Introduction
Sausage Cream Cheese Dip is the ultimate party appetizer that will leave everyone asking for more. With its creamy texture, savory sausage flavor, and the slight tang from the cream cheese, this dip is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a holiday gathering, or a casual family get-together, this dip is quick to whip up and guaranteed to disappear in no time. Best of all, it requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it the perfect choice when you’re short on time but want to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage (you can use pork, turkey, or chicken sausage)
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the sausage. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined with the sausage.
Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Ensure the mixture is well-combined and evenly heated.
Step 4: If you’re adding shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess, mix it into the dip until melted and fully incorporated.
Step 5: Season the dip with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or a slow cooker on a warm setting to keep it heated. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Variation:
- Spicy Kick: If you want a spicier dip, use spicy sausage or add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Milder Option: For a milder flavor, substitute regular diced tomatoes for the tomatoes with green chilies.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in different kinds of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a varied cheesy flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the sausage for a plant-based alternative or skip it altogether and add black beans or crumbled tofu for texture.
Cooking Note:
- Make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly and drain the excess fat to prevent the dip from becoming greasy.
- Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly into the dip, so ensure it’s at room temperature before adding it to the pan.
- For a smoother dip, you can use an immersion blender or food processor to break down the sausage further after browning.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Sausage Cream Cheese Dip warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, or even toasted baguette slices.
- For a low-carb option, pair the dip with celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.
- You can also use this dip as a topping for baked potatoes or a filling for stuffed mushrooms.
Tips:
- Slow Cooker Method: For an easy, hands-off option, transfer the cooked sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes into a slow cooker on low heat. Cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dip in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: This dip freezes well! Just make sure it’s completely cool before freezing. Thaw and reheat on low heat in a skillet or slow cooker.
Prep Time:
- 5 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 15 minutes
Total Time:
- 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs:
1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove just before serving. You can also keep it warm in a slow cooker.
2. Can I use another type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute pork sausage with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage. Adjust the seasonings as necessary.
3. What can I serve with this dip besides chips?
This dip pairs well with vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices. You can also serve it with crackers or use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
5. Can I make this dip less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, use plain diced tomatoes instead of tomatoes with green chilies, and choose a mild sausage.
Conclusion:
Sausage Cream Cheese Dip is a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for any gathering. It offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that will satisfy any crowd. Whether you’re serving it with chips, veggies, or bread, this dip is versatile enough to complement any snack or meal. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes of preparation, it’s a no-fuss option that delivers maximum flavor. Try this dip for your next party or game day, and watch it disappear before your eyes!
Print
Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (substitute with ground beef or turkey for a pork-free version)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced veggies for serving
Instructions
Step 1:
Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the sausage apart with a spatula as it cooks to crumble it into smaller pieces. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2:
While the sausage is cooking, prepare the cream cheese. Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl and stir it until smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese is too hard, you can microwave it for about 15 seconds to soften it more.
Step 3:
Once the sausage is browned, return it to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts and combines with the sausage.
Step 4:
Next, add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything, ensuring the dip has a smooth, consistent texture.
Step 5:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the dip is heated through.
Step 6:
(Optional) If you want a smoother consistency, you can transfer the dip to a slow cooker at this point. Set it to warm or low, and keep it there until you’re ready to serve. This also helps keep the dip hot during parties.
Notes
Make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before adding any other ingredients to avoid any food safety risks. Draining the grease is also important, as it helps keep the dip from becoming too oily. If you’re using a slow cooker, be cautious with the heat to prevent the dip from drying out or burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 260
- Sodium: 720mg
- Protein: 12g