The first time I made Marry Me Dip, it was for a cozy winter get-together. I remember the smell of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes filling the kitchen as friends started arriving drawn in by the promise of something irresistibly cheesy and bubbling in the oven. That night, the dip disappeared faster than any appetizer I’d ever served, and by the end of the evening, everyone was asking for the recipe.
As someone who’s spent years testing comfort-food recipes for every kind of gathering, I can tell you this: Marry Me Dip lives up to its name. Inspired by the classic Marry Me Chicken, this creamy, savory dip combines spicy Italian sausage, four rich cheeses, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes into one unforgettable dish.
It’s simple to make, endlessly crowd-pleasing, and perfect for holidays, game days, or any moment that calls for a warm, bubbling bite of comfort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Marry Me Dip
There’s a reason people can’t stop talking about this dip it’s the kind of recipe that earns instant “Can I get this recipe?” requests. Here’s why it works so well:
- Balanced flavor: The spiciness of Italian sausage cuts through the creamy cheese base beautifully.
- Crowd appeal: It’s cheesy, comforting, and pairs with almost any side.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to oven.
- Versatile: Works as an appetizer, snack, or even the star of a cozy dinner spread.
The inspiration comes from the viral Marry Me Chicken, but instead of smothering chicken breasts in sauce, we turn that same irresistible flavor profile into a dippable, shareable masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this rich, melty, crowd-winning dip:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing onion and sausage.
- 1 small onion, finely diced – adds depth and sweetness.
- 10 ounces spicy Italian sausage – or mild if you prefer less heat.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – the creamy base that binds it all.
- ¾ cup sour cream – adds tang and smooth texture.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – for that perfect cheese pull.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – adds a nutty sharpness.
- 3 cloves garlic, mashed – fresh garlic gives a deeper, richer flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – classic herbs that tie everything together.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt – enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – sweet, tangy bursts in every bite.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped – adds color, nutrients, and freshness.
Ingredient Tips
- Use olive oil over butter for a Mediterranean-style richness.
- Always soften cream cheese before mixing for a smooth consistency.
- Grate your own cheese — pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents that prevent even melting.
Step-by-Step — How to Make Marry Me Dip
Step 1: Cook the Savory Base
Heat olive oil in a 10–12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with your spatula.
Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, sea salt, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped spinach. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Fold in the cooked sausage and onion mixture until you have a thick, rich, evenly blended dip.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mixture evenly in the same skillet or transfer to a baking dish. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are golden brown.
For extra texture, broil for the final 1–2 minutes just keep an eye on it!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the dip hot with your favorite dippers. Here are some great options:
- Sliced toasted baguette
- Tortilla chips or pita chips
- Crisp vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
- Homemade Sourdough Sandwich Bread slices
No matter how you serve it, this Marry Me Dip will steal the spotlight.
Expert Tips for the Perfect “Marry Me” Flavor
- Go for fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil give a richer taste than dried versions.
- Soften your cream cheese: Microwave it for 20 seconds to achieve that velvety consistency.
- Add heat to taste: Mix in crushed red pepper or a dash of chili oil if you love extra spice.
- Use the right pan: A cast-iron skillet retains heat beautifully and doubles as a serving dish.
- Avoid overbaking: Overcooking can make the cheese grainy remove when it’s just melted and bubbling.
What to Serve with Marry Me Dip
This dip is a showstopper at any gathering, but it also plays well with a variety of side dishes. Try these pairings from our kitchen:
- Fresh and bright Green Goddess Salad to balance the richness.
- Crunchy contrast from Salmon Rice Bowl leftovers as a side.
- For dessert, go sweet with Churro Cheesecake or Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe for an indulgent finish.
Make-Ahead & Reheating Tips
Hosting or prepping for a party? This dip was made for it.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dip through the mixing step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Bake from chilled: When ready to serve, bake at 375°F for 25–27 minutes instead of 20–22 to ensure it heats evenly.
- Storing leftovers: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 45–60 seconds.
- Freezing: Store the unbaked mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
These tips guarantee your dip stays creamy, cheesy, and delicious no matter when you serve it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Marry Me Dip vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the sausage with chopped mushrooms or plant-based crumbles for a hearty, meat-free version.
2. What’s the best cheese blend for this dip?
A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan is classic, but you can add Asiago or provolone for extra depth.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly lighter. The flavor remains great!
4. How can I keep the dip warm for parties?
After baking, transfer it to a small slow cooker on the “warm” setting. It’ll stay gooey for hours.
5. What are good side pairings for Marry Me Dip?
Serve alongside crusty bread, chips, or veggies — and pair with fresh salads or sweet desserts for balance.
Marry Me Dip
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 10 oz spicy Italian sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, mashed
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 10–12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Stir until well combined. Fold in the cooked sausage and onion mixture.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mixture into the same skillet or a baking dish. Bake for 20–22 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
- Serve hot with baguette slices, chips, or veggie sticks. Best enjoyed warm and gooey.
Notes
Equipment
- oven-safe skillet 10–12 inch preferred
- mixing bowl
- spatula for stirring and breaking sausage
- oven
- baking dish (optional) if not using skillet
