If you love pizza but want to enjoy all those classic flavors with a fun, shareable twist, this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip with Garlic Crostini Recipe is going to rock your snack world. It combines the gooey richness of melted cheese, savory sausage, crispy pepperoni, and just the right hit of hot honey for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Paired with crispy, garlicky crostini, this dip is guaranteed to be the star at any gathering or cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it on repeat for every party and get-together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that come together beautifully to bring pizzazz and comfort in every bite. Each component plays a crucial role—from the creamy base to the spicy, crispy toppings and the crunchy crostini that make every scoop an experience.
- ½ cup sausage meat: Adds savory, meaty flavor and a satisfying texture; choose honey garlic, mild, or hot Italian for your preferred spice level.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy base to hold all the delicious layers together perfectly.
- ½ cup sour cream: Gives a tangy richness that balances the rich cheeses and meatiness.
- â…“ cup parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty undertone that enhances the depth of flavor.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Adds a classic herbaceous note reminiscent of your favorite pizza.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: The saucy, tangy heart of this dip, bringing vibrant tomato flavor.
- 1 cup mozzarella: For that irresistible melty, stringy cheese pull we all crave.
- 1 cup mini pepperoni: Or regular pepperoni cut into quarters for that familiar spicy crisp on top.
- 4 fresh basil leaves: Thinly sliced to add a fresh, aromatic finish and beautiful color contrast.
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese (extra): For sprinkling on top to intensify the cheesy goodness.
- Hot honey: The secret weapon—sweet heat drizzled on top gives the dip a delicious, unexpected kick.
- 1 baguette: Sliced diagonally about ½ inch thick to make perfect crostini for dipping.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Melted and mixed with garlic to brush on the baguette slices for irresistibly savory crostini.
- 1 clove garlic: Minced and combined with butter for that mouthwatering garlic flavor in the crostini.
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip with Garlic Crostini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dishes
Start by preheating your oven to 375℉ to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prep. Grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet with cooking spray, which will prevent sticking and help your dip come out beautifully. If you’re making the garlic crostini alongside, line a baking sheet with parchment or foil sprayed with cooking spray for an easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter for Crostini
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic to create an incredibly fragrant garlic butter. Brush this mixture generously on both sides of your baguette slices, so every bite of crostini delivers that wonderful garlicky crunch that pairs so well with the rich dip.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Pop the sausage meat into a small pan and cook it over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. You want it to be crumbled and just starting to crisp on the edges for maximum flavor, then drain any excess fat so the dip doesn’t get greasy. Set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
In another bowl, blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, and dried oregano until the mixture is smooth and perfectly creamy. This mixture is the rich, flavorful foundation your dip is built upon.
Step 5: Layer Your Dip
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Carefully spoon and spread the pizza sauce on top—don’t stir! It’s important to keep the layers distinct for that classic pizza dip effect. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce layer, then scatter the cooked sausage crumbles and mini pepperoni on top for that beautiful meaty topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dip with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until it starts to bubble with cheesy goodness. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 1 to 2 minutes to get those pepperoni edges just the slightest bit crispy. Meanwhile, put your garlic crostini in the oven about 5 minutes after the dip goes in. Toast them for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway to get that golden crunch on both sides.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, optionally scatter fresh sliced basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the top for brightness and vibrant color. Finally, drizzle that dreamy hot honey all over the dip just before serving to add a sweet-spicy pop that will keep everyone coming back for more!
How to Serve Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip with Garlic Crostini Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil and parmesan sprinkled on top add just the right touch of freshness and extra cheesy indulgence. Don’t skip the hot honey drizzle—it’s what makes this recipe truly special, offering a vibrant balance of sweet heat that complements the rich meats and cheeses so well.
Side Dishes
Pair this dip with crisp seasonal veggies like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks for a fresh crunch contrast. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also plays nicely alongside, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dip in a rustic cast iron skillet or a pretty ceramic dish surrounded by a ring of garlic crostini for an irresistible presentation. For parties, consider plating mini portions with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites, or even use colorful bell pepper halves or thick celery stalks as dipping vessels for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the crostini separate in a zip-top bag or container to maintain their crispness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
While not ideal for the crostini, you can freeze the pizza dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and prepare fresh crostini when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat the dip gently in the microwave or in an oven-safe dish in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through and bubbly again—about 10-15 minutes. Toast fresh garlic crostini alongside or use tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks if you want to mix it up.
FAQs
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and pepperoni and load it up with extra veggies or use vegetarian meat substitutes. The creamy cheese base and hot honey will still make it irresistibly delicious.
What is hot honey, and where can I find it?
Hot honey is a sweet and spicy honey infused with chili peppers. It adds a wonderful kick to dishes like this dip. You can find it in most grocery stores near the honey or condiment aisles, or order it online if it’s hard to find locally.
Can I use regular pepperoni if I don’t have mini pepperoni?
Yes! Just cut regular pepperoni slices into quarters to mimic the bite-sized mini pepperoni pieces. This ensures even distribution and that satisfying crispiness on top.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute for sour cream in this recipe, offering tang and creaminess with a bit less fat if you prefer a lighter option.
How spicy is this dip?
The heat level depends on the sausage and hot honey you use. Using hot Italian sausage and a bold hot honey will definitely bring a pleasant, moderate kick, but you can adjust to mild sausage and regular honey for a more subtle flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip with Garlic Crostini Recipe truly captures all the best parts of your favorite pizza in one addictive, shareable dish. It’s perfect for game days, casual dinners, or any time you want to wow your friends and family with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to make this and see just how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip with Garlic Crostini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip combines creamy layers of cream cheese and sour cream with savory sausage, mozzarella, and pepperoni, all topped with a zesty pizza sauce and a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. Served warm with garlicky toasted baguette crostini, this crowd-pleasing appetizer is perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights in.
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)
- 1/3 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, optional garnish)
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
- Hot honey (for drizzling)
Garlic Bread Crostini
- 1 baguette (cut into ½ inch thick slices, cut diagonally on an angle)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃). Grease an oven-safe baking dish or skillet with cooking spray. If preparing the garlic bread crostini, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush both sides of each baguette slice generously with this garlic butter. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Heat a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausage meat, crumbling it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until the sausage just begins to get crispy. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Make Cream Cheese Base: In a small bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Carefully spread the pizza sauce on top of the cream cheese layer without mixing the layers.
- Add Cheese and Meats: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pizza sauce layer. Then scatter the cooked sausage crumbles evenly atop the cheese, followed by the mini pepperoni slices.
- Bake the Dip: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes or until the dip starts to bubble. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp the pepperoni slightly.
- Bake Crostini: Place the baking sheet with the prepared garlic bread crostini into the oven 5 minutes after the dip has started baking. Toast the crostini for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy, flipping them once halfway through the baking time.
- Remove from Oven: Take both the pizza dip and crostini out of the oven once finished baking.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle the thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and additional grated parmesan cheese over the hot dip. Drizzle hot honey generously on top for a perfect sweet and spicy finish.
- Enjoy: Serve the warm dip alongside the crispy garlic crostini, perfect for dipping and sharing with friends or family.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier and healthier alternative.
- If mini pepperoni isn’t available, regular pepperoni sliced into quarters works well.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly.
- Use a sturdy baguette for the crostini to hold up well when dipped into the hot cheese mixture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and pepperoni and add extra cheese or vegetables like mushrooms and olives.
