4ozportabella or button mushrooms (your favorite)diced
2Tbspolive oil
salt and black pepperto taste
3clovesgarlicminced
1lbspicy or mild Italian sausage
1/2tspred pepper flakes
1tspdry Italian seasoning
1/4tsporegano
116 ozjar pizza sauce
116 ozcontainer whipped cream cheesesoftened
1/4cupgrated Parmesan cheese
14 ozcan sliced black olivesdrained
3cupsshredded mozzarella cheesedivided
28-30slicespepperoni
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spritz a 12 x 8 inch baking dish or 12 inch round baking dish with cooking spray, set aside. (You can also use an oven safe skillet.)
On the stovetop in a large skillet over medium-high heat cook the onion, green pepper and diced mushrooms in a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.
Add the sausage and cook until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat from the pan.
Add the seasonings, pizza sauce, whipped cream cheese and grated Parmesan.
Cook over low heat just until the cream cheese melts and blends with the sauce.
Remove from the heat and add 1 1/2 cup shredded cheese, sliced black olives. Adjust the salt if needed to your taste. Stir well.
Pour into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese melts and the dip is bubbly.
Serve immediately with chips, bread sticks or vegetables for dipping.