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Sloppy Hot Italian Cheese Dip

Sloppy Hot Italian Cheese Dip: A Creamy Flavor Explosion

This Sloppy Hot Italian Cheese Dip combines spicy Italian sausage and creamy cheeses for a bubbling, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Dip
  • 1 lb Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage can substitute with traditional spicy pork or beef sausage
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion shallots can be used for a milder alternative
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh garlic is ideal; garlic powder can suffice
  • 1 cup Red Bell Peppers jalapeños can be used for heat; yellow peppers for milder
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning consider a homemade mix with dried basil, oregano, and thyme
  • 1 tsp Salt adjust according to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper adjust according to taste
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste diced tomatoes can create a chunkier texture
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese ricotta can be a lighter substitute
  • 1 tbsp Basil Pesto sun-dried tomato pesto offers a tangy variation
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Pepperoncini omit for a milder option
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino or any hard cheese can be alternative
  • 1 cup Shredded Provolone Cheese mozzarella is a suitable substitute
  • 1 cup Shredded Spicy Cheddar or Fontina mixing cheeses can personalize flavors
  • 1/2 cup Thin Sliced Pepperoni mini pepperoni can be used or omit entirely
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley fresh basil can be a wonderful alternative

Equipment

  • oven-safe skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and gather your ingredients.
  2. In a preheated skillet, cook the spicy Italian chicken sausage over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add chopped yellow onion, red bell peppers, and minced garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
  4. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and add tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour in a splash of water, then add cream cheese, basil pesto, and chopped pepperoncini, simmering for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat, add grated Parmesan, and layer with shredded provolone and spicy cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake in the oven for approximately 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm with crusty bread or tortilla chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

The dip can be customized with different cheeses or spice levels based on your preferences.

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