Ingredients
12 oz. bacon, cut into 1" pieces
1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed
1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
2 c. shredded mozzarella, divided
1 c. ricotta
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 c. pizza sauce
1/2 c. pepperoni slices, or 9 for Instant Pot version
1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan
Sliced baguette, for serving
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 375°. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add bacon and cook until crispy, 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel–lined plate. Step 2To the same skillet, add sausage and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 6 minutes. Drain fat. Step 3In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ricotta, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Step 4Add bacon, sausage, and cream cheese mixture to skillet and stir to combine, then spread in an even layer. Spread pizza sauce on top and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella. Top with pepperoni and Parmesan. Step 5Bake until bubbly and cheese is melty, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve with baguette slices.
Step 1Set Instant Pot to sauté. Add bacon and cook until crispy, 8-15 minutes. Drain fat and lay out bacon on a paper towel–lined plate. Add a few tablespoons water to the pot and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Discard water.Step 2Still on sauté, add sausage and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 6 minutes. Drain fat. Wash Instant Pot.Step 3In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ricotta, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Add bacon and sausage to mixture and stir to combine. Transfer mixture to a 1-quart baking dish that will fit in Instant Pot.Step 4Spread pizza sauce on top of dip and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella. Top with pepperoni and Parmesan. Cover baking dish tightly with foil.Step 5Place trivet in the bottom of pot and pour in 1 cup water. Fold a large piece of foil (about 18”) into thirds to make a long “sling,” and lower it into pot. Place baking dish on trivet, centered on the foil strip. Fold the strips over the top, but not touching the top. Step 6Lock lid and set to Pressure Cook on high for 15 minutes. Follow manufacturer’s guide for quick release, making sure to wait until cycle is complete before unlocking and removing lid. Using the foil strips and pot holders, carefully remove baking dish. Step 7Preheat oven to broil on high and remove baking dish and foil from instant pot. Broil until pepperoni is crisp and cheese is golden.
You can microwave the bacon. See our method here! If you don’t have pizza sauce, a bottled pre-made marinara works great. But then again, so does ours. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, no problem! Use all or a combo of oregano, dried thyme, or basil. If you just miss the crust too much, then check out this Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Pizza Dip!
