If you love pizza but want a fun, shareable twist for your next gathering, the Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip is an absolute game changer. This luscious dip captures all the classic pizza flavors — gooey mozzarella, savory Italian sausage, spicy pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce — then adds an exciting pop of sweet heat with a drizzle of hot honey. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with familiar tastes that everyone will reach for again and again. Whether it’s game day, a casual party, or just because you deserve something delicious, this dip will become your new go-to snack obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each plays a key role — creamy cheeses for richness, zesty spices for warmth, and that unmistakable spiced sausage and pepperoni punch for authenticity.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Provides the creamy, dreamy base that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings stretchy, melty goodness that truly defines a pizza dip.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth that enhances every bite.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Infuses the dip with that classic tangy tomato flavor you expect from pizza.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (casings removed): The savory, spiced star that gives the dip satisfying heartiness.
- 1/3 cup mini pepperoni slices: Little mounds of spicy, chewy fun to scatter through the dip.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey: The sweet-heat twist that takes this dip from familiar to unforgettable.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle punch of savory warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings that essential herbaceous note common to all great pizzas.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A touch of extra heat — feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional): A fresh, fragrant finish that brightens the dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip
Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium and cook the casings-removed Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns evenly. Cooking it thoroughly ensures all that meaty, spiced flavor shines through. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dip rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Mix the Cheeses and Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, pizza sauce, garlic powder, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until you have a smooth and creamy base that’s bursting with flavor even before adding the sausage.
Step 3: Fold in the Meat and Pepperoni
Gently fold the cooked sausage and half of the mini pepperoni slices into the cheesy mixture. This step evenly disperses those meaty, spicy bites so each scoop has a perfect balance of ingredients.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and smooth the surface to an even layer. Top with the remaining mini pepperoni slices for a pop of color and flavor. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the dip is bubbly and beautifully golden around the edges.
Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey and Garnish
When you remove the dip from the oven, immediately drizzle the hot honey evenly over the top to achieve an irresistible sweet and spicy glaze. Finish with freshly chopped basil if you like a bright, herbal contrast.
How to Serve Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or even a handful of finely chopped green onions adds a fresh note that cuts through the richness beautifully. A grind of fresh black pepper right before serving also enhances the flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
Serve this dip warm alongside toasted baguette slices, crisp crackers, or colorful fresh veggies like bell pepper strips and cucumber rounds. These dippers add crunch and texture, making each bite delightfully balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a festive touch. For parties, portion it into mini ramekins for individual servings that look polished and make sharing easy. Adding extra mozzarella on top before baking is brilliant for an even gooier cheese pull that will impress everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s a fantastic snack to enjoy again, especially when reheated to bring back that melty, luscious texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the dip before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Reheating
Reheat the dip gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly again, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the cheese creamy and prevent it from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this dip?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds classic flavor, spicy chorizo or even a plant-based sausage can be fantastic substitutions. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before folding into the dip.
Is there a way to make this dip less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes and opt for a milder honey instead of hot honey. This still delivers plenty of delicious flavor without the intense heat.
Can I prepare this dip ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can mix everything except the hot honey, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh just before serving, then drizzle the hot honey right after it comes out of the oven for the best presentation and taste.
What are the best dippers for this pizza dip?
Toasted baguette slices and sturdy crackers are classic choices, but fresh veggies like bell peppers, celery sticks, or carrot sticks add freshness and crunch if you want something lighter.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use plant-based sausage alternatives and omit pepperoni or replace it with vegetarian-friendly pepperoni to keep all the flavor without the meat.
Final Thoughts
The Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip is one of those rare gems that combines comforting familiarity with a fun, spicy-sweet twist everyone will adore. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Next time you want to wow your guests or treat yourself to an indulgent snack, this dip will have you reaching for the dippers and hot honey bottle again and again. Give it a shot and discover your new favorite party starter!
Print
Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hot Honey Pepperoni Sausage Pizza Dip is a decadent and spicy appetizer that combines creamy cheeses, savory Italian sausage, mini pepperoni slices, and a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh basil, this dip is a crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Cheese and Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
Meat and Toppings
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/3 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the dip evenly.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it browns until fully cooked through; then drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness in the dip.
- Mix Cheese and Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, pizza sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Combine with Sausage and Pepperoni: Fold the cooked sausage and half of the mini pepperoni slices into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly for consistent baking. Sprinkle the remaining mini pepperoni slices on top of the dip.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly around the edges and lightly golden on top.
- Add Hot Honey Topping: Remove the dip from the oven and immediately drizzle the hot honey evenly over the surface to add a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve warm alongside toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping to enjoy the best flavors and textures.
Notes
- Reduce or omit crushed red pepper flakes and use milder honey for a less spicy, more kid-friendly version.
- Substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo to give the dip a smoky and bold twist.
- Perfect for game day snacks, parties, or any casual appetizer night.
- For extra gooeyness, sprinkle an additional handful of mozzarella on top before baking.
