Four-Cheese Meat-Lovers Pizza Dip (Print Version)

A hot, bubbling pizza dip layered with cream cheese, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, sausage, bacon, and pepperoni.

# Ingredients:

For the meats

01 - 6 oz (170 g) bacon, chopped
02 - 8 oz (225 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
03 - 2 oz (55 g) pepperoni slices, divided

For the cheese dip

04 - 8 oz (225 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
06 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded provolone cheese, divided
07 - 1/3 cup (35 g) finely grated parmesan cheese, divided
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
11 - 1 cup (245 g) pizza sauce
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

For serving

13 - Toasted baguette slices, breadsticks, pita chips, or sturdy tortilla chips

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 1 1/2 to 2-quart baking dish or a 9-inch oven-safe skillet.
02 - Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and leave about 1 teaspoon drippings in the pan.
03 - Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through to 160°F, 6-7 minutes. Drain well.
04 - In a bowl, stir the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup provolone, 1/4 cup parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until combined.
05 - Spread the cheese base into the baking dish. Spoon the pizza sauce over the top, then add the sausage, bacon, and half of the pepperoni.
06 - Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan. Arrange the remaining pepperoni over the cheese.
07 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbling at the edges and melted in the center. Broil for 1-2 minutes if you want more browning. Rest 5 minutes, then garnish with basil and serve hot.

# Notes:

01 - Serve hot for the best cheese pull and scoopable texture.
02 - The dip can be assembled up to 1 day ahead and baked just before serving.
03 - Nutrition estimate does not include bread, chips, or other dippers.