Introduction

This Sloppy Hot Italian Cheese Dip is a flavorful, cheesy delight perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Packed with spicy Italian sausage, melty cheeses, and a hint of pesto, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm with your favorite bread or crackers for the ultimate appetizer experience.

A round black pan holds a cheesy baked dish with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a mix of melted cheese and small diced vegetables in shades of light orange and red; the middle layer has dark reddish-brown round slices spread evenly; the top layer is a generous amount of fresh green chopped herbs covering the dish. A silver serving spatula is pulling a portion, stretching melted soft cheese strings toward a piece of bread resting on a white scalloped plate at the top right. A torn piece of golden crusty bread sits above the plate on a white marbled surface, with red chili flakes scattered nearby. A woman's hand wearing a white textured cloth holds the pan at the bottom right, and a light amber drink is partially seen to the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound spicy Italian chicken sausage or beef sausage

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

2 red bell peppers, chopped

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3 ounces cream cheese

2 tablespoons basil pesto

2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded provolone cheese

½ cup shredded spicy cheddar or fontina

3 ounces thin sliced pepperoni

Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet, add the sausage, chopped onions, red bell peppers, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Set the skillet over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more to deepen the flavor.

Step 5: Add 1 cup of water, cream cheese, basil pesto, and chopped pepperoncini. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until the mixture is creamy.

Step 6: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until evenly combined.

Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded provolone and spicy cheddar (or fontina) evenly over the top.

Step 8: Arrange the thinly sliced pepperoni on top of the cheeses.

Step 9: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm with toasted French bread or crackers.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the meat and vegetables.

Substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option that still delivers great flavor.

Use a mix of your favorite Italian cheeses for a personalized touch.

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and pepperoni.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add the cheeses and pepperoni just before baking to ensure a fresh, melty topping.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs wonderfully with toasted French bread, baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks like bell peppers and celery for dipping.