Introduction

I recently made this Hot Sausage Cheese Dip for a family gathering, and it quickly became the star of the show. The creamy, cheesy dip with a bit of a spicy kick from the Italian sausage was an absolute hit. Everyone was reaching for tortilla chips and pretzels to dip, and before long, the bowl was empty! Even my kids, who typically aren’t fans of anything too spicy, loved the richness of the cheese and the savory flavors of the sausage. It’s definitely a dish that’s going to be on my rotation for future parties and family events—it’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and just plain delicious.

Why You’ll Love Hot Sausage Cheese Dip

Perfect Balance of Creamy and Savory: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich, creamy dip that’s packed with flavor. The Italian sausage adds a savory depth that makes every bite irresistible.
Adjustable Heat: If you prefer a milder version, you can easily swap the hot sausage for a mild one, giving you full control over the heat level of the dip.
Easy to Make: This dip comes together quickly in just a few steps. There’s minimal prep involved, making it a go-to recipe for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a party, watching a game, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dip is sure to be a hit. It pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, pretzels, or even fresh vegetables.
Versatile: You can enjoy this dip as an appetizer, a snack, or even as a main dish if you serve it with some crusty bread or over pasta. Its richness and flavor profile make it suitable for many occasions.

Ingredients

To make Hot Sausage Cheese Dip, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dip:

1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

Tortilla chips or pretzels, or any dipping item of your choice

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat. As it cooks, break it up into crumbles using a wooden spoon. Stir occasionally to ensure that the sausage browns evenly. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cream cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth consistency.

Once the cream cheese is fully melted, add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted, and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Stir in the milk, flour, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes heated through. This will take around 5-7 minutes, so be patient as the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Sausage and Cheese Sauce

Once the cheese mixture has thickened, add the cooked sausage to the saucepan. Stir everything together until the sausage is evenly mixed with the cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the dip to a serving dish and serve warm with tortilla chips or pretzels for dipping. You can also serve it with fresh vegetables or crusty bread for a different twist.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Here is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:

Calories per serving: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 650mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 20g

(Note: These values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and serving size.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

This Hot Sausage Cheese Dip is versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for serving it:

With Tortilla Chips: The classic pairing for a cheesy dip, tortilla chips are crunchy and perfect for scooping up the hot dip.
With Pretzels: The saltiness of pretzels complements the rich and creamy dip, making them an excellent alternative to chips.
With Fresh Veggies: For a healthier option, serve with fresh veggies like bell peppers, celery, or carrots for dipping.
On Toast or Crusty Bread: Spoon the dip onto slices of toasted bread or baguette for a more substantial snack or appetizer.
Over Pasta: You can also use this dip as a pasta sauce. Simply toss the cheesy sausage mixture with cooked pasta for a quick and indulgent meal.

Additional Tips

Make It Spicier: If you like extra heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeños to the dip as it simmers.
Use Mild Sausage: For a milder version of this dip, swap the hot sausage for mild Italian sausage, making it a more family-friendly option.
Thicken the Dip: If your dip is too thin, stir in an extra tablespoon of flour to thicken it up to your desired consistency.
Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. Gouda or Gruyère can add extra depth and flavor to the dip.
Make Ahead: This dip can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of sausage? Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as turkey sausage or chorizo, for a different flavor profile.
How can I make the dip spicier? Add some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to increase the heat level.
Can I freeze this dip? While you can freeze the dip, the texture may change upon reheating. To maintain the best quality, it’s recommended to refrigerate and reheat within a few days.
Can I make this dip without cream cheese? If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with more shredded cheese or use sour cream for a tangier flavor.
What other cheeses can I use in the dip? Feel free to use cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a different flavor twist.
How do I reheat leftover dip? Reheat the dip on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
Can I use a slow cooker for this dip? Yes, you can make this dip in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Is this dip suitable for vegetarians? No, this dip contains sausage, but you can substitute with plant-based sausage or cooked vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Can I use non-dairy alternatives? Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and cream cheese to make this dip dairy-free.
How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Hot Sausage Cheese Dip is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage flavor, making it perfect for parties, game days, or casual family gatherings. The combination of different cheeses, sausage, and seasonings creates a rich, flavorful dip that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Whether you serve it with tortilla chips, pretzels, or veggies, this dip will be a crowd-pleaser every time.