Spicy Sausage Dip
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 can opener
- 1 medium mixing bowl optional, if not mixing in skillet
- 1 8x8-inch baking dish or small casserole dish
- 1 Oven or toaster oven
- 1 serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy pork sausage bulk or casings removed
- 1 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles 10 ounces; undrained
- 8 ounce cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup green onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro optional; chopped
- 1 bag tortilla chips about 10 ounces; for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the skillet over medium-high heat and add the spicy pork sausage.
- Cook the sausage, breaking it up with the spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Drain off any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese cubes to the skillet.
- Stir frequently until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt and stir well to combine.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake the dip in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly around the edges, about 10–12 minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the dip rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the top with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if using.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips on the side for dipping.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality sausage since it drives most of the flavor; you can adjust the heat level by choosing mild sausage or mild tomatoes with chiles, or increase it with a pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder. Make sure to soften the cream cheese for easier melting, and avoid overbaking so the dip stays creamy rather than greasy or separated. This dish reheats well in a low oven or microwave, and you can lighten it slightly by swapping part of the cream cheese for Greek yogurt, or customize it by adding black beans, corn, or extra jalapeños for more texture and kick.
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