Super Snackin’ Sunday: Spicy White Pizza Dip

For me, it’s usually a stressful kind of day when a pizza cravings hit.  There’s just something about a crispy pizza crust and gobs of melted cheese that instantly lifts my spirits and puts the day back on track.  (Actually, pizza and chocolate both have the same effect.  But this post is about pizza so let’s stick to one topic at a time.)  I’m usually craving pizza about once a week, and we always order from our local pizza place, Pepes. Now, like many other cities in the country, we have plenty of options for pizza toppings in Buffalo.  You’ve got the standard pepperoni (which isn’t really so standard once you consider the great local debate on the structure this type of slice should take), buffalo chicken finger, and spinach/ricotta, to name a few.  Then, there are some crazier options like beef on weck pizza or bruschetta topped pizza. But, every time Mr. Big Flavors and I place an order it’s for Pepe’s white pizza.

It’s a simple pizza that seems to start with an olive oil, dried herbs, and parmesan cheese base.  Then, it’s topped very generously with thick slices of tomato and sautéed white onion. They also ask if you want anchovies on top to which I always graciously decline.  I’ll stick with the fish-free, plain version, thankyouverymuch. The slices are huge, the crust is crispy with dried herbs baked right in.  I can never get over how such simple ingredients can combine into a pizza bursting with flavor. I can easily eat three pieces for dinner.But, did you know that you could make white pizza into a dip?  I didn’t until I saw this recipe over at How Sweet Eats.  What a perfect football-watching snack! (It’s also a great way to save a couple bucks.  Pizza is expensive these days!) Her version is a cheesy mixture bursting with oven roasted grape tomatoes.  This sounds great to me! But, for Super Snackin’ Sunday I decided to kick this white pizza dip up a bit.  If you’ve seen any type of trend in these Super Snackin’ Sunday installments it’s that these Big Flavors like their snacks to be spicy.  So, a quick addition of some hot chicken sausage proved to be an easy way to give this dip the extra punch of flavor that I wanted for game day.  I also roasted the garlic along with the tomatoes, since I’m obsessed with roasted garlic these days.  Just set out this big bowl of cheesy goodness with some hearty crackers or bread for dipping and you’ve easily (and deliciously) escaped from the typical pizza box.  Who said pizzas needed a crust, anyways? It’s all about the cheese. I’m already feeling less stress in my life!

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Spicy White Pizza Dip

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Serves	10
Prep time	40 minutes
Cook time	25 minutes
Total time	1 hours, 5 minutes
Meal type	Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Website	How Sweet Eats

Ingredients

• 1 pint grape tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4lb hot chicken sausage
• 1/2 medium onion (diced)
• 12oz cream cheese (softened)
• 8oz mozarella cheese (shredded)
• 8oz provolone or meunster cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
• crackers or bread (for serving)

Directions

1.	Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place tomatoes and garlic onto a baking sheet lined with foil. Coat with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place and oven and roast for 20 minutes
2.	In a saute pan, squeeze out chicken sausage from its casing. Break into small pieces while cooking over medium heat. Once cooked through, remove from pan and drain onto a plate lined with paper towels.
3.	Add 1 TBSP olive oil into the pan. Add onions and season with salt. Cook over medium low heat, turning occasionally, until translucent. Remove from heat.
4.	In a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, parmesan cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and 6 ounces of mozzarella and meunster. Use a fork to combine. Add garlic to the bowl using a garlic press. Then add tomatoes, onion and sausage. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5.	Smooth mixture out into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and meunster cheese. Sprinkle parmesan on top. Cook in oven for 20 - 30 minutes until cheese is bubbling. Remove and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with crackers or crusty bread.

Shared with: On the Menu Monday, Melt in your Mouth Monday, Talent Show Tuesday, Trick or Treat Tuesday, Wednesday Extravaganza

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