If you’re craving the comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna but want something quick and irresistibly shareable, this Lasagna Dip Recipe will be your new go-to. It layers all the beloved elements you adore—zesty Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella—into a warm, bubbling dip that’s perfect for parties, family nights, or casual get-togethers. Simple to assemble yet packed with flavor, this dip transforms familiar ingredients into an exciting appetizer everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Lasagna Dip Recipe is a breeze thanks to its straightforward ingredient list. Each item plays a crucial role—earthy Italian sausage adds savory heft, the cheeses bring creamy richness, and the marinara ties everything together with a vibrant tomato punch. These essentials create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A splash to sauté the sausage and onions, adding a fruity depth.
- Ground Italian sausage (mild): Provides a flavorful, meaty base with subtle spice.
- Yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
- Italian seasoning: The aromatic blend that infuses every bite with classic herbaceous notes.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Adds just the right peppery kick.
- Garlic (minced): Boosts savory flavor with its unmistakable pungency.
- Marinara sauce: The vibrant tomato base that keeps the dish saucy and rich.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings a creamy, mild richness that balances the meatiness.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy top layer.
- Parmesan cheese (finely grated): Adds a nutty, salty finish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle heat for those who like a bit of spice.
- Fresh basil: Freshly chopped to garnish and brighten each serving.
- Crostini, breadsticks, or crackers: Ideal dippers to scoop up every cheesy, flavorful bite.
How to Make Lasagna Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the dip will bake evenly and reach that perfect bubbling, golden top by the time you’re ready to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onions
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the ground Italian sausage and diced onion along with half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking the sausage apart with a spoon until fully cooked and beautifully browned.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Marinara Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the marinara sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer before removing the skillet from heat. This step melds the flavors into a rich, saucy base for your dip.
Step 4: Mix the Cheesy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, the remaining Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful cheese mixture that will form the creamy bottom layer of the dip.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of your oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Carefully dollop the sausage and marinara mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top to create that perfect cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and sporting a gorgeous golden hue. Keep an eye on it near the end for that perfect balance of bubbly and lightly toasted cheese.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve the dip piping hot alongside crostini, breadsticks, or crackers, and prepare for lots of happy dipping!
How to Serve Lasagna Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil at the end is a simple step that makes a big difference. It brightens the rich flavors and adds a lovely herbal aroma. You can also sprinkle a little extra parmesan for even more cheesy goodness or scatter some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Lasagna Dip Recipe goes wonderfully with crunchy crostini, crunchy breadsticks, or your favorite crackers that can hold up to scooping thick layers. Pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balances the richness and creates a well-rounded snack or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dip in a rustic cast-iron skillet for its heat-retention and charming presentation. You can also portion it into small ramekins for individual servings at a party. For an extra fun twist, serve it alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and roasted nuts for an Italian-inspired grazing feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
Lasagna dip freezes well if you want to save some for later. Transfer cooled dip to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
FAQs
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based sausage alternative. Keep the seasoning the same for that hearty, satisfying flavor.
Is this dip spicy?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes for heat, but you can easily omit them for a milder version. Adjust to your spice preference to make it perfect for everyone.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Fresh mozzarella and ricotta are key here for that creamy texture, with parmesan adding sharpness. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents, which can affect melting quality.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, just bake it according to the recipe instructions.
What do I use for dipping?
Crunchy crostini, breadsticks, and sturdy crackers are ideal for scooping. You can also try fresh vegetable sticks like bell peppers or celery for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Dip Recipe brings all the best parts of a classic lasagna into one shareable, satisfying dip that’ll please every crowd. Whether for game day, a casual gathering, or just when comfort food cravings strike, it’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Go ahead and try it—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Lasagna Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Lasagna Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer that combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna into a delicious, easy-to-prepare dip. Featuring a savory blend of Italian sausage, aromatic onions, garlic, and Italian seasonings layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, it is baked to bubbly perfection and perfect for sharing with crostini, breadsticks, or crackers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ pound ground Italian sausage, mild
- ½ small yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup (257 g) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (246 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
- Crostini, breadsticks, or crackers for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dip later.
- Cook Sausage and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, diced onion, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until it is fully browned and onions are softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer with Marinara: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until well mixed.
- Layer Mixtures: Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Then, spoon the sausage and marinara mixture over the ricotta layer evenly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the skillet or dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve hot alongside crostini, breadsticks, or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute mild Italian sausage with spicy if you prefer extra heat.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, use any small baking dish and transfer the cooked sausage mixture before assembling.
- For a lighter version, swap regular mozzarella for part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle kick.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
