Sausage Cheese Dip is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a little bit of spice into a rich, warm dip. Perfect for parties, game day, or as an appetizer at any casual get-together, this dip is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Served with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies, it’s a delicious, indulgent treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute gatherings
- Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor
- A crowd favorite at any party or event
- Customizable with your favorite cheese or spice level
- Can be served with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional for added spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, jalapeños, or extra shredded cheese
Full list of ingredients with measurements below!
Directions
1. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once the sausage is fully cooked and browned, drain any excess grease and return the sausage to the skillet.
2. Add the Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the sausage. Stir until the cream cheese melts and combines with the sausage, creating a smooth mixture.
3. Add the Cheese and Spices
Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir the mixture until the cheese melts completely. If the dip is too thick, add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Season and Taste
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well, and adjust the seasonings as necessary. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a bit of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños.
5. Serve
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and top with optional toppings like chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, or sliced jalapeños. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, use spicy sausage or add some diced jalapeños to the dip while cooking.
- Make it Creamier: If you prefer an extra-creamy dip, increase the amount of cream cheese or add a bit more milk until it reaches your preferred texture.
- Add Extra Flavor: A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can elevate the flavor of this dip even further.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese: Feel free to swap out the cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version of this dip.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese and regular cheese for dairy-free options like vegan cream cheese and plant-based shredded cheese.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Sausage Cheese Dip is perfect for serving with:
- Tortilla chips or nacho chips for dipping
- Sliced baguette or crackers
- Fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, or bell pepper strips
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dip in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving. It can even be frozen for up to a month!
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage beforehand, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. However, you may want to add more seasonings to make up for the lack of fat and flavor that sausage provides.
What can I serve with this dip?
This dip pairs well with chips, crackers, bread, or veggies for dipping. It also works as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for wraps.
Conclusion
This Sausage Cheese Dip is a rich, creamy, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, getting together with friends, or just craving something indulgent, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy this comforting appetizer that’s both easy to make and even easier to devour!
Print
Sausage Cheese Dip: A Flavorful, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings (add 3-8 servings above normal if desired) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sausage Cheese Dip is the perfect creamy and savory snack for any gathering. Made with ground sausage, creamy cheese, and a touch of spice, it’s sure to be a hit at parties, game days, or even as a fun appetizer for family dinners. Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or mild, based on preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. - Make the Dip Base:
Lower the heat and add the cream cheese to the cooked sausage. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and is fully combined with the sausage. - Add the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the dip is smooth and creamy. - Season the Dip:
Add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate. - Serve:
Transfer the dip to a serving dish and serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Notes
- You can make this dip ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
- For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños to the dip while cooking the sausage.
- You can substitute the ground sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup dip
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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