Picante Pizza
A spicy, cheesy pizza dip with sausage and pepperoni, perfect for sharing at parties or casual gatherings, packed with bold flavors and melty cheeses.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Smooth softened cream cheese onto the bottom of a large cookie sheet.
- Layer picante sauce over the cream cheese.
- Add the crumbled fried sausage evenly over the sauce.
- Place slices of pepperoni on top.
- Sprinkle shredded American cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over all ingredients.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until everything bubbles.
- Serve immediately with corn chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the picante sauce. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage or leftover sausage from Linda'S Sausage And Egg Casserole works well. You can also use a blend of cheeses like pepper jack for added flavor. Make sure to smooth the cream cheese layer evenly to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Picante Pizza hot and bubbly, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions for color. It pairs beautifully with corn chips for dipping or a fresh salad on the side. You can also serve it as an appetizer at parties, alongside Mrs. Biddle'S Key Lime Pie for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picante Pizza contains roughly 666 calories, with 39g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), calcium (74% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1575mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza up to the baking step and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Both will provide a creamy base while keeping the flavor profile intact. Just ensure that the substitute can be spread easily.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, onions, or even spinach can add great flavor and texture. Just sauté the vegetables briefly before adding them to prevent excess moisture from making the pizza soggy. This can also enhance the nutritional value of your dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).