If you are on the hunt for a dish that combines gooey cheese, spicy sausage, and a touch of sweet heat, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe brings all the deliciousness of a classic pizza into a creamy, shareable dip that’s perfect for game day, parties, or cozy nights in. Rich cream cheese, melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and crumbled sausage come together under a bubbling layer of pizza sauce, with a slick of hot honey that adds just the right amount of kick and sweetness to keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each add their own magic to the dip. Every element plays a vital role, whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or creating that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Sausage meat (½ cup): Choose honey garlic, mild or hot Italian sausage, or remove casing from two sausages for easy crumbling and bold flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Room temperature is key for a smooth, creamy base that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tang and balances the richness; you can also use plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup + 4 tbsp): Grated for a nutty, savory depth and a gorgeous finish on top.
- Dried oregano (½ tsp): A classic Italian herb to layer in a subtle earthiness.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): Use your favorite marinara or pizza sauce for that signature tomato flavor.
- Mozzarella (1 cup shredded): The essential melty cheese that makes any pizza dip irresistible.
- Mini pepperoni (1 cup): Or quarter regular-sized ones for that spicy, crispy bite on top.
- Fresh basil (4 leaves): Thinly sliced for a fresh, aromatic garnish.
- Hot honey: The star drizzle that sweetens and heats, adding a thrilling twist.
- Baguette (1): Cut into diagonal ½ inch thick slices for perfect crostini dipping.
- Butter (3 tbsp) and garlic (1 clove minced): Melted and brushed on the baguette slices for a garlicky crunch.
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dishes
Start by preheating your oven to 375℉ and preparing your baking dish with a light spray of cooking oil. This keeps your dip from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. If you’re making garlic bread crostini, line a baking sheet with parchment or foil sprayed with cooking spray for easy toasting.
Step 2: Prepare Garlic Butter for the Crostini
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush this fragrant mixture generously on both sides of baguette slices, setting them aside ready for the oven. This step amps up the flavor of your dippers and makes the experience irresistible.
Step 3: Cook and Crumble the Sausage
Sauté the sausage meat in a pan, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Let it get just crispy enough to bring out that savory punch without drying out. Drain any excess fat to keep the dip luscious but not greasy.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
Blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, and oregano until the mixture is luxuriously smooth. This creamy base will balance out the hearty meats and rich cheese toppings beautifully.
Step 5: Layer the Dip
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in your baking dish, then carefully spoon the pizza sauce on top without mixing—this layering gives you that classic pizza dip texture and flavor. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce, followed by the cooked sausage bits and mini pepperoni pieces for a satisfying meaty and cheesy surface.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Crispy
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until you see the dip bubbling with excitement. Remove the foil and bake for another 1 to 2 minutes to get the pepperoni perfectly crispy. Meanwhile, pop your garlic crostini into the oven about five minutes after the dip goes in, baking until lightly golden and toasted.
Step 7: Garnish and Drizzle with Hot Honey
Once out of the oven, add the finishing touches by sprinkling fresh basil and more grated parmesan cheese over the dip. Finally, drizzle a generous amount of hot honey for that signature sweet-spicy glory that defines the Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe.
How to Serve Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves finely sliced add a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that cuts through the richness, while extra parmesan lends a salty, nutty finish. Those final touches elevate the dip from tasty to memorable every time.
Side Dishes
While the garlic crostini is a classic companion, don’t hesitate to grab crunchy veggie sticks like celery or bell pepper strips for dipping. They bring in a satisfying crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy dip.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dip right in a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm or in a ceramic dish to keep it warm longer. You can also use the dip as a spread on toasted sandwich bread or stuff it inside a puff pastry for a festive finger food option that impresses every crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully, making next-day enjoyment just as delightful.
Freezing
This dip freezes well, too! Scoop it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight before reheating, ensuring you keep the creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat the dip gently in the oven at 350℉ for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. You can also use a microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it creamy and prevent splitting.
FAQs
Can I make the dip vegetarian?
Definitely! You can simply omit the sausage and pepperoni and load up on extra veggies or substitute plant-based sausage options. The creamy cheese layers and hot honey will still deliver fantastic flavor.
What kind of hot honey should I use?
Use any quality hot honey you enjoy, whether store-bought or homemade. The key is a balanced sweetness with a gentle heat that complements the savory elements without overpowering them.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute, bringing the same tang and creaminess but with higher protein and fewer calories if you want a lighter dip.
Can I prepare this dip without baking it?
While the baking melts and melds the flavors beautifully, you can assemble it cold and serve it as a layered dip, but expect a very different texture and flavor experience.
What are good alternatives to baguette crostini?
Try pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or even pretzel bites for dipping. Each adds its own crunch and taste flair that pairs well with this pizza dip.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe as your next crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and sweet all at once—a perfect party starter or comfort food fix. Grab your ingredients, get baking, and watch this dip become everyone’s new favorite craving. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!
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
A deliciously spicy and cheesy Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip featuring layers of cream cheese, pizza sauce, mozzarella, sausage, and pepperoni, baked to bubbly perfection and served warm with garlic butter crostini for dipping.
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)
- ⅓ 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, optional garnish)
- Hot honey (for drizzling)
Crostini Ingredients
- 1 baguette (cut into ½ inch thick slices, diagonally on an angle)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dishes: Preheat oven to 375℉. Grease an oven-safe baking dish or skillet with cooking spray. For the garlic bread crostini, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Prepare Garlic Butter for Crostini: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic. Brush both sides of each baguette slice with the garlic butter. Place slices on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a small frying pan, cook the sausage meat, crumbling it into small pieces as it cooks until just starting to get crispy. Drain excess fat and let cool.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, and dried oregano until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then, layer the pizza sauce evenly on top without mixing.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, scatter cooked sausage crumbles on top, then add the mini pepperoni pieces evenly.
- Bake with Foil Cover: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 6-8 minutes or until the dip starts to bubble.
- Crisp Pepperoni: Remove foil and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp up the pepperoni.
- Bake Crostini: Five minutes after placing the dip in the oven, place the crostini baking sheet in the oven. Bake crostini for 4-5 minutes or until slightly toasted and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from Oven: Take both the dip and crostini out of the oven.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle the dip with sliced fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Drizzle hot honey over the dip. Serve warm with the garlic bread crostini and enjoy!
Notes
- Use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt based on preference for tanginess and creaminess.
- For a spicier dip, use hot Italian sausage and drizzle extra hot honey.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on oven; watch for bubbling and crisp pepperoni.
- Crostini can be toasted in a toaster oven or under a broiler if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
