Ingredients
- Ground Italian Sausage: 16 oz (453g)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz (226g)
- Sour Cream: 2 cups or 16 oz (453g)
- Pepper Jack Cheese (chopped): 8 oz (226g)
- Canned Tomatoes with Habaneros: 15 oz (425g)
- Green Onions (chopped): 0.25 cup (25g)
- Salt: 0.1 tsp (0.5g)
- Black Pepper: 0.1 tsp (0.5g)
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheese Dip
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat, add the 16 oz (453g) of ground Italian sausage, stir, and cook until browned and completely cooked through. Stir in the 15 oz (425g) of canned tomatoes mixed with habaneros and cook the mixture for 4 additional minutes.
- Sprinkle in 0.1 tsp (0.5g) salt, 0.1 tsp (0.5g) black pepper, and the 0.25 cup (25g) of chopped green onions. Stir thoroughly and cook for another 4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, then remove from the heat.
- Spread the 8 oz (226g) of chopped pepper jack cheese evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker insert.
- Add the 8 oz (226g) of cream cheese, the warm sausage mixture, and the 16 oz (453g) of sour cream into the slow cooker over the pepper jack. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on High for exactly 2 hours.
- Uncover the slow cooker and give your Sausage and Cheese Dip a vigorous stir until completely smooth, creamy, and well combined. Transfer the hot dip to a serving bowl, serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips or crostini, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 80 minutes (Skillet prep + 2 hours slow cooking)
- Servings: 28
Per Serving:
- Calories: 132 kcal
- Protein: 6.79g
- Fat: 9.58g
Chef's Pro Tips
To ensure your dip comes out flawlessly every single time, here are a few expert tips from my kitchen to yours:
- Drain the Grease: Ground Italian sausage can release quite a bit of oil as it cooks. To prevent a greasy layer from forming on top of your Sausage and Cheese Dip, make sure to drain the excess fat from your skillet before transferring the meat to the slow cooker.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that prevent them from melting smoothly. For the ultimate creamy texture, buy a block of pepper jack and chop or grate it yourself.
- Adjust the Heat: The canned tomatoes mixed with habaneros pack a serious punch! If you are serving a crowd with a lower spice tolerance, simply substitute them with standard diced tomatoes and green chilies, or mild salsa.
- Utilize the Warm Setting: Once the 2-hour cooking time is up and you have stirred the dip until smooth, switch your slow cooker to the "Warm" setting. This will keep the dip perfectly gooey and dip-able throughout your entire party without scorching the edges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this Sausage and Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely!
Additionally, you can prep this dish a day in advance to save time.
Simply brown the sausage with the tomatoes, green onions, and spices as directed.
Let the mixture cool slightly.
Then add it to your slow cooker insert along with the cream cheese, sour cream, and pepper jack.
Cover and store the insert in the refrigerator overnight.
When you are ready, pop the insert into your slow cooker base.
Cook on High for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until hot and bubbly.
How long does leftover sausage dip last in the fridge? Store any leftover Sausage and Cheese Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, scoop the desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Can I freeze cream cheese and sour cream dips? I do not recommend freezing this dip. Dairy-heavy recipes that rely on cream cheese and sour cream tend to separate and develop a grainy texture when frozen and thawed. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh or reheated from the refrigerator!
What are the best dippers to serve with this recipe? Because this is a rich, hearty, and heavy dip, you need sturdy dippers that won’t break off in the bowl. Thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips, toasted crostini (baguette slices), pita chips, or even fresh vegetables like celery and bell pepper strips work wonderfully. This Sausage and Cheese Dip pairs well with all of these options.
