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Savory Tuscan Sausage and Bean Dip Recipe – Easy Creamy Cheese Appetizer

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A hearty, crowd-pleasing dip featuring spicy Italian sausage, creamy beans, and a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this Tuscan-inspired appetizer is easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can navy beans or butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained (fire-roasted optional)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 3/4 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Move oven rack to upper third if broiling.
  2. Heat oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook 5-7 minutes, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Add diced onion to skillet and sauté 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  4. Stir in both cans of beans and diced tomatoes. Add chicken broth, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Mash about half the beans in the skillet with a potato masher or fork for creaminess. Simmer another 2-3 minutes until thick but scoopable. Add more broth if needed.
  6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and half the Parmesan. Dollop and gently spread over sausage and bean mixture.
  8. Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melty and bubbling.
  9. Turn broiler to high. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top and broil 2-3 minutes until golden brown spots appear. Watch closely.
  10. Let dip cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Brown the sausage well for extra flavor. Mash only half the beans for a creamy yet textured dip. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the cheese crust. Can be made ahead and reheated; leftovers keep well for up to 4 days. Adapt with turkey or chicken sausage, dairy-free cheese, or extra veggies as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan dip, sausage bean dip, creamy cheese appetizer, Italian appetizer, party dip, game day snack, comfort food, skillet dip, broiled cheese dip

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/savory-tuscan-sausage-and-bean-dip-recipe-easy-creamy-cheese-appetizer/