Cheesy sausage and spinach dip

MAKES 5 CUPS OR 10 SERVINGS

8 ounces bulk sweet or hot Italian sausage

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 8-ounce packages reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), soft- ened

1-1/2 cups finely shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup light dairy sour cream

2 cups chopped fresh spinach leaves

1/3 cup mild banana pepper rings, drained and chopped

Crostini, bagel chips, blue corn tor- tilla chips or sliced baguette-style French bread

In a large skillet, cook sausage, onion, sweet pepper and garlic until sausage is brown, stirring often. Drain off fat. Set sausage mixture aside to cool.

In a large bowl, stir together cream cheese, Parmesan or Romano cheese, milk, mayonnaise and sour cream. Add sausage mixture, spinach and banana peppers; gently stir to combine. Spread mixture into a 9-inch fluted quiche dish or deep-dish pie plate.

Bake in 350-degree oven about 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with crostini, bagel chips, blue corn tortilla chips or French bread.

Nutrition facts per serving: 577 calories, 41 g fat, 21 g saturated fat, 98 mg cholesterol, 9 g carbohydrates, 39 g protein, 1704 mg sodium, 0 g fiber

Better Homes and Gardens