Dinner

Sloppy Hot Italian Cheese Dip Recipe

ByLuna Ryder October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

This Sloppy Hot Italian Cheese Dip is a flavorful, hearty appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Combining spicy Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and bold seasonings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and oven-baked to melty perfection.

The image shows a black skillet filled with a cheesy, saucy dish topped with slices of browned pepperoni and lots of chopped green herbs spread over it. The melted cheese is golden and stretchy, mixed with bits of vegetables or meat under it, creating a textured surface with orange, red, and green colors. A silver spatula lifts a gooey cheesy portion, pulling strings of cheese towards a white scalloped plate beside the skillet. On the plate is a square piece of bread topped with melted cheese, pepperoni, and herbs. Above the skillet, a torn piece of crusty bread rests on the white marbled surface sprinkled with some red chili flakes. A glass with a light beverage is partly visible near the bottom right corner, with a hand wrapped in a cloth holding the skillet handle. 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
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons basil pesto
2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 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, combine the sausage, chopped onion, red bell peppers, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Add 1 cup of water, cream cheese, basil pesto, and chopped pepperoncini to the skillet. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Step 5: Mix in the grated parmesan cheese. Then remove the skillet from heat.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded provolone and spicy cheddar (or fontina) evenly over the top of the mixture. Arrange the thin sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
Step 7: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with toasted French bread or crackers.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dip, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
Substitute pepperoncini with banana peppers for a different tangy kick.
Try adding a handful of chopped fresh spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Use a cast iron skillet to ensure even heating and easy oven use.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. This dip is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated successfully.