This Creamy Sausage Cheese Dip is built for game day, parties, and any time you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Savory Italian sausage is folded into a rich blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella, with a kick of tomatoes and green chilies for just the right amount of heat perfect for scooping with chips or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the sausage and stir until it is fully melted and well combined.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Continue to cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until all the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth, hot, and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl (or a small slow cooker on WARM to keep it hot) and serve immediately with tortilla chips or sliced baguette.
Variation
- Spicy Sausage Queso-Style Dip: Use hot Italian sausage, add extra diced green chilies or a minced jalapeño, and stir in a handful of Pepper Jack cheese for more kick.
- Lighter Version: Swap regular sour cream and cream cheese for light versions, and use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat cheddar to trim some of the richness.
- Slow Cooker Sausage Cheese Dip: Brown the sausage on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a small slow cooker and cook on LOW for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot and melted.
Cooking Notes
- Keep the heat on low once the cheeses are added to prevent scorching or breaking the dairy.
- Drain the sausage well after browning to keep the dip from becoming too greasy.
- If using pre-shredded cheese, expect a slightly thicker texture; freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with sturdy tortilla chips, sliced baguette, pretzel bites, or crackers that can hold up to a thick, cheesy dip.
- Offer fresh crunchy dippers like celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks alongside the chips for balance.
- Garnish the top with chopped green onions, extra diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of paprika for color before serving.
Tips
- Shred your own cheddar and mozzarella from a block for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Keep the dip warm in a small slow cooker set to WARM during parties so it stays creamy and dippable.
- Taste before adding extra salt between the sausage, cheeses, and tomatoes, the dip can already be fairly well seasoned.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 13 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dip, cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, stirring often. - Can I freeze sausage cheese dip?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to smooth it out. - Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Absolutely. Breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage all work just make sure it’s fully cooked and well-seasoned. - How do I keep the dip from getting too greasy?
Drain the sausage well and, if needed, blot excess fat with a paper towel before adding the cheeses. Using a slightly leaner sausage can also help.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sausage Cheese Dip is everything you want in a party appetizer rich, cheesy, and loaded with savory sausage and a touch of heat. It comes together quickly on the stovetop and stays a hit from kickoff to the final whistle. Serve it warm with plenty of chips or bread, and watch it disappear long before the game is over.
Print
Sausage Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort food (contains dairy and meat)
Description
This Creamy Sausage Cheese Dip is built for game day, parties, and any time you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Savory Italian sausage is folded into a rich blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella, with a kick of tomatoes and green chilies for just the right amount of heat perfect for scooping with chips or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the sausage and stir until it is fully melted and well combined.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Continue to cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until all the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth, hot, and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl (or a small slow cooker on WARM to keep it hot) and serve immediately with tortilla chips or sliced baguette.
Notes
- Use a sausage you love mild or hot Italian both work well and will change the overall heat level of the dip.
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easier melting and a smoother texture.
- If the dip thickens as it stands, you can stir in a splash of milk or cream over low heat to loosen it back up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Game Day
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 3 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 780 mg (approx., varies with sausage and cheeses)
- Fat: 26 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 13 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 12–13 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 0–1 g (approx.)
- Protein: 13 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 70 mg (approx.)
Keywords: sausage cheese dip, creamy sausage dip, game day appetizer, party dip, hot cheese dip, Italian sausage dip