Description
Sausage Jalapeño Popper Dip brings explosive flavor from Italian sausage, cream cheese, and spicy peppers. Fire up game day with this creamy, cheesy crowd-pleaser that melts hearts and satisfies hungry guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (1 lb / 453 grams) ground sausage (hot or mild, depending on your heat preference)
Cheese:
- 8 ounces (8 oz / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) pickled or fresh jalapenos, diced (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) green onions, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
Instructions
- Sizzle the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling it into bite-sized pieces until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Eliminate excess fat by draining, then allow to cool momentarily.
- Whip cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl until silky smooth. Incorporate the cooked sausage, shredded cheeses, and finely chopped jalapenos, blending everything into a harmonious mixture.
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Transfer the creamy concoction into a baking vessel, spreading it evenly. Dust the surface with a delicate layer of breadcrumbs for added texture and crunch.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the dip to transform for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a bubbling surface and golden-brown edges, indicating it’s perfectly heated. For an extra crisp finish, activate the broiler briefly, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Once removed from the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the top for a vibrant garnish. Serve immediately alongside crisp tortilla chips, rustic crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités for dipping.
Notes
- Choose lean sausage to reduce overall fat content and keep the dip lighter without compromising flavor.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal spice tolerance, removing seeds for milder heat or adding more for extra kick.
- Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and cashew cheese for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
- Consider using turkey sausage or chicken sausage as healthier protein alternatives that still deliver robust flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg