Spicy Italian Sausage Dip
This spicy baked Italian Sausage Dip combines hot Italian sausage with cream cheese and Pepperoncini for a craveable appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 11 inch au gratin pan or similar baking dish
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage
- ½ cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- pinch of red pepper flakes Omit for a milder dish
- 14.5 oz can of fire roasted diced tomatoes Substitute regular diced tomatoes if preferred
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan, divided
- ¾ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, chopped
- salt & pepper
- fresh Basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add sausage, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon, until the meat is cooked through. Add in a can of diced tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add in spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove from the heat.
- In a large mixing bowl add softened cream cheese, pepperoncini, with ¼th cup of parmesan and 1.5 cups of mozzarella. Pour the sausage spinach mixture over the top and mix until well combined. Taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper as needed. Pour into your baking dish and top with the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. *You can broil at the end for a minute or so to brown the cheese if desired. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn.*Top with sliced basil and serve hot with crostini, crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
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