There is nothing quite like the irresistible combination of spicy, savory, and sweet that comes together in this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe. If you love the flavors of classic pizza but want a fun, shareable twist, this dip is exactly what you need at your next gathering or cozy night in. It blends gooey melted cheeses, savory crumbled sausage, crispy pepperoni, and a surprising drizzle of hot honey that wakes up your taste buds in the best way possible. Trust me, once you try this crowd-pleaser, it will become your go-to appetizer for every occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to build layers of flavor, texture, and color in this dip. Each component plays a key role from creamy bases to melty cheeses and that touch of sweetness and heat from the hot honey.
- Sausage meat (½ cup): Choose honey garlic, mild, or hot Italian sausage for that perfect meaty bite with seasoning.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Softened to room temperature to create a smooth, creamy base.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tanginess and balances the rich cream cheese beautifully; plain Greek yogurt works well too.
- Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup + 4 tbsp for topping): Grated for a salty, nutty depth layered inside and sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy punch.
- Dried oregano (½ tsp): Classic pizza herb that adds aromatic earthiness.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): Rich, tomato-based sauce providing juicy, zesty flavor on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): For that gooey, stretchy, melty cheese experience everyone adores.
- Mini pepperoni (1 cup): Or regular pepperoni cut into quarters; crispy on top after baking for that salty burst.
- Fresh basil (4 leaves): Thinly sliced to add a fresh, herbal note at the end.
- Hot honey: The star finishing touch, bringing sweet heat to every bite.
- Baguette (1 loaf): Sliced diagonally and toasted into garlic crostini, perfect for scooping up addictive dip.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Melted and mixed with garlic to brush over the crostini for irresistible flavor.
- Garlic (1 clove): Minced fresh to infuse the crostini with a warm, aromatic kick.
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375℉. Lightly grease an oven-safe dish or skillet to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If you are making the garlic bread crostini alongside, line a baking sheet with parchment or foil, also sprayed with cooking spray to keep those toasts from sticking.
Step 2: Prep the Garlic Crostini
Mix the melted butter with the minced garlic in a small bowl. Then brush both sides of each baguette slice generously with this garlic butter. Arrange them on the baking sheet and set aside while you move on to the dip.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
In a small skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage meat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until it just starts to get crispy for texture. Drain excess fat once done and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated parmesan, and dried oregano. Stir until everything is smooth, fluffy, and perfectly blended – this creamy base will make the whole dip irresistibly luscious.
Step 5: Layer the Dip
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Next, carefully spoon the pizza sauce over the cream cheese layer without mixing them together; you want distinct layers of flavor. Follow this with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella across the top.
Step 6: Add Sausage and Pepperoni
Scatter the cooked sausage crumbles evenly over the mozzarella layer. Then distribute the mini pepperoni or pepperoni chunks on top, which will crisp up beautifully during baking to add a delightful texture and flavor burst.
Step 7: Bake the Dip
Cover your dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 6 to 8 minutes until you see the dip start to bubble. Remove the foil and return to the oven for another 1 to 2 minutes to crisp the pepperoni just right. At the same time, place the crostini in the oven about 5 minutes after the dip goes in, flipping halfway through until golden and toasty.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, optionally sprinkle fresh basil slices and an extra handful of parmesan on top. The final irresistible step is drizzling hot honey generously over everything. Serve the dip warm alongside the crispy garlic crostini and watch everyone dive in happy!
How to Serve Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves add a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the dip. A final sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds extra savory notes and a bit of texture that looks as good as it tastes. Drizzling hot honey is essential, creating a beautiful glaze of sweet heat and shiny allure.
Side Dishes
This dip is a star on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, raw veggies, or even a charcuterie board to round out your appetizer spread. The garlic crostini are fantastic for dipping, but crisp breadsticks or pita chips also work great, giving everyone options to enjoy that amazing combination of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the dip in a cast-iron skillet to keep it warm longer and add rustic charm. You can also portion the dip into individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties. And if you want to really wow, arrange the crostini in a basket lined with a festive napkin for an eye-catching display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your dip has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy leftovers the next day or perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Freezing
This Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe freezes beautifully. Scoop the cooled dip into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350℉ for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. If you want to refresh the pepperoni crispiness, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Rewarm your crostini separately in the oven or toaster for that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef will work if you prefer, but sausage brings more depth of flavor with its seasoning, which really complements the hot honey drizzle. If you go the beef route, consider adding some Italian seasoning to mimic the sausage’s profile.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dip?
You can definitely make a vegetarian version by skipping the sausage and pepperoni and adding sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Just make sure to keep all the cheesy goodness and the hot honey for that signature flavor balance.
How spicy is the dip with the hot honey?
The beauty of using hot honey is that it adds a gentle, pleasant heat with a sweet finish. It’s not overwhelmingly spicy but rather a balanced kick that enhances the savory and cheesy elements. You can always adjust the amount of hot honey to your spice tolerance.
Can I prepare this dip without the crostini?
Definitely! While the garlic crostini are a fantastic vehicle for scooping, you can serve the dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or even fresh vegetable sticks for a lighter option. The dip itself shines no matter how you choose to enjoy it.
What’s the best type of pizza sauce to use?
Choosing a good-quality pizza or marinara sauce with rich tomato flavor and balanced seasoning makes a big difference. You can use store-bought or homemade, just pick one that’s thick enough to layer nicely on top of the cream cheese.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip Recipe enough—it’s warm, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a cozy treat, this dip will quickly become a favorite everyone asks for again and again. So grab your ingredients, whip it up, and prepare yourself for a dip experience that’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level!
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 rich and indulgent Hot Honey Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Dip combining creamy cheeses, spicy sausage, and pepperoni baked to bubbly perfection. Served warm with crispy garlic bread crostini and drizzled with sweet, spicy hot honey for an irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat
- ½ cup sausage meat (honey garlic, mild or hot Italian, or 2 sausages with casing removed)
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (or regular size cut into quarters)
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature, 1 brick, 250 grams)
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella (shredded)
- 4 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
Herbs & Seasonings
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 4 leaves fresh basil (sliced, for garnish)
Other
- 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- Hot honey (for drizzling)
Garlic Bread Crostini
- 1 baguette (cut into ½ inch thick slices, diagonally on an angle)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dishes – Preheat your 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 it with cooking spray.
- Prepare garlic bread crostini – In a small bowl, combine melted butter and minced garlic. Brush both sides of the baguette slices with this garlic butter mixture. Lay the slices on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
- Cook sausage – Heat a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausage meat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until it starts to crisp up, then drain any excess fat. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix cheese base – In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, grated parmesan, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the dip – Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Next, spread the pizza sauce evenly on top, careful not to mix the layers. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Scatter the cooked sausage crumbles across the top, then distribute the mini pepperoni evenly.
- Bake dip – Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the dip begins to bubble. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes until the pepperoni crisps up.
- Bake crostini – Five minutes after placing the dip in the oven, put the baking sheet with the garlic bread crostini in the oven. Bake the crostini for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and slightly toasted, flipping halfway through.
- Finish and serve – Remove the dip and crostini from the oven. Optionally garnish the dip with freshly sliced basil leaves and the additional grated parmesan. Drizzle hot honey generously over the dip. Serve warm with the garlic bread crostini for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- Use hot Italian sausage for more spice or mild if preferred.
- Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute for sour cream if desired.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey drizzle according to your preferred sweetness and heat level.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- For a crispier crostini, you can toast the bread slices before applying the garlic butter.
