Description
This Cheesy Garlic White Pizza Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer boasting a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with a flavorful kick from garlic, Italian seasoning, spinach, and crumbled Italian sausage. Baked to a golden, bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes, it’s perfect for dipping with bread or crackers at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and achieve a bubbly, golden top. Use an oven thermometer if available for precise temperature control.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly with a hand mixer or spatula until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. For extra flavor, you can sauté the garlic in olive oil for a minute before adding it to the mixture. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Fold in the remaining mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan cheese carefully, preparing the mixture for baking.
- Transfer and Bake: Transfer the dip mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, chopped fresh basil or parsley, chopped spinach, and red pepper flakes evenly over the dip. Serve warm with bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- For a garlic flavor boost, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil before mixing into the base.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with cooked bacon or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and color.
- If you prefer a spicier dip, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve this dip warm for the best taste and gooey texture.
