Description
This hearty and flavorful baked sausage cheese dip combines spicy or mild ground sausage with creamy cheeses and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it makes an ideal appetizer or party snack served with crackers, chips, or bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or mild, your choice)
Cheese Dip Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for added spice)
Topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dip Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to form a smooth mixture, then fold in the cooked sausage and hot sauce if using.
- Assemble the Dip: Transfer the combined dip mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar sized dish, spreading it evenly in the pan.
- Bake the Dip: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. For a crispier topping, broil the dip for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired. Allow the dip to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or sliced bread for dipping.
Notes
- You can use spicy or mild sausage depending on your preference for heat.
- Hot sauce is optional but adds a nice kick to the dip.
- Broiling at the end gives a wonderful crisp top, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- This dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
