SWEET ITALIAN PIZZA DIP from Pizzeria Lola and Hello Pizza

SWEET ITALIAN PIZZA DIP from Pizzeria Lola and Hello Pizza

A recipe from Chef Ann Kim, of Pizzeria Lola and Hello Pizza - perfect for any party, happy hour or an anytime snack! With an easy recipe this appetizer is utterly simple to prepare. You can even use ricotta on the bottom and a jar of your favorite sauce for the sauce layer. It really couldn't be easier.

Makes 1 (2-quart) casserole

This is a great Appetizer to munch on during football games leading up to the main Thanksgiving event.

Note: Peppedew peppers are often found near the olive section at the supermarket.

• 3/4 lb. bulk Italian sausage

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/2 c. diced red onion

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 c. sour cream

• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 3/4 c. shredded fresh mozzarella cheese, divided

• 3/4 c. shredded provolone cheese, divided

• 3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1/4 c. sliced piquante (peppadew) peppers, sliced (see Note)

• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

• 3 tbsp. roughly chopped fresh basil

• 1 c. pizza sauce (recipe below) or prepared pizza sauce

• Baguette or Pita bread for dipping

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook sausage in skillet, breaking it up until browned. Drain fat and remove sausage from pan. To the same pan add olive oil, onion and garlic, and cook until onion is translucent. Mix the sausage into the mixture and remove the pan from the heat. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, salt and half of all the cheeses (mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan). Stir in peppadew peppers, oregano, basil and sausage mixture. Spread this mixture into a wide 2-quart casserole dish, top with the pizza sauce and remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove foil and turn the broiler on medium and broil uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese starts to bubble and brown. Serve warm with toasted pita wedges or sliced baguette.

HOMEMADE PIZZA SAUCE

Makes about 4 cups

Note: This can be made a day in advance. Use high-quality canned tomatoes that are naturally sweet and flavorful. Extra sauce is good on homemade pizza or as a light pasta sauce.

• 1 (28-oz.) can whole Roma tomatoes (such as San Marzano)

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp. red-wine vinegar or lemon juice

Directions: Drain tomatoes, reserving juice. Add whole tomatoes to a large bowl and crush tomatoes by hand. Stir in salt, olive oil and vinegar.