If you love everything about pizza but want something you can dive into with a spoon and share with friends, then you are about to fall head over heels for this Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip. It’s a rich, cheesy dip loaded with savory Italian sausage and zesty pepperoni, all baked until bubbly and then finished with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey that takes it to a whole new level. This recipe makes for the perfect party starter or cozy night-in treat, combining the comforting flavors of classic pizza with the fun, shareable vibe of a dip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each brings something special to the table. From creamy cheeses to bold sausage and pepperoni, every element helps build that luscious texture and layered flavor you’ll crave in every bite.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Provides the creamy base and smooth texture that holds the dip together beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy pull we all adore on pizza.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a delightful sharpness and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled: Brings savory, meaty richness that’s essential for the hearty bite.
- 1/3 cup sliced pepperoni, chopped: Offers that iconic spicy pizza flavor in every spoonful.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Provides the tangy tomato base to tie all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon hot honey: The magical drizzle that balances heat and sweetness, putting this dip in a league of its own.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory notes with warm garlic undertones.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A medley of herbs that keeps the flavor profile truly pizza-inspired.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds extra heat if you like things with a little more kick.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: A fresh, colorful finish that brightens the dish.
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving: Your crunchy companion for scooping up this irresistible dip.
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Cheese Mixture
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend is your rich and gooey cheese foundation.
Step 2: Add the Meats and Seasonings
Next, stir in the cooked Italian sausage, chopped pepperoni, pizza sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and if you’re using them, the crushed red pepper flakes. This step infuses the dip with layers of savory meatiness and classic pizza flavors that are simply irresistible.
Step 3: Bake the Dip
Spread your mixture evenly into a small, oven-safe baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for that bubbly, golden top that signals everything is perfectly melted and combined, with a slight crust forming up top.
Step 4: Add the Hot Honey Drizzle
Once out of the oven, don’t wait to drizzle the hot honey all over the dip. That sticky, sweet, spicy drizzle is what sets this Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip apart and gives it that addictive flavor contrast that keeps you reaching for more.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish things off by sprinkling fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dip warm alongside your favorite crackers or sliced baguette so everyone can dig in right away.
How to Serve Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip
Garnishes
Fresh basil or parsley isn’t just for looks. Their vibrant green color adds brightness, and their fresh, herbaceous aroma perfectly cuts through the richness of the dip. You can also experiment with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even some sliced green onions for a little twist.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with any crunchy sides like toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or sturdy crackers that can handle scooping without breaking. For a veggie boost, sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or crunchy celery sticks offer a refreshing contrast to the dip’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip in a pizza stone or cast iron skillet to keep it warm longer and amp up the pizza vibe. You can also turn it into a party centerpiece surrounded by an assortment of dippers, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a fun comfort food mash-up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
This dip freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the dip gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep that creamy, melty texture. Add a fresh drizzle of hot honey after reheating for that signature touch.
FAQs
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the Italian sausage and pepperoni, and consider adding extra veggies like mushrooms or olives instead. You can keep the hot honey drizzle for that perfect sweet and spicy finish.
What if I don’t have hot honey on hand?
If you don’t have hot honey, you can make your own by gently warming honey with a bit of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This way, you get the perfect sweet and spicy balance that’s central to this dip.
How spicy is this dip?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the hot honey and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by varying the amount of crushed red pepper or choosing spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese are ideal for melting and flavor here, but feel free to experiment with provolone or fontina for a slightly different cheesy profile.
Is this dip good for large gatherings?
Yes! This Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip scales well. Simply double or triple the ingredients and bake in a larger dish to serve a crowd. It disappears quickly because everyone loves it!
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip is more than just an appetizer; it’s a crowd-pleaser with layers of flavor that bring all the best parts of pizza into one irresistible dip. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something cozy and fun, this recipe is a total winner. Grab your ingredients, make it warm and melty, and get ready for compliments because this dip is going to be your new go-to snack that everyone asks for again and again.
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Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip is a deliciously cheesy, savory appetizer that combines cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian sausage, and pepperoni, all baked to bubbly perfection and drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this dip offers a satisfying blend of flavors, with a hint of heat balanced by the honey, making it an irresistible treat served warm with crackers or sliced baguette.
Ingredients
Cheeses
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meats
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/3 cup sliced pepperoni, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip evenly.
- Mix Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, providing a creamy base for the dip.
- Add Meats and Seasonings: Stir in the cooked Italian sausage, chopped pepperoni, pizza sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly to distribute all the flavors evenly throughout the dip.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the entire mixture evenly in a small oven-safe baking dish to ensure consistent cooking and melting.
- Bake the Dip: Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and golden on top, signaling it is perfectly cooked.
- Add Hot Honey Drizzle: Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey evenly over the top of the dip, adding a touch of sweetness and heat.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh aroma to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the dip warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or your favorite dipping options for an irresistible appetizer.
Notes
- For an extra kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add a splash of hot sauce before baking.
- Swap the pepperoni for sliced jalapeños or sautéed mushrooms to create a different flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey drizzle to suit your preference for sweetness and spice balance.
