Description
Meat Lover’s Pizza Dip is a bold, savory appetizer packed with Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and a blend of creamy cheeses baked into a warm, gooey dip. Perfect for game day or parties, it delivers all the favorite pizza flavors in a shareable dish that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
Meats
- Italian sausage (about 8 ounces)
- Pepperoni slices (about 1/2 cup, chopped)
- Bacon bits (about 1/2 cup, cooked and crumbled)
Cheeses and Sauces
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)
- Marinara or pizza sauce (1/2 cup)
Seasonings
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Cook the Meats: Brown Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked; drain any excess grease. Chop pepperoni slices and cook bacon until crispy, then crumble the bacon. This creates the rich, savory base for the dip.
- Mix the Cheeses and Sauce: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and marinara sauce. Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning to perfectly season the creamy mixture.
- Combine Meat and Cheese Mixture: Fold the cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, and bacon bits into the cheese and sauce mixture, combining everything evenly so every bite is bursting with meaty, cheesy goodness.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden. This melds all the flavors beautifully.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let the dip cool for a few minutes to thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending and a smooth, creamy texture.
- Drain excess grease from meats to prevent the dip from becoming greasy or heavy.
- Adjust garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt to your taste for balanced flavor.
- Serve the dip hot for the best melty cheese and irresistible aroma.
- Garnish with fresh basil or oregano to add color and fresh herbaceous notes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg