If you’re looking for a warm, cheesy, and hearty appetizer that disappears as soon as it hits the table, Sausage Cheese Dip is your answer. Rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors, this dip is the kind of recipe that brings people together—whether it’s for game day, a holiday party, or a casual family get-together.
Made with just a handful of ingredients, sausage cheese dip is easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you like it spicy, mild, with tomatoes, or loaded with extra cheese, this creamy, meaty dip can do it all.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Hearty and Filling – Packed with sausage and melty cheese, it satisfies big appetites.
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Easy and Fast – Made in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
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Perfect for Parties – Keeps warm in a slow cooker, making it a set-it-and-forget-it appetizer.
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Customizable – Use spicy or mild sausage, mix in extras like diced tomatoes, or top with jalapeños.
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Great for Leftovers – Use it in stuffed bell peppers, burritos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.
What Is Sausage Cheese Dip?
Sausage Cheese Dip is a warm, savory dip typically made by browning ground sausage, then combining it with melty cheeses (like Velveeta, cheddar, or cream cheese) and sometimes tomatoes, green chilies, or spices. The result is a rich, scoopable dip perfect for chips, crackers, or veggies.
It’s a cousin to queso dip but with the hearty addition of sausage for added texture and boldness.
Ingredients List
Here’s a classic version to start, plus ideas for variations.
Core Ingredients:
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1 lb ground sausage (hot or mild, depending on preference)
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16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
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1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro*Tel), undrained
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8 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce
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2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
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1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
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Total Time: 20–30 minutes
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Servings: Serves 8–10 as an appetizer
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sausage Cheese Dip
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir until cheese is fully melted.
Step 3: Optional – Stir in Cream Cheese
If using cream cheese, add now and stir until smooth. This gives the dip a creamier texture and milder flavor.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Taste
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or cayenne if desired. Taste and adjust to your liking.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Transfer to a serving bowl or a slow cooker set to “warm” to keep the dip hot throughout your event. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.
Best Dippers for Sausage Cheese Dip
Classic Options:
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Tortilla chips
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Crackers (Ritz, Triscuit, or Club crackers)
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Toasted baguette slices
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Pita chips
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Breadsticks
Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly:
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Celery sticks
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Bell pepper slices
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Cucumber rounds
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Zucchini spears
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Pork rinds
Flavor Variations
Spicy Sausage Cheese Dip
Use hot sausage and stir in chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Tex-Mex Style
Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a southwestern twist.
Creamy Ranch Version
Stir in 1/4 cup ranch dressing or a packet of ranch seasoning for a zesty kick.
Bacon-Loaded Dip
Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for an even richer flavor.
Italian Sausage Version
Use Italian sausage and add marinara sauce instead of Ro*Tel for a pizza-inspired flavor.
Make It in the Slow Cooker
This dip is ideal for slow cookers, especially when entertaining.
Instructions:
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Brown the sausage and drain.
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Add all ingredients to a small (2–4 qt) slow cooker.
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Stir to combine and cook on low for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
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Switch to the warm setting for serving.
The slow cooker method keeps the dip hot and ready all throughout the party.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead:
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You can make this dip 1–2 days in advance.
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Storage:
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Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
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Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
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You can also warm it in a saucepan over low heat or in a slow cooker on low.
Freezing:
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Not recommended. Cheese-based dips can separate or become grainy after thawing.
Nutritional Overview (Per 1/4 cup serving, approximate)
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Calories: 250–280
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Fat: 22–24g
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Protein: 8–10g
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Carbohydrates: 4–6g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 500–700mg
This varies depending on your sausage, cheese, and additional ingredients.
Serving Ideas
Game Day:
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Serve in a cast-iron skillet or slow cooker with chips on the side.
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Add fun toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or salsa.
Holiday Parties:
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Present it on a large platter with dippers around the edge.
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Add festive garnishes like chopped herbs or cherry tomatoes.
Casual Snacking:
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Portion into ramekins or small bowls for individual servings.
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Serve with a veggie tray for a lower-carb spread.
Tips for Success
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Use quality sausage – The flavor of the sausage defines the entire dip. Choose a well-seasoned variety.
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Cut Velveeta into small cubes – This ensures quick and even melting.
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Don’t skip the tomatoes – Ro*Tel or similar products add acidity and help balance the richness of the cheese.
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Use a slow cooker – Keeps the dip warm and prevents it from solidifying.
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Double the batch – This dip goes fast! It’s smart to make extra for larger gatherings.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, but you’ll lose the signature flavor sausage adds. You may want to boost seasoning if using beef.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your sausage and cheese are certified gluten-free. Always check product labels.
Can I make it without Velveeta?
Yes, substitute with shredded cheddar and 1/4 cup milk or cream for a homemade version. Stir well to ensure smoothness.
What kind of sausage works best?
Any breakfast sausage or spicy pork sausage works well. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Try sautéed onions, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach for added nutrition and texture.
Conclusion
Sausage cheese dip is the definition of comfort food meets convenience. Whether you’re planning a party or just want something indulgent to snack on while watching movies, this dip checks all the boxes: creamy, cheesy, savory, and irresistibly scoopable.
With just a few ingredients and endless possibilities for customization, this dip deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation. Serve it hot, spicy, mild, or smoky—you can’t go wrong.