Andy Montoya
Sausage cheese dip is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for parties and get-togethers. The dip is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavour. It can be made in a slow cooker or on a stovetop and is typically prepared with ingredients such as sausage, cheese, tomatoes, and spices. The best part about this dip is that it can be customised to your taste preferences and can be made as mild or spicy as desired.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Sausage (pork), beef, turkey, chicken, bacon, ground beef |
| Cheese | Velveeta, cream cheese, cheddar, sharp cheddar, processed cheese, parmesan, imperial cheese |
| Spices | Garlic, garlic powder, onion, green onions, cilantro, black pepper, taco seasoning, chili seasoning |
| Vegetables | Rotel tomatoes, corn, jalapenos, poblanos, bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini |
| Other ingredients | Milk, lime, chili flakes, green chiles |
| Dippers | Tortilla chips, crackers, bread, crostini, pretzel sticks, breadsticks, carrots, celery, zucchini coins, french fries |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right sausage
For a classic, savory flavor, pork sausage is a popular choice. It pairs well with the other typical ingredients in a sausage cheese dip, such as Velveeta, Rotel tomatoes, and cream cheese. If you want to add a kick of spice to your dip, you can opt for spicy Italian sausage, which will add both heat and flavor.
If you're looking for a milder option, you can go for Italian sausage, which is still flavorful but less spicy. Those who are concerned about their sodium intake may want to opt for a premium sausage brand, as these tend to be lower in sodium. You can also use breakfast sausage, which is often seasoned with sage and other herbs, giving your dip a heartier flavor.
For those who are not sausage fans, there are alternative options. You can substitute the sausage with ground beef or ground turkey. Just make sure to season the turkey well so that it doesn't become bland. Adding some taco seasoning can be a great way to boost the flavor.
Cheese in the Trap: Worth Your Time?
You may want to see also
Selecting the best cheese
Selecting the right cheese is crucial to making a good sausage cheese dip. The cheese is what gives the dip its creamy texture and rich flavour. While some recipes call for processed cheese, such as Velveeta, others opt for fresh, non-processed cheese.
Velveeta is a popular choice for sausage cheese dip as it melts beautifully, creating a smooth and creamy texture. It also has a mild flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients. However, some people may prefer to use fresh cheese for a more natural flavour.
When choosing fresh cheese, consider the type of milk used, the ageing process, and the resulting texture and flavour. For a classic option, cheddar cheese is a good choice as it has a sharp flavour and melts well. Monterey Jack is another suitable option, especially if you want to reduce the spice level of the dip. For those who prefer a spicy dip, pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick without being too hot. Cream cheese is also a popular choice for sausage cheese dip as it adds a rich, creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
Additionally, the amount of cheese used can vary depending on personal preference. Some recipes call for equal parts cheese and sausage, while others use less cheese to allow other ingredients to shine. It's important to shred or cube the cheese before adding it to the dip to ensure even melting.
El Mexicano Cheese: Perfect Chili Addition?
You may want to see also
Adding extra ingredients
Sausage cheese dip is a versatile dish that can be customised with various extra ingredients to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some suggestions for adding extra ingredients to elevate your sausage cheese dip:
Meat
If you want to add more meat, ground beef or ground turkey are excellent options. For a spicier kick, you can use half ground beef or sausage, or opt for spicy Italian sausage. Bacon is another popular choice, adding a savoury crunch to the dip.
Vegetables
Vegetables can provide a flavour boost and a textural contrast to the dip. Diced onions are a common addition, cooked alongside the sausage to absorb its flavours. For a spicy twist, include diced jalapeños, poblanos, or bell peppers. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some Mexi-Corn or green chiles to bring extra zest to your dip.
Seasonings
To enhance the flavour profile of your dip, consider adding seasonings like garlic powder, minced garlic, taco seasoning, or chilli seasoning. A sprinkle of black pepper or some chopped cilantro can also brighten up the dish.
Toppings
When serving the dip, you can offer various toppings on the side, such as diced green onions, more minced cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce. A squeeze of lime juice can also add a refreshing touch to the rich dip.
Cheese
While Velveeta is a popular choice for sausage cheese dip, you can experiment with different varieties or add additional cheeses. Sharp cheddar, cream cheese, or processed cheese can all be incorporated to create a richer, tangier, or creamier dip.
Cheese Dip: Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Appetizer
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Heating and serving methods
Sausage cheese dip can be made in a slow cooker, on a stovetop, or in a microwave.
Stovetop
Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. When the sausage is halfway cooked, add onion and garlic and continue cooking until the sausage is cooked through and the onion is translucent. Drain the grease and return the mixture to the skillet. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until the cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Slow Cooker
Cook the sausage and onion in a skillet over medium heat, breaking up the sausage as it cooks. When the sausage is browned, drain the grease and add the mixture to the basin of a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and stir, then cover and cook on low heat for approximately two hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted. Turn the slow cooker to warm for serving.
Microwave
Combine the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for three minutes, then stir. Microwave for another two minutes until the cheese is completely melted. Serve warm.
Serving
Sausage cheese dip can be served warm with tortilla chips, crackers, crostini, pretzel sticks, breadsticks, or veggies like broccoli or cauliflower florets, celery sticks, or zucchini coins. It can also be used as a cheese sauce for homemade French fries or nachos.
Feta Cheese: Healthy or Harmful?
You may want to see also
Storing and reheating tips
Storing your sausage cheese dip is easy. All you need to do is place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The dip should stay fresh for up to three days.
Reheating the dip is simple too. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, simply heat the dip until it is warmed through. If you are reheating a large quantity of dip, stir it occasionally to ensure even heating. However, if you are reheating a small quantity of dip, you can follow the same instructions as for a larger quantity, but reduce the power of the microwave to avoid overheating.
If you are using a stovetop, place the dip in a saucepan and heat it over low heat. Stir the dip occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent burning. It is important to note that you should not let the dip boil, as this can cause the cheese to break down and become greasy and grainy. Instead, let the dip heat gradually, allowing the fats to warm and soften slowly.
Is Overnight Cheese Pizza Safe to Eat?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You will need sausage, cheese, and Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis. For the sausage, you can use Italian sausage, ground beef, or ground turkey. For the cheese, you can use cream cheese, Velveeta, cheddar, or a combination of these.
First, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. If you are using onion, add it to the skillet and cook until translucent. Drain the grease, then return the sausage and onion to the skillet. Add the cheese and Rotel undrained to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Sausage cheese dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the stovetop, microwave, or slow cooker.
To add spice to your sausage cheese dip, you can use spicy Italian sausage, add diced jalapeños or chili flakes, use hot Rotel tomatoes, or add extra green chilis.
