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This sausage and cheese dip made in my slow cooker always gets grabbed up fast at gatherings. It blends smooth cheese, tasty sausage, and a nice pop from the Rotel tomatoes. Folks tend to hang out near the Crock Pot when I serve it, and I never bring home any leftovers.
The Magic Behind This Crowd-Pleaser
What's great about this dip is how it fits any get-together - from watching sports to Christmas parties. I really like that I can make it milder or spicier depending on who's eating. And since everything goes in the Crock Pot, I don't miss out on fun with my guests.
Key Components
- Italian Ground Sausage: I go back and forth between hot and mild based on who's coming over.
- Onion, Diced: Brings out amazing taste when cooked with the meat.
- Cream Cheese: Gives that wonderful richness and silky feel.
- Velveeta: Can't beat how it melts for that ideal dipping consistency.
- Rotel: Pick your spice level for extra flavor and punch.
Easy Cooking Instructions
- Brown the Meat Mix
- Start by cooking your sausage with the onions until nicely browned, then get rid of any extra grease.
- Load Your Slow Cooker
- Throw in all your stuff - the meat mixture, cream cheese, Velveeta, and that tasty Rotel.
- Melt Everything Together
- Let it all warm up and blend on low for around 2 hours, stirring every so often.
- Enjoy It Hot
- Turn to warm setting and watch people gobble it up with chips, crackers or veggie sticks.
Handy Tricks
Don't forget to stir now and then while serving so it stays nice and smooth. Need more kick? Grab hot Rotel or toss in some chopped jalapeños. A little milk works great if things get too thick, and mild Rotel keeps everyone happy if you've got picky eaters.
Storage Smarts
You can keep any extras in your fridge for up to 3 days, but we hardly ever have any left. When you want to warm it up again, add a splash of milk and heat it slowly on the stove or in your microwave. Your slow cooker will keep it just right during your whole party.
Custom Touches
I sometimes mix in corn or black beans for something different. A bit of fresh lime juice makes the flavors pop. Adding fresh jalapeños on top looks nice and gives extra spice. You could even swap in turkey sausage if you're trying to eat lighter.
FAQ
- Will it work on the stove? Definitely, just keep your flame low and stir it frequently.
- What's the best way to keep it hot? Just use the warm setting on your Crock Pot.
- Can I get it ready beforehand? For sure - cook your sausage earlier and then mix everything together when you're ready.
Tasty Combinations
Tortilla chips are our go-to, but try dunking veggies or chunks of bread too. It tastes amazing poured over nachos or even on top of a baked potato. When I host, I put out lots of different dippers so everyone finds something they like.
Why We Love It
This dip really pulls everyone together. It's hot, gooey and so satisfying with those yummy bits of sausage mixed throughout. And it's so easy to whip up, though nobody would guess that - they all think you spent forever making it.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I cook this on my stove instead?
Absolutely, just use the same ingredients but warm over low heat on your stovetop, giving it a stir now and then until everything's melted. Then put it in your serving bowl.
- → What else can I mix into this dip?
You can toss in some corn, drained black beans, a dash of garlic powder, or onion powder if you don't have fresh onions handy.
- → What's the best way to serve it?
Serve it hot with tortilla chips. Keep it in your slow cooker on the WARM setting while folks are enjoying it.
- → How can I make it hotter?
Go for hot Italian sausage and grab the spicy version of RoTel to kick up the heat as much as you want.
- → Should I drain the RoTel can?
Don't drain it - the juice helps get the texture just right and adds extra flavor to your dip.