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If you love the irresistible combination of spicy, savory, and just the right touch of sweetness, you are going to adore this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dip that packs all the flavors of your favorite pizza into a creamy, melty, and utterly addictive snack. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just craving a comforting treat, this dip brings the warmth and flavor of Italian comfort food right to your table. Get ready to fall in love bite after bite with this delightful twist on pizza classics!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients you probably already love in your pizza but layered in a way that makes the flavor shine brilliantly. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy base to the spicy pepperoni and the hint of sweet heat from hot honey, creating a perfect harmony in every spoonful.
- ½ cup sausage meat: Use honey garlic, mild or hot Italian, or sausage from 2 sausages with the casing removed for a juicy, flavorful meaty base.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Room temperature cream cheese adds that luscious, creamy foundation that holds everything together.
- ½ cup sour cream: Provides tang and moisture; plain Greek yogurt can be a substitute to add extra protein and creaminess.
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese: Grated for a salty, nutty richness that boosts the depth of flavor.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that brightens the dip and adds that pizza-like aroma.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Or a marinara sauce for that essential tomato base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup mozzarella: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully, creating that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.
- 1 cup mini pepperoni: Or regular-cut pepperoni chopped into quarters to deliver spicy, meaty bursts in every bite.
- 4 leaves fresh basil: Thinly sliced to sprinkle atop the dip as a fresh, fragrant garnish.
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese: Grated extra parmesan to sprinkle on top for an added punch of umami.
- Hot honey: The star finishing touch that adds a lovely spicy-sweet glaze over the dip.
- 1 baguette: Sliced into ½ inch thick diagonal pieces, perfect for dipping.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Melted for brushing the baguette slices to create irresistible garlic crostini.
- 1 clove garlic: Minced and mixed with butter to infuse the crostini with savory, aromatic garlic flavor.
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375℉. Grease an oven-safe baking dish or skillet with cooking spray to ensure the dip won’t stick. If you’re making the garlic bread crostini, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray. This setup guarantees everything cooks evenly and comes out perfectly crisp and bubbly.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Crostini
In a small bowl, blend the melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush both sides of your baguette slices generously with this garlic butter mixture. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet and set aside. These crostini will toast while your dip bakes, giving you a warm, crispy vehicle to scoop up all that cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Heat a small frying pan over medium heat and cook the sausage meat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until it’s just beginning to get crispy and browned, then drain any excess fat. Set the sausage aside to cool slightly — this way, it can be sprinkled over your dip without making it too greasy.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
In a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, and oregano until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This base layer will be the luscious, tangy heart of your dip, providing a perfect contrast to the robust tomato sauce and spicy meat.
Step 5: Layer Your Dip
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Carefully spoon the pizza sauce on top, making sure to keep this layer intact without mixing it into the cream cheese base. This layering gives each bite a dynamic flavor punch between creamy and tomato-rich layers.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Meat Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Scatter the sausage crumbles and mini pepperoni on top for that hearty, spicy finish. The cheese melts around the meat, tying everything deliciously together under the heat of the oven.
Step 7: Bake the Dip
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until the dip starts bubbling. Then, uncover and bake an additional 1 to 2 minutes to crisp up the pepperoni on top — that crispy edge is pure magic.
Step 8: Toast the Crostini
About 5 minutes after putting the dip in the oven, slide your baking sheet of crostini in as well. Bake for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping each slice halfway through, until they turn golden brown and slightly toasted. Having them warm and crisp once your dip is ready makes for the best dipping experience.
Step 9: Final Touches and Serve
Remove both the dip and crostini from the oven. If you like, garnish the dip with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and extra grated parmesan cheese for an herbaceous and umami boost. Drizzle the hot honey generously over the top — this is what brings the dip to life with a sweet, spicy finish. Serve immediately with the warm garlic bread crostini and dive in!
How to Serve Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese just before serving elevates your dip both visually and flavor-wise. The basil adds a pop of green color and a fresh herbal note, while the parmesan uppers the savory depth. And of course, the drizzle of hot honey creates a glossy, spicy-sweet finish that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This dip is indulgent enough to stand alone, but pairing it with crunchy vegetables like sliced bell peppers, cucumber, or celery creates a refreshing contrast. You could also serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present the dip in a mini cast iron skillet for rustic charm or inside a hollowed-out bread bowl to soak up every last bit of hot honey and cheesy goodness. You could even set up a dipping platter with an assortment of breads, crackers, and fresh veggies for an interactive party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keeping it chilled well preserves the flavors and texture, though the garlic crostini is best eaten fresh or toasted again before serving.
Freezing
This dip freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead or save some for later. Transfer cooled dip into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the crostini is best frozen separately or freshly made each time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover dip in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 10 to 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from burning. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method keeps the texture and flavor more vibrant. Warm your crostini a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage in this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well as a leaner alternative. Be sure to cook it thoroughly and season to your taste, as turkey sausage can be milder compared to Italian pork sausage.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe?
You can easily swap the sausage and pepperoni for plant-based meat alternatives or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers, keeping all the dairy ingredients the same for a cheesy, flavorful dip.
What brand or type of hot honey do you recommend?
Choose a high-quality hot honey that balances sweetness and heat without overpowering the dip. Local artisanal hot honeys or well-known brands with chili-infused varieties usually work beautifully for this recipe.
Can I make this dip ahead of time and bake right before serving?
Yes, you can assemble the dip a few hours ahead, cover it tightly, and keep it refrigerated. When ready, bake as directed. This makes serving a breeze, especially for parties.
Is it okay to use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Definitely! Greek yogurt adds a similar tang and creaminess but with fewer calories and more protein. Just make sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt to maintain the correct flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe is such a fantastic way to bring everyone together over something deliciously comforting and unforgettable. Its blend of creamy cheese, savory sausage, spicy pepperoni, and that sweet kick of hot honey makes it an absolute standout for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how quickly this dip becomes a favorite in your household too!
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Print
Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip is a deliciously cheesy and savory appetizer featuring layers of cream cheese, pizza sauce, mozzarella, sausage, and mini pepperoni, baked until bubbly and topped with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey. Served warm with crispy garlic bread crostini, it’s perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat
- ½ cup sausage meat (honey garlic, mild or hot Italian, or 2 sausages with casing removed)
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (or regular size cut into quarters)
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature, 1 brick, 250 grams)
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella (shredded)
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
Other
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- Hot honey (for drizzling)
- 1 baguette (cut into ½ inch thick slices, diagonally on an angle)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 4 leaves fresh basil (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375℉ and grease an oven-safe baking dish or skillet with cooking spray. Prepare a baking sheet for the garlic bread crostini by lining it with parchment paper or foil and spraying it with cooking spray.
- Prepare Garlic Butter and Bread: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush both sides of the baguette slices with the garlic butter. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a small frying pan, cook the sausage meat, crumbling it into small pieces as it cooks until it just begins to get crispy. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside to cool.
- Mix Cream Cheese Layer: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Dip – Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish to form the first layer.
- Layer Pizza Sauce: Gently spread the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer without mixing, creating a separate layer on top.
- Add Cheese and Meats: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pizza sauce. Scatter the cooked sausage crumbles and mini pepperoni evenly on top of the mozzarella layer.
- Bake Dip Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes, until the dip starts to bubble.
- Crisp Pepperoni: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp the pepperoni.
- Bake Crostini: Approximately 5 minutes after placing the dip in the oven, put the baking sheet with the baguette slices into the oven. Bake for 4-5 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through, until golden and slightly toasted.
- Remove from Oven: Take both the dip and crostini out of the oven carefully.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle the dip with sliced fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese. Drizzle hot honey generously over the warm dip. Serve immediately with the warm garlic bread crostini for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor and slightly healthier option.
- Adjust the type of sausage and pepperoni based on your spice preference—use mild for less heat or hot for more kick.
- Hot honey adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice but can be omitted or substituted with regular honey if preferred.
- Serve the dip immediately to enjoy the warm, melty texture and crispy crostini.
- For an easier cleanup, use an oven-safe skillet that can go from stovetop to oven if you want to cook sausage directly in it.
