Pizza Dip

I first made this dip in university for my boyfriend and his friends, and it was promptly devoured. I'll be honest, I was worried when I made this the first time. My bf doesn't like tomatoes, and I wasn't sure if a pizza dip with very little, uh, pizza sauce was going to be good. It doesn't look the greatest, but don't let that fool you. In fact, once you've tried it you'll secretly hope other people won't want to try it so there's more for you. This is good.

The name is really descriptive, but it's really all you need to know. It's pizza in the form of a dip.

I make it every year for the Superbowl as it seems to go well with chicken wings, beer, and binge eating. Like I said, perfect for game day. This is also not super gourmet, which makes it extremely easy to throw together. It's all about eye-ballin'. Want a more tomato-y sauce? Add more tomato sauce. Want more garlic? I have an idea! Add more Garlic. Do you see where I'm going with this?

Granted, we should be very clear that by making this dip you are essentially throwing out all plans for a nutritious and healthy game time snack.

Seriously, this dip is so filling on its own that the only other thing you might need is a long run to burn off the extra calories.

Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni (or salami or any preferred fine, cooked sausage)
• 8-10 white mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 brick cream cheese
• 1 small can tomato sauce
• 1 can sliced black olives
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black cracked pepper
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• Optional: 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Directions:

1. In a medium pan over medium-low heat saute the garlic and onions until translucent, about 3 minutes.  Add the pepperoni and mushrooms. Stirring occasionally, cook until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes. 
2. Meanwhile, mix the sour cream, cream cheese and tomato sauce until well blended. Add the pepperoni and mushroom mixture, black olives, green onion, chili flakes and s & p, and mix to combine. Optional: if you're really going for it, you can also mix in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese at this time.
3. Can be made one day ahead, keep covered and chilled in refrigerator until ready to bake. 
4. Bake in preheated 400 F oven for 20 minutes, or until edges are bubbly. Serve hot with garlic bread, tortilla chip, or dipping veggies.

Now go throw your self-hate and shame out the window, embrace your inner wild child, and go crazy on this dip. Just do us all a favor and reserve a bit of that enthusiasm for the gym later. You'll need it.