Description
This Lasagna Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer featuring seasoned Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses baked to bubbly perfection with classic Italian herbs and marinara sauce. It’s perfect for serving at gatherings or as a comforting snack for 8 servings in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- ½ lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Herbs, Sauces, and Seasonings
- 1 cup spaghetti sauce (marinara)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare it for baking.
- Cook Sausage and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Then drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Mix Cheese and Seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage, ricotta cheese, spaghetti (marinara) sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Dip: Spoon the prepared cheese and sausage mixture into the sprayed baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake and Garnish: Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Remove from oven and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For a milder dip, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use store-bought marinara sauce or homemade spaghetti sauce as preferred.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- Ensure to drain excess grease from sausage to avoid a greasy dip.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time slightly if baked cold from fridge.
