Name: Cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup ricotta cheese; 1 tsp minced garlic; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 lb mild Italian sausage; 24 oz marinara sauce; 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 3 oz pepperoni; Breadsticks or sourdough bread slices

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Introduction

This Pizza Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering. Loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, it’s bursting with classic pizza flavors in every bite.

A black cast iron skillet holds a deep dish pizza with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a thick, red tomato sauce, the middle layer is melted, gooey mozzarella cheese with a slightly browned texture, and the top layer is evenly covered with round, glossy pepperoni slices that have a rich red color and slightly crisp edges. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top for a fresh contrast. A piece of sliced white bread with a light golden crust is partially dipped into the pizza, held by a woman's hand. The skillet rests on a surface with a white marbled texture, and slices of white bread are arranged around the skillet near a red and white checkered cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 oz pepperoni
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 tsp minced garlic
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp black pepper
1 lb mild Italian sausage
24 oz marinara sauce
2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Breadsticks or sourdough bread slices for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃).
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
Step 3: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Lower the heat to low and stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then dollop the ricotta mixture over the sauce in the skillet.
Step 5: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and ricotta. Top with half of the pepperoni slices. Repeat the layering with the remaining cheese and pepperoni.
Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve warm with breadsticks, tortilla chips, or sliced sourdough bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a spicy kick, swap mild Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese for extra flavor and gooey texture.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, assemble the dip in a baking dish after cooking the sausage and sauce separately.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The flavors may become more concentrated after a day, making it even tastier.

How to Serve

A black cast iron skillet filled with a baked dip showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a thick red tomato sauce visible at the edges, the middle layer is melted white and golden cheese with bubbly texture, and the top layer is evenly covered with round, shiny, dark red pepperoni slices sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. A piece of white bread is dipped into the center of the skillet, holding a scoop of the dip topped with pepperoni and herbs. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible in the background, along with scattered slices of white bread and green herb leaves around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ricotta mixture and cook the sausage sauce in advance. Assemble and bake the dip just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with pizza dip besides breadsticks?

This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, pita chips, sliced baguette, fresh vegetable sticks like bell peppers or celery, and even crackers for a crunchy contrast.