Marry Me Dip: The Viral Appetizer That Lives Up to the Hype

Some recipes earn their viral status through pure, undeniable deliciousness. The “Marry Me Dip” is exactly that kind of recipe – a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed appetizer so good that it might just inspire a proposal. As someone who has tested countless dip recipes for gatherings with friends and family, I can confidently say this one stands in a league of its own.

The name comes from its cousin, the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” which went viral for supposedly being so delicious that serving it to your partner might lead to a marriage proposal. This dip version takes those same irresistible Tuscan-inspired flavors – sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, multiple cheeses, and a touch of heat – and transforms them into a scoopable, shareable appetizer that disappears within minutes at any gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, need an impressive appetizer for a holiday gathering, or simply want to elevate your next movie night, this Marry Me Dip delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into what makes this dip so special and how you can create this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Show-Stopping Flavor: The combination of four cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian sausage creates an irresistible flavor profile
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake just before serving
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters can’t resist this creamy, savory dip
• Versatile: Works with various dippers from bread to vegetables
• Simple Preparation: Despite its impressive taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make
• Conversation Starter: The name alone gets people talking and eager to try it

Ingredients

Marry Me Dip: The Viral Appetizer That Lives Up to the Hype

Recipe by Sandra J

Servings

8-10

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

This creamy, cheesy Marry Me Dip combines four cheeses, Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach into an irresistible appetizer. So delicious it might just inspire a proposal, this viral dip is perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress.

Ingredients

• For the Base

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Add-Ins:

• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (spicy or mild, based on preference)

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

• For Serving:

• Toasted baguette slices

• Crackers

• Vegetable crudités (bell peppers, cucumber, carrots)

• Fresh herbs for garnish

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 1.5-quart baking dish.
• Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
• Prepare the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
• Add the cheeses and seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, all of the provolone cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
• Incorporate the add-ins: Fold in the cooked sausage, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach, and fresh basil until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
• Transfer and top: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese.
• Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
• Optional broiling: For an extra golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Rest and garnish: Allow the dip to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley if desired.
• Serve: Arrange your dippers (baguette slices, crackers, vegetables) around the warm dip and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Tips & Variations

The Secret to Perfect Marry Me Dip

The key to this dip’s irresistible quality lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy cheese base provides richness, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart punch. The Italian sausage brings savory depth, and the fresh spinach and basil lighten everything up with their brightness. Don’t rush the baking process – allowing the dip to get hot all the way through and develop a golden top is essential for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Benefits

While this dip is undeniably indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits:

• Protein: The cheese and sausage provide a good amount of protein.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach adds iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
• Healthy Fats: When paired with vegetable dippers, you’re getting a balance of satisfying fats and fresh vegetables.

Perfect Occasions for Marry Me Dip

This show-stopping appetizer is perfect for:

• Game day gatherings
• Holiday parties
• Potlucks
• Date nights at home
• Movie nights with friends
• Brunch spreads
• Wine and cheese parties

The viral Marry Me Dip has earned its place in the spotlight for good reason. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and impressive presentation, it’s the kind of recipe that gets requested again and again. Whether you’re trying to impress someone special or just want to elevate your appetizer game, this dip delivers on all fronts.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it brings people together. There’s something magical about watching a group gather around a bubbling, fragrant dish, dipping and chatting and going back for “just one more bite.” In our busy world, these moments of connection around delicious food are worth celebrating.

So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to wow your guests with the dip that might just inspire a proposal – or at the very least, requests for the recipe.