Sausage Cheese Dip Recipe

Sausage Cheese Dip Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork sausage
  • 1 (2 pound) loaf processed cheese, cubed
  • 1 (8 ounce) sour cream
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Begin by placing the ground pork sausage into a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until the sausage is evenly browned.

Step 2: While the sausage is cooking, take a medium saucepan and melt the processed cheese over medium heat.

Step 3: Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess fat and transfer the sausage into a medium bowl.

Step 4: Add the melted processed cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, and chopped green onions to the sausage. Mix everything well until combined.

Step 5: Serve warm and enjoy the delicious, creamy dish!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 85
Total Fat 7g
Saturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 18mg
Sodium 246mg
Total Carbohydrate 2g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 1mg
Calcium 88mg
Iron 0mg
Potassium 67mg

Servings Per Recipe: 64

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is based on available data for this recipe.

Sausage Cheese Dip

This Sausage Cheese Dip is a creamy, savory dip that combines hearty sausage with a smooth, spicy cheese blend. Its perfect for any party, gathering, or game day celebration, and can be served with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping. The dish is made with simple ingredients like ground pork sausage, processed cheese, sour cream, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, creating a rich and satisfying appetizer.

History and Origin

The history of sausage cheese dip is rooted in American Southern cuisine, where cheese dips and creamy spreads have long been popular. While there are no definitive records of the exact origin, it is believed that this dish emerged as part of the broader trend of "comfort food" appetizers that became popular during the 20th century. The combination of sausage and cheese reflects a traditional Southern preference for bold, hearty flavors, which are often paired with spicy elements like chilies to give the dish an extra kick.

Regional Variations

Although sausage cheese dip is most commonly associated with the Southern United States, regional variations have emerged over time. In some areas, the dip is made with spicier sausage or hot sauce to add extra heat. Some recipes may also incorporate additional ingredients like black olives, bell peppers, or even a splash of beer to deepen the flavor. In Texas, for example, many home cooks substitute the processed cheese for a combination of Velveeta and sharp cheddar, resulting in a more intense cheese flavor.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Sausage cheese dip stands out from other cheese dips, such as the classic queso dip or spinach and artichoke dip, primarily due to its use of ground sausage and the combination of sour cream. While many cheese dips focus on melted cheese as the base, the addition of sausage gives this dip a heartier texture and a savory, meaty flavor. The incorporation of diced tomatoes with green chilies also sets it apart from simpler cheese dips by adding a slight heat and tanginess.

Where It Is Typically Served

This dip is a favorite at many casual events, such as barbecues, football parties, and family gatherings. It is often served as a comforting appetizer alongside chips, crackers, or fresh cut vegetables. Due to its rich flavor and satisfying texture, sausage cheese dip is also a popular choice for potlucks and tailgating events, where large servings are needed to feed a crowd. It's easy to make in big batches, ensuring there's always enough to go around.

Fun Facts

  • The dish is often referred to as a "game day classic" due to its popularity at sporting events, especially during football season.
  • Many variations of sausage cheese dip include a secret ingredient such as salsa, jalapeos, or even a bit of ranch dressing, making each version slightly unique.
  • While its a comfort food favorite in the U.S., it is not as commonly found in other parts of the world. The concept of combining sausage and cheese in a dip is quite unique to American cuisine.
  • One of the key ingredients, processed cheese, is used because it melts smoothly and consistently, making it the ideal base for a creamy dip.

Whether you're making it for a special event or just craving something creamy and delicious, this Sausage Cheese Dip is sure to be a hit with your guests. Its a crowd-pleasing, flavorful option that combines the richness of sausage with the comforting warmth of melted cheese, making it perfect for any occasion!

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FAQ about Sausage Cheese Dip Recipe

Leftover sausage cheese dip should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Yes, you can freeze sausage cheese dip. To freeze, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Yes, you can substitute processed cheese with other types of cheese such as cream cheese, cheddar cheese, or a combination of cheeses. However, the dip may have a different texture and flavor depending on the cheese you use.

The dip has a mild level of heat due to the diced tomatoes with green chile peppers. If you prefer a spicier dip, you can add more hot sauce, jalapeños, or use spicier sausage.

Yes, you can prepare the sausage cheese dip ahead of time. After cooking and mixing the ingredients, let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it. Reheat before serving, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Sausage cheese dip is great with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables such as celery and bell peppers. It's also delicious with bread, pretzels, or Frito chips.

To make this dip vegetarian, simply replace the ground sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit the sausage entirely and add more vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers, to add flavor and texture.

Yes, you can use sour cream substitutes such as Greek yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream alternative. The dip will still be creamy, though the flavor might slightly differ.

Comments

Gary Green

10/15/2023 06:02:26 PM

Fantastic! I prepared this dish for our Superbowl gathering and it was a hit with everyone. I was short on time, so I took a shortcut and used salsa instead of the fresh veggies, but it still turned out delicious. I don't think it affected the overall taste much.