Description
This Hot Italian Sausage Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer bursting with flavor, featuring savory Italian sausage, a blend of cheeses, and fresh vegetables. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s perfect for parties or game day. Serve warm with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the hot Italian sausage. Break the sausage apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Using a hand mixer or a spatula, mix the ingredients together until well combined and smooth. This may take a few minutes to ensure there are no lumps from the cream cheese.
- Add the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture to the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the dip mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- If desired, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help prevent burns and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish the hot Italian sausage dip with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Make sure to provide a variety of options to cater to different preferences.
- For an added touch, consider serving with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling over the top.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again.
Notes
- For a creamier dip, you can add an extra 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese.
- If you prefer a milder dip, use mild Italian sausage instead of hot sausage.
- Feel free to customize the dip by adding other ingredients such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or olives for added flavor and texture.
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sausage mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes