If you love the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors all cozying up in a warm, cheesy dip, you are going to be obsessed with this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe. Imagine layers of creamy cheese, zesty pizza sauce, crispy mini pepperoni, and crumbled sausage all baked to bubbling perfection, then finished with a drizzle of hot honey that adds just the right amount of sweet heat. This dip is like your favorite pizza transformed into a luscious, shareable appetizer that’s guaranteed to wow any crowd, whether it’s game day, a party, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right in this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe is key, but don’t worry—they’re all simple, everyday items that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each element adds something special from creamy richness to crispy, spicy goodness.
- ½ cup sausage meat: Choose honey garlic, mild, or hot Italian to suit your spice preference and to add a hearty, savory punch.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: At room temperature, it creates a smooth, creamy base to hold all the toppings beautifully.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and balances the richness, or substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese: Grated for a nutty, salty depth in the cheese mixture.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: A fragrant herb to bring that signature pizza flavor.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Or marinara sauce, for a sweet and tangy tomato layer packed with familiar pizza vibes.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: The meltiest, gooey cheese that ties all the layers together.
- 1 cup mini pepperoni: Or regular pepperoni cut into quarters for that spicy, crispy texture on top.
- 4 leaves fresh basil: Thinly sliced to add freshness and a burst of color as a final touch.
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese: More grated parmesan for sprinkling over the top before baking for an extra savory crust.
- Hot honey: The superstar finish that balances spicy and sweet perfectly with a lovely sticky glaze.
- 1 baguette: Cut into half-inch thick slices, diagonally for perfect crostini-sized dippers.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Melted and mixed with garlic to brush on the bread for a golden, flavorful crunch.
- 1 clove garlic: Minced to infuse the bread with aromatic zestiness.
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dishes
Start by preheating your oven to 375℉ and greasing your baking dish or oven-safe skillet with cooking spray. This step ensures the dip won’t stick and will bake evenly. If you’re making the garlic bread crostini, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then spray it down lightly as well so the bread toasts up perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter for the Crostini
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and minced garlic. This fragrant butter mixture will be brushed onto both sides of your baguette slices, giving the crostini a deliciously savory garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy-sweet dip.
Step 3: Prepare the Sausage
Cook the sausage meat in a small frying pan over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s just beginning to crisp. This is where the aroma really starts to build! Drain off excess fat and let the sausage cool a bit so it can crumble nicely over the dip later.
Step 4: Mix the Cream Cheese Base
In another bowl, combine your softened cream cheese with sour cream, grated parmesan, and oregano. Stir until everything is smooth and creamy; this layer forms the rich, tangy foundation of the dip.
Step 5: Layer the Dip
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Then, gently spread the pizza sauce over the cream cheese—resist mixing them, as the layers should remain distinct for the best texture and flavor contrasts. Top this with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, followed by the crumbled sausage and then the mini pepperoni scattered on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 6 to 8 minutes until the dip starts to bubble. Then remove the foil and bake for another 1 to 2 minutes, letting the pepperoni edges get crispy. Five minutes after putting the dip in, place the prepared crostini slices on their baking sheet and toast for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure they turn perfectly golden and crunchy.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the dip and crostini are out of the oven, sprinkle the dip with fresh sliced basil and the remaining parmesan for a fresh, nutty finish. The pièce de résistance is a generous drizzle of hot honey, adding sticky, spicy-sweet magic that takes this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe from delicious to unforgettable!
How to Serve Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese are classic garnishes here, but adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can ramp up the heat if you’re feeling adventurous. The contrast of fresh herbs against the warm, cheesy dip makes each bite burst with layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with crisp vegetable sticks like celery and carrot or an assortment of colorful bell pepper strips to add crunch and freshness alongside the warm crostini. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness for a more complete appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, serve the dip in a cast iron skillet or a pizza stone to keep it warm longer, surrounding it with the garlic crostini and fresh basil leaves for an inviting centerpiece. You can even hollow out a small round loaf of bread, fill it with the dip, and use the bread chunks as dippers for a rustic, crowd-pleasing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have some Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe leftovers (which, honestly, would be hard to resist), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for quick snacking or an easy warmup during busy days.
Freezing
This dip freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a microwave-safe dish in short increments or pop the dip back into a 350℉ oven until warmed through and bubbly again. To revive that crispy pepperoni, broil for a minute at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
FAQs
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the sausage and pepperoni, and you can add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to keep it hearty and flavorful.
What is hot honey, and where can I find it?
Hot honey is a chili-infused honey that adds a spicy-sweet kick. You can find it in many grocery stores or online, or make your own by gently warming honey with red pepper flakes.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, feel free to experiment with mild, spicy, or even breakfast sausage varieties. Just be sure to cook and crumble it properly before layering it in the dip.
Is it necessary to use both cream cheese and sour cream?
Using both creates a perfect creamy texture with a slight tang that balances the rich toppings. You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if you prefer, but mixing with cream cheese really makes the base luscious.
How spicy is this dip?
The heat level depends largely on the sausage you use and the amount of hot honey drizzled on top. If you prefer milder flavors, opt for mild sausage and use less hot honey, or omit it altogether.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly brings people together, inspiring smiles and second helpings. It’s bursting with all the best things about pizza in a rich, melty dip that’s perfect for sharing. I can’t wait for you to make it and see just how addictively tasty this combination of spicy sausage, crispy pepperoni, and sticky-hot honey really is. Trust me, your snack game will never be the same!
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Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip is a deliciously layered appetizer combining creamy cheese, savory sausage, spicy pepperoni, and a touch of sweet heat from hot honey. Baked to bubbly perfection and served warm with garlic butter crostini, it’s perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese Mixture
- 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 mozzarella (shredded)
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (or regular size cut into quarters)
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 4 leaves fresh basil (sliced, for garnish)
- Hot honey (to drizzle)
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 lightly with cooking spray. For 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 3 tablespoons of butter with the minced garlic. Using a brush, coat both sides of each baguette slice with the garlic butter. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Place the ½ cup sausage meat in a small frying pan over medium heat. Crumble and cook until it starts to get crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Make Cheese Base: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese, and dried oregano. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Carefully spread 1 cup of pizza sauce on top of the cream cheese layer, creating distinct layers—do not mix.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce layer. Distribute the sausage crumbles, then scatter the mini pepperoni over the cheese.
- Bake Dip Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the dip starts bubbling around the edges.
- Crisp Pepperoni: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the pepperoni to crisp up nicely on top.
- Bake Crostini: Place the prepared baking sheet with the garlic bread crostini in the oven about 5 minutes after putting the dip in. Bake the crostini for 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly toasted, flipping each piece halfway through baking for even crispiness.
- Remove from Oven: Take out both the dip and crostini once done baking and allow them to cool slightly.
- Garnish Dip: Optionally, sprinkle the dip with the sliced fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve: Drizzle hot honey generously over the warm dip. Serve immediately alongside the warm garlic crostini for dipping and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey drizzle to your preference for sweetness and heat.
- Use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice tolerance.
- Mini pepperoni can be substituted with regular pepperoni cut into small pieces.
- The garlic butter crostini can be made ahead and reheated just before serving.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
