If you crave a dish that perfectly balances spicy, savory, creamy, and just a touch of sweetness, you are going to fall in love with this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe. This irresistible dip combines the bold flavors of zesty pepperoni, hearty sausage, and melting mozzarella cheese, all layered over a creamy base and finished with a sweet kick of hot honey. It’s comfort food in dip form—perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or anytime you want to impress friends with minimal effort but maximum flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe is simple but crucial for creating its delicious layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the creamy base to the zesty meats and melty cheese, every component plays its part in making this dip unforgettable.
- ½ cup sausage meat: Choose honey garlic, mild, or hot Italian sausage for a savory and slightly sweet flavor infusion.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: At room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth, rich base.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess, Greek yogurt can be a great alternative.
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese: Grated for sharp, nutty undertones.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Introduces classic Italian herb flavor essential for pizza-inspired dishes.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Or marinara sauce for a robust tomato flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 cup mozzarella: Shredded and ready to melt into gooey goodness.
- 1 cup mini pepperoni: Adds that signature pizza spice and texture; regular pepperoni chopped works just as well.
- 4 leaves fresh basil: Thinly sliced to brighten and freshen the rich dip.
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese: For garnishing that extra cheesy punch.
- Hot honey: The star topper that brings a sweet heat to every bite.
- 1 baguette: Sliced thinly, perfect for dipping into every cheesy, meaty morsel.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Melted to brush onto baguette slices for the ultimate garlic crostini.
- 1 clove garlic: Minced and mixed into the butter for a fragrant punch on the bread.
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375℉. Grease an oven-safe baking dish or skillet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you’re making garlic bread crostini alongside, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then lightly spray that as well. This ensures a smooth cooking process and keeps everything crispy and delicious.
Step 2: Preparing the Garlic Butter for Crostini
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. This simple mixture is the secret to turning ordinary baguette slices into wonderfully flavorful crostini that perfectly complement the rich pizza dip. Brush both sides of each baguette slice with the garlic butter and lay them out on the prepared baking sheet. Set them aside until baking time.
Step 3: Cooking the Sausage
Cook the sausage meat in a small frying pan, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns and starts to crisp slightly. Once done, drain off any excess fat and let it cool a bit. This step adds a savory, meaty texture and flavor that balances perfectly with the creamy and cheesy layers.
Step 4: Mixing the Creamy Base
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, and oregano. Stir these together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This base will provide the indulgent, luscious stage for the pizza flavors to shine.
Step 5: Layering the Dip
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Without mixing, carefully layer the pizza sauce on top for that classic, vibrant tomato layer. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, scatter the cooked sausage crumbles, and top with mini pepperoni pieces. Each layer adds color, texture, and a depth of flavor that will have your guests reaching for more.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until the dip begins to bubble enticingly. Remove the foil and bake for another 1 to 2 minutes allowing the pepperoni to crisp up just right. This creates a rich, bubbly dip with crunchy, caramelized pepperoni on top.
Step 7: Toasting the Crostini
Five minutes after putting the dip in the oven, bake the garlic crostini on the prepared baking sheet for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through to get them lightly toasted and golden on both sides. These crunchy crostini are essential for scooping up all the cheesy, meaty goodness.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, add the optional but oh-so-delicious garnish of thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra parmesan. Finally, drizzle your Hot Honey over the dip for that perfect sweet and spicy finish. Serve while warm with crostini ready for dipping into this flavorful extravaganza.
How to Serve Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this dip with a few garnishes that add brightness and texture—fresh basil leaves lend a herbal lift, while grated parmesan boosts cheesiness and provides a beautiful finishing touch. Don’t skip the hot honey drizzle; it’s the contrasting flavor that makes this dip so addictive.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs beautifully with more than just the suggested garlic crostini. Try serving with crunchy vegetable sticks like celery, red peppers, or carrots to add a fresh crunch. For a heartier option, soft pretzels or pita chips also make excellent dippers that soak up every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe the centerpiece of your party spread by serving it in a rustic cast iron skillet or a colorful ceramic dish. Surround it with a platter of assorted dippers—crostini, fresh veggies, and chips for an inviting, snack-friendly feast. You can even prepare mini individual portions in ramekins for a charming twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and intensify overnight, making the dip even tastier the next day. Reheat gently to keep everything melty and delicious.
Freezing
This dip freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a microwave or oven until warmed through and bubbly again. To avoid drying out, cover with foil when reheating in the oven and add a little extra mozzarella on top if needed to restore that fresh-baked cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza or marinara sauce works perfectly and saves you time without compromising the dish’s fantastic flavor.
What type of sausage is best for this dip?
Honey garlic, mild Italian, or hot Italian sausage all work beautifully. Choose according to your spice preference for more or less heat.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dip?
Yes, you can swap the sausage and pepperoni for plant-based alternatives or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and olives to maintain richness.
Can I prepare this dip without baking?
Baking is recommended as it melts the cheese and crisps the pepperoni, but you could microwave it—just expect slightly different texture and flavor development.
How spicy is the hot honey?
Hot honey offers a gentle heat balanced by sweetness, enhancing the dip without overwhelming it. Adjust the amount to taste for milder or more intense heat.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the fun of pizza to your snack table in the most comforting way possible. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and absolutely perfect for sharing. Trust me, once you try it, this will be your go-to recipe whenever you want something warm, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious!
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 crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or game days. Featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and parmesan layered with pizza sauce, mozzarella, cooked sausage, and pepperoni, it’s baked until bubbly and topped with spicy-sweet hot honey. Served with warm garlic bread crostini for dipping, this dip combines classic pizza flavors into a warm, indulgent treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- ½ cup sausage meat (honey garlic, mild or hot Italian, or 2 sausages with casing removed)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature, 1 brick, 250 grams)
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- â…“ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 1 cup mozzarella (shredded)
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (or regular size cut into quarters)
- 4 leaves fresh basil (sliced, for garnish, optional)
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish, optional)
- Hot honey (for drizzling)
Garlic Bread Crostini Ingredients
- 1 baguette (cut into ½ inch thick slices, cut diagonally on an angle)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Grease an oven-safe baking dish or skillet with cooking spray. If making the garlic bread crostini, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Prepare garlic butter and bread: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush both sides of the baguette slices thoroughly with the garlic butter mixture. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
- Cook the sausage: In a small frying pan over medium heat, cook the sausage meat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue until the sausage begins to get crispy. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the creamy base: In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, and dried oregano until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the dip layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Carefully layer the pizza sauce on top of the cream cheese mixture, spreading it gently without mixing the layers.
- Add cheese and meats: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer. Evenly distribute the cooked sausage crumbles followed by the mini pepperoni pieces over the cheese.
- Bake the dip: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 6-8 minutes until the dip starts to bubble. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp the pepperoni.
- Bake the crostini: About 5 minutes after the dip goes into the oven, place the baking sheet with the garlic bread crostini in the oven. Bake for 4-5 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are toasted and golden brown.
- Remove and garnish: Take both the dip and crostini out of the oven. Optionally, garnish the dip with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Drizzle hot honey generously over the warm dip. Serve immediately with the warm garlic bread crostini for dipping and enjoy this flavorful, comforting appetizer!
Notes
- If you prefer less spicy heat, use mild Italian sausage and adjust the amount of hot honey to your taste.
- You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and added protein.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and pepperoni and add roasted vegetables or additional cheeses.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth dip texture.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor rather than pre-grated, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- This dip is best served warm. If needed, reheat gently in the oven to maintain texture and flavor.
- Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
