Cheesy Sausage Spinach Dip

KeeperAtHome's Note:

A hot dip with some zest. This is good when using light ingredients also. From Better Homes and Gardens.

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 5.0 cups

• 8 ounces hot pork sausage
• ½ cup onion , chopped
• ½ cup sweet red pepper , chopped
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 2 (8 ounce) packages reduced-fat cream cheese , softened
• 1 ½ cups parmesan cheese , finely shredded
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup light sour cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves , chopped
• 1⁄3; cup mild banana pepper ring , drained and chopped
• crostini or bagel chips or blue corn tortilla chips or sliced and toasted French bread

Directions:

1. In a large skillet cook sausage, onion, sweet pepper and garlic until sausage is brown, stirring often. Drain off fat. Set aside to cool.
2. In large bowl, stir together cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, mayonnaise and sour cream. Add sausage mixture, spinach and banana peppers; gently stir to combine. Spread mixture into a 9" fluted quiche dish or deep dish pie plate.
3. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with crostini, bagel chips, blue corn tortilla chips, or sliced and toasted French bread.
4. To make ahead: prepare as directed through step 2. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Uncover and bake for about 40 minutes or until heated through.