Spicy Italian Sausage Dip\

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 3/4 cups freshly grated Mozzarella Cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, cooked and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained (but not rinsed)
• 3/4 cup Pepperoncinis, drained and diced
• Fresh chopped basil for garnish
• Crostini (toasted bread) or crackers for dipping

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 2 1/2 quart (I used an 11-inch oval) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Combine all ingredients together, except 3/4 cup of Mozzarella and basil.
Spread the sausage dip into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with reserved mozzarella. Sprinkle with a little Italian seasoning if desired.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until bubbly. For additional browning of the cheese, switch to the broiler during the last few minutes, but watch closely as it can burn quickly.
Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired.
Serve with crostini or crackers for dipping.