My Crock Pot Sausage Cheese Dip has been stealing the show at parties for years now. It's that perfect combination of creamy cheese zesty sausage and just enough kick from the Rotel. Every time I bring it somewhere people hover around the slow cooker and I always come home with an empty pot.
Why This Dip is Always a Hit
This dip truly works for any gathering from game day parties to holiday celebrations. What I love most is how I can adjust the spice level to please everyone. Plus throwing it all in the slow cooker means I get to enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
- Ground Italian Sausage: I switch between mild and spicy depending on my crowd.
- Diced Onion: Adds such wonderful flavor with the sausage.
- Cream Cheese: Makes everything incredibly rich and smooth.
- Velveeta: Nothing melts quite like it for that perfect dip texture.
- Rotel: Choose your heat level it adds great flavor and a bit of zip.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Cook Sausage and Onions
- First brown up your sausage with those onions until everything's golden drain off the extra fat.
- Add to Crock Pot
- Pop everything into your slow cooker the sausage cream cheese Velveeta and that flavorful Rotel.
- Cook and Stir
- Let it all melt together on low for about 2 hours give it a stir now and then.
- Serve Warm
- Switch to warm and watch it disappear with chips crackers or veggies.
My Best Tips
Keep stirring occasionally while serving it helps keep that perfect creamy texture. Want more heat? Try hot Rotel or throw in some diced jalapeños. A splash of milk works wonders if it gets too thick and mild Rotel is perfect for sensitive taste buds.
Keeping It Fresh
Leftovers stay good in the fridge for about 3 days though we rarely have any. When reheating just add a splash of milk and warm it slowly either on the stove or in the microwave. The slow cooker keeps it perfect during parties.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I toss in black beans or corn for extra texture. A squeeze of lime juice brightens everything up. Fresh jalapeños on top look pretty and add extra kick. You can even use turkey sausage if you want to lighten things up a bit.
Common Questions
- Can I use the stovetop? Sure can just keep the heat low and stir often.
- How do I keep it warm? The warm setting on your slow cooker works perfectly.
- Can I make it ahead? Absolutely brown the sausage early then heat everything up when you need it.
Perfect Pairings
We love this with tortilla chips but try it with fresh veggies or crusty bread too. It's amazing drizzled over nachos or even as a baked potato topping. For parties I like setting out a variety of dippers so everyone can choose their favorite.
What Makes It Special
This dip just brings people together. It's warm gooey and totally satisfying with those perfect bites of sausage throughout. The fact that it's so easy to make is just a bonus everyone thinks you spent hours on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, follow the same directions but heat over low heat on stovetop, stirring occasionally until melted. Transfer to serving dish.
- → What can I add to this dip?
Try adding corn, black beans (rinsed and drained), garlic powder, or onion powder in place of diced onion.
- → How do I serve this dip?
Serve warm with tortilla chips. Keep on WARM setting in slow cooker during serving.
- → Can I make it spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage and/or spicy RoTel to increase the heat level to your preference.
- → Why not drain the RoTel?
The liquid from the RoTel helps achieve the right consistency and adds flavor to the dip.