Cheesy Sausage Dip

Is there anything better than a hot cheese dip? I think not, which is why I’m sharing this mouth-watering party dish with you today! Grab those tortilla chips and dig in!

This sausage cheese dip recipe has everything you could want in a game-day or holiday snack – savory flavors, a kick of heat, and lots of ooey, gooey cheese!

Whether you’ve got family over to watch Sunday sports or you’re spending time with friends for happy hour at home, try whipping up this crowd-pleasing sausage dip.

It’s made in a cast-iron skillet, or you can even cook it in a slow cooker. Serve with tortilla chips, Fritos or crackers, and you’re good to go!

ingredients needed

Some cheesy sausage dips only have 3 ingredients, but this one has more and the flavor is far superior, in my opinion. Plus there are more ways to customize the heat with this recipe. Here’s what you need to make it:

• Pork sausage. I use regular sausage, but feel free to use any kind you’d like. Sweet Italian sausage or even spicy sausage variety would work great in this recipe. You could even sub with ground beef!
• Onion. Adds a savory flavor and some texture to the dip.
• Diced tomatoes. I typically choose fire-roasted tomatoes for recipes like this for delicious smoky flavor. You could even sub with Rotel or any canned mix of diced tomatoes and green chiles.
• Diced jalapeños. Use as much or as little of the undrained canned jalapeños depending on how spicy you want the dip to taste. Feel free to use fresh, if preferred.
• Cream cheese. For maximum creaminess!
• Pepper jack cheese. I love the extra zest in pepper jack cheese for this easy sausage dip but if you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to use sharp cheddar.
• Milk. A small amount will give this recipe that perfect dipping consistency.
• Spices. We’re adding in just 1/2 teaspoon of both paprika and cumin for even more flavor.
• Garnish. Totally optional but for presentation purposes, I love to add a garnish of Pico de Gallo or just chopped tomato, onion, and pepper.

HOW TO MAKE cheesy sausage DIP

Follow just a few easy steps, and you’ll be serving up this delicious cheesy appetizer!

1. Cook sausage. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage and diced onion together until onion is soft and translucent and sausage is cooked through and browned. Drain any excess grease from the sausage.
2. Add remaining ingredients. Stir in undrained diced tomatoes, undrained diced jalapeños, cream cheese, grated cheese, milk and spices until cheese is completely melted through.
3. Serve. Add garnish, if using, and serve warm with tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Make it in a Crockpot

Great news! This cheesy sausage dip recipe can be made in a slow cooker! This makes the recipe EVEN easier. It’s the perfect option if you need to make a bunch of appetizers before a party.

Here’s how to adapt this recipe for a Crockpot:

1. Start by cooking the sausage and onion in a frying pan on the stovetop until soft.
2. Add all dip ingredients (including the cooked and drained sausage + onion mixture) into the slow cooker.
3. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Easy as that! Whichever way you cook it, this cheese dip is sure to please!

Customize this dip

We love this dip as-is, but there are many ways that you can change it up to make it your own!

If you like your dip really spicy, swap the sausage in this recipe for the hot and spicy sausage and/or add the whole 4-ounce can of diced jalapeños. You could even add in some red chili flakes to give it extra heat!

Other additions that would be delicious:

• corn
• black beans
• black-eyed peas (especially, if serving for a NYE celebration)
• red bell pepper
• green chilies

What to serve with cheesy sausage dip

This dip is meant to be served warm, and I think it makes a great change from the cold dips usually served to guests. I love making it and serving it in a cast iron skillet, that way it’s able to retain the heat and not cool down too quickly. Another option that will keep your cheese dip heated is to transfer it to a small slow cooker set on warm and then ladle out servings from the crock pot.

It’s perfect to serve with tortilla chips or Fritos, but you could also serve it with a platter of fresh veggies like carrots, celery and mini sweet peppers and/or crackers. And don’t forget the margaritas!

Storage + Reheating

Kept refrigerated, in an airtight container, this sausage dip will last for 5-7 days. I actually think it tastes better the day AFTER you make it. All the flavors really have a chance to meld and marry together.

Leftovers can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk. Even better, add the leftovers into some cooked macaroni or pasta and turn it into a meal!

If you try this cheesy sausage dip recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. It’s so fun to see what you’re cooking! Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.