Description
This Cheesy Garlic White Pizza Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or game day. Combining rich cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a blend of Italian seasoning and garlic, it bakes to a bubbly, golden perfection. Enhanced with savory Italian sausage, fresh herbs, spinach, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dip delivers a delicious twist on classic white pizza flavors ideal for dipping crusty bread or veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 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 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.
- Mix Creamy 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 Seasonings: 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. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Fold in Cheeses & Add-ins: Fold in the remaining mozzarella cheese along with the grated Parmesan cheese carefully, preparing the mixture for baking. Then gently mix in the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, chopped fresh basil or parsley, chopped spinach, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake the Dip: 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.
Notes
- To maximize garlic flavor, sauté the garlic lightly in olive oil before mixing in.
- This dip can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage or substitute with plant-based sausage.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the flavor.
