Description

This Hot Pizza Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy cream cheese and sour cream with savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, mini pepperoni slices, and classic pizza seasonings. Baked until bubbly and topped with melted mozzarella, it’s perfect for dipping with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crackers. Ideal for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, this 40-minute recipe serves 12 and delivers all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a rich, cheesy dip.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (green, red, yellow, or a combination)
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup pizza sauce
1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Toppings

Additional pepperoni slices
Grated Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes
Crumbled cooked sausage

For Serving

Toasted baguette slices
Pita chips
Crackers

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, diced bell peppers, mini pepperoni slices, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
Spread Mixture: Grease a pie plate or small rectangular baking dish and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the dish.
Add Pizza Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the cream cheese mixture to cover the surface.
Top with Cheese and Extras: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce. Add any additional pepperoni slices or crumbled sausage as desired, keeping in mind not to overdo pepperoni to avoid greasiness.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Finish with Toppings: Remove from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on top if you like extra flavor and a bit of heat.
Serve Warm: Serve the hot dip warm with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crackers for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

You can customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as olives, mushrooms, or onions for added flavor.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and smoother texture.
To avoid a greasy top, be cautious about how many additional pepperoni slices you add on top before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
For a spicier dip, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American