices.

Step 3: Add Heat and Herbs

Stir in the hot sauce, fresh thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. The hot sauce adds the perfect amount of zing that wakes up the dip without overwhelming the cheese, while the thyme and spices give it that extra depth and freshness.

Step 4: Fold in the Cheeses and Broccoli

Next, fold in your shredded white cheddar, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses followed by the chopped broccoli florets. The triple cheese blend delivers a rich, melty, and irresistible texture, while the broccoli adds a welcome crisp bite and vibrant green hues.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling and the cheese is golden on top. This step melts everything together into a warm, cheesy paradise that will have everyone reaching for pretzels.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Dip with Mozzarella and Hot Sauce Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with shredded cheese that has a mix of yellow and white colors, covering pieces of broccoli and other ingredients underneath. The cheese forms a thick, uneven layer on the top with some parts more piled up, showing its fine, stringy texture. Bright green broccoli florets peek out from under the cheese near the edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, with sunlight casting sharp shadows and highlighting the cheese’s texture and the bowl’s ridges around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped thyme or a light dusting of smoked paprika on top right out of the oven can make this dip really pop visually and add an aromatic touch. For a bit of crunch, toasted breadcrumbs also make a wonderful garnish.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy hard pretzel twists, but don’t stop there! Crisp vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers also make fresh, colorful dippers that bring nice texture contrast. For a chic option, serve alongside toasted baguette slices or pita chips.

Creative Ways to Present

To amp up presentation for parties, serve the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl or planter-style ceramic bowl that adds charm and makes sharing a breeze. Layering the dip in a clear glass dish lets the vibrant greens and golden cheese peek through, tempting guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dip keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen and meld even more overnight, so sometimes a day-old dip tastes even better than fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Dip with Mozzarella and Hot Sauce Recipe for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the dip in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm it gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through and bubbling again. A microwave works in a pinch but reheating slowly in the oven preserves the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well too. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that might thin the dip.

Is there a way to make this dip vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is already vegetarian, but to keep it fully vegetarian, ensure your hot sauce and cheeses don’t contain animal rennet.

Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Definitely! If you prefer less heat, reduce the hot sauce amount or choose a milder brand. For extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne or a few more dashes.

What other cheeses could I use if I don’t have these three?

Feel free to experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a twist. Just keep the melting quality in mind for the best results.

Is it possible to make this dip vegan?

You can make a vegan version by substituting cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and cheeses with plant-based alternatives and using a vegan hot sauce. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Dip with Mozzarella and Hot Sauce Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, flavor, and just the right amount of heat to the table. Whether you’re hosting game day, casual get-togethers, or simply craving a cozy snack, this dip is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast — your guests will thank you!