This Sausage Cheese Dip is a creamy, skillet made appetizer combining browned Italian sausage, melted cheese, and simple seasonings.

It comes together in about 20 minutes, making it useful when you need a warm appetizer without a lengthy preparation.

The sausage adds a savory element to the smooth cheese base, while sharp cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard provide extra depth. Serve it warm with chips, crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Why You’ll Want to Make This Sausage Cheese Dip

• 20-Minute Recipe: Both preparation and cooking are quick, so you can make the dip shortly before serving.
• One-Skillet Cooking: The sausage and cheese mixture can be prepared in one main cooking vessel.
• Easy to Adjust: A little extra milk can loosen the dip if it becomes too thick.
• Party Friendly: The recipe makes eight servings and can be transferred to a slow cooker for keeping warm.
• Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses familiar cheeses, sausage, seasonings, and pantry staples.
• Flexible Dippers: Serve it with chips, crackers, pretzels, crostini, or sliced vegetables.

Ingredient Notes & Easy Substitutions

1. Italian Sausage: Mild or spicy Italian sausage works here. Remove the casings so the sausage can be broken into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Processed Cheese: Processed cheese such as Velveeta provides the smooth base that helps the dip maintain a scoopable consistency.
3. Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds body and helps create a creamy texture throughout the dip.
4. Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds a stronger cheese flavor and is stirred in after the skillet is removed from the heat.
5. Whole Milk: Milk loosens the cheese mixture and makes it easier to adjust the final dipping consistency.

Sausage Cheese Dip

This Sausage Cheese Dip is a rich, creamy appetizer loaded with savory Italian sausage and plenty of melted cheese. It comes together quickly in one skillet, making it an easy choice for game days, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and casual entertaining.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 328

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces mild or spicy Italian sausage casings removed
• ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
• 8 ounces processed cheese such as Velveeta, cut into cubes
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Sturdy spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving Bowl

Method

 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and diced onion, breaking the sausage into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue for 6–7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
   
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cubed processed cheese and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir frequently until both cheeses melt together into a smooth, creamy mixture.
   
3. Slowly whisk in the milk, followed by the dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the dip is hot, smooth, and easily scoopable.
   
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded sharp cheddar. Mix until the cheddar melts completely into the sauce. Adding it off the heat helps keep the dip smooth. Spend With Pennies
   
5. If the dip seems too thick, stir in an additional tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your preferred dipping consistency. For a thicker dip, allow it to sit for a minute or two before serving.
   
6. If serving at a party, transfer the dip to a small slow cooker and keep it on the warm setting. Stir occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.
   
7. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, crostini, pretzels, or sliced vegetables.
   

Nutrition Information

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

1. Dip Is Too Thick: Stir in an additional tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
2. Cheese Becomes Grainy: Avoid cooking the cheese mixture over high heat. Keep the skillet at medium-low once the cheeses are added.
3. Sausage Releases Too Much Grease: Drain the excess grease before adding the cheeses so the finished dip remains creamy.
4. Cheddar Does Not Melt Smoothly: Remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the shredded cheddar.
5. Dip Becomes Thick While Sitting: Stir in a small amount of milk and gently warm the dip until it becomes scoopable again.
6. Onion Pieces Remain Firm: Cook the sausage and onion until the onion is tender before adding the cheese mixture.

Easy Variations to Try

1. Spicy Sausage Dip: Use spicy Italian sausage for more heat throughout the dip.
2. Extra Cheddar Dip: Increase the sharp cheddar component for a stronger cheddar flavor.
3. Pepper Jack Version: Replace part of the cheddar with pepper Jack for a mild spicy note.
4. Jalapeño Sausage Dip: Add finely diced jalapeño with the onion for additional heat.
5. Green Chile Version: Stir in diced green chiles for a Southwestern-inspired variation.
6. Herb Finished Dip: Add chopped fresh parsley or chives along with the green onions for a fresh garnish.

More Party Dips You’ll Enjoy

1. White Bean Dip
2. Spinach Artichoke Dip
3. Taco Dip
4. Baked Feta Dip
5. 7 Layer Dip

How to Store Sausage Cheese Dip

1. Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer cooled dip to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
2. Store Without Garnishes: Keep the green onion garnish separate when possible and add it after reheating.
3. Reheat Gently: Warm leftovers over low heat or in short microwave intervals, stirring frequently.
4. Adjust the Consistency: Add a small splash of milk if the dip becomes thicker after refrigeration.
5. Check Before Serving: Discard the dip if it develops an unusual odor, appearance, or texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use mild or spicy Italian sausage?
   Yes. Either works in this recipe, so choose mild sausage for a gentler flavor or spicy sausage if you want more heat.
2. Why is processed cheese used in this dip?
   Processed cheese melts smoothly and helps create a consistent, scoopable cheese base.
3. Can I make this dip without Worcestershire sauce?
   The recipe uses Worcestershire sauce for savory depth. If you need to omit it, the dip will still work, but its overall flavor will be slightly different.
4. Why is the cheddar added off the heat?
   Adding the cheddar after removing the skillet from the heat allows it to melt gently and helps maintain a smooth sauce.
5. Can I keep this dip warm during a party?
   Yes. Transfer it to a small slow cooker and use the warm setting. Stir occasionally to maintain an even consistency.
6. Can I use another type of sausage?
   Italian sausage is specified in the recipe, but another fully cooked sausage can be used if you want to change the flavor profile.

Anjali Arora

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