Cheesy Baked Dip Recipe

Ingredients

• For the dip base:
  • 1 pound (450g) ground sausage, ground beef, or a mix
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the topping:
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• To serve:
  • Slices of toasted baguette, crackers, or vegetable sticks

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish.
2. Cook the protein:
   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage or beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the dip mixture:
   • In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir in the cooked sausage or ground beef until well combined.
4. Assemble the dip:
   • Spread the dip mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
   • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with Italian seasoning and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the dip, followed by the additional shredded mozzarella.
5. Bake:
   • Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with toasted bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Tips and Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie-friendly option.
• Add more cheese: Mix in sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy kick.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

This cheesy baked dip is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for parties, game nights, or family gatherings. Enjoy!