Pizza Dip Recipe 🍕
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz sour cream
- 2-3 tsp dried oregano (to taste)
- 2-3 tsp garlic powder (to taste)
- 2-3 tsp ranch seasoning (to taste)
- 1 jar (14-16 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 oz mini pepperoni slices
- Handful of bacon bits (optional)
- Optional toppings: diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, black olives, etc.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking. - Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, and set the sausage aside. - Prepare the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Using a hand mixer or spatula, mix until the texture is smooth and well-combined. - Season the Mixture:
Add in the oregano, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning (2-3 teaspoons of each). Stir everything together, adjusting the seasonings to taste. - Spread the Base:
Using a spatula, spread the seasoned cream cheese and sour cream mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking dish (about 9×13 inches or similar size). - Add the Sauce:
Pour the jar of pizza sauce over the creamy base and gently spread it out evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula. - Top with Your Favorites:
- Sausage: Sprinkle the cooked Italian sausage evenly across the pizza sauce.
- Cheese: Add the 4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Pepperoni & Bacon: Scatter the mini pepperonis and bacon bits (if using) over the cheese. Feel free to add any other toppings you like, such as mushrooms, diced bell peppers, onions, or olives.
- Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown around the edges. - Serve Hot:
Once baked, remove the pizza dip from the oven and let it cool slightly (about 5 minutes). Serve hot with your favorite dippers like toasted baguette slices, crackers, breadsticks, or tortilla chips.
Enjoy your delicious and cheesy Pizza Dip at your next gathering or as a fun snack!