Description
Hearty Spicy Italian Sausage Dip promises a flavor explosion that brings zesty Mediterranean spirit to your gathering. Rich with savory sausage and creamy cheese, this crowd-pleasing appetizer delivers bold taste you’ll crave at every party.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) spicy Italian sausage (crumbled or casing removed)
Cheeses:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
Peppers and Tomatoes:
- 1 (12 ounces) can diced tomatoes, drained well
- 1/2 cup pickled banana peppers, diced and drained
- 1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers, diced and drained
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Freshly grated black pepper, to taste
Serving Suggestion:
- Toasted buttered baguette slices or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sizzle the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it down into fine, uniform crumbles until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Carefully drain away any accumulated grease, ensuring the meat remains moist and flavorful.
- Whip the cream cheese in a spacious mixing vessel, infusing it with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Fold the cooked sausage into the creamy base, introducing diced tomatoes, banana peppers, and cherry peppers for a vibrant flavor profile.
- Incorporate Parmesan and a generous portion of mozzarella, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the robust blend into a pre-greased baking dish, spreading it smoothly to ensure consistent heat distribution.
- Elegantly crown the dip with a final sprinkle of mozzarella, creating a tempting golden cheese layer.
- Slide the dish into a preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the edges bubble and the cheese melts completely.
- Activate the broiler for a brief, intense finale, transforming the cheese surface into a gloriously caramelized, crisp topping.
- Serve immediately alongside crisp toasted baguette slices or crunchy tortilla chips for an irresistible appetizer experience.
Notes
- Swap out Italian sausage for plant-based alternatives to create a vegetarian version of this crowd-pleasing dip.
- Reduce heat levels by cutting back on red pepper flakes or using mild peppers for sensitive palates.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and minimize last-minute kitchen stress.
- Use fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley as a final garnish to boost freshness and add vibrant color to the dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg