Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Dip is the ultimate party appetizer! Loaded with spicy Italian sausage, crispy pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and creamy ricotta, it’s a deconstructed pizza in dip form. Perfect for game days, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving bold, cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce (quality brand like Rao’s Homemade)
- 3 oz pepperoni (cupping style preferred)
- 1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, torn
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp each dried oregano, salt, and black pepper
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Breadsticks, garlic bread, or Texas toast, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Dollop ricotta cheese over the sauce and sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the pepperoni, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan evenly.
- Add remaining pepperoni and finish with fresh mozzarella on top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 3–5 minutes for a golden-brown top.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with breadsticks, garlic bread, or Texas toast.
Notes
- For a milder dip, use regular Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- Add black olives, mushrooms, or green peppers for extra toppings.
- Serve with pita chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg