Ingredients
In keeping with my passion for accessible and flavorful cooking, the ingredients for this dip are simple yet effective in creating a dish that’s bursting with taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
If you’re looking for substitutions, ground turkey or chicken sausage can work well, and you can swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream if you prefer a lighter option. These tweaks allow you to personalize the dish while maintaining its delightful essence.
Instructions
Creating this dip is as simple as it is rewarding. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and garlic with cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired.
I remember learning from my abuela that patience is key in cooking, and letting the dip cool slightly allows the flavors to meld beautifully, much like the harmonious gatherings we had in our family kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International