Sausage Cheese Dip

This sausage cheese dip is about as simple as party food gets: browned sausage stirred into melted sharp cheddar cheese spread with canned diced tomatoes and green chilies. Four ingredients, 15 minutes, and you’ve got a warm, meaty dip that disappears fast.

Brown the sausage first and drain the fat so the dip doesn’t turn greasy. Melt the cheese spread separately in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth, then combine everything together.

The diced tomatoes and green chilies add just the right amount of heat and acidity to balance the richness of the cheese and sausage. No extra seasoning needed since those canned ingredients bring their own.

Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette. It also works spooned over nachos or baked potatoes.

Kitchen Tips

• Melt the cheese slowly over low heat or in short microwave bursts to keep it smooth and prevent scorching
• Crumble the sausage into small pieces while browning so it distributes evenly through the dip
• Keep the dip warm in a small slow cooker on the “warm” setting during parties

Variations

• Use hot Italian sausage for more spice and flavor
• Add a can of Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies for a spicier kick
• Stir in a block of cream cheese alongside the cheddar spread for a creamier texture