Cream Cheese Dip

Slow Cooker Sausage Dip

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Sausage Dip with creamy cheese, savory sausage, tomatoes, green onions, and tortilla chips

Slow Cooker Sausage Dip

Sausage Dip is a creamy, cheesy slow cooker appetizer made with savory sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes with green chiles, cheddar, and simple seasonings. It works for game day, holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings. Sausage Dip requires very little hands-on work, and the slow cooker keeps it warm and scoopable for serving.

The browned sausage, melted cheese, and tangy tomatoes create a hearty dip. Keep it mild or add jalapeños and hot sausage for more heat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours
Servings: 10 to 12

Ingredients

For the Dip

  • 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, lightly drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
  • 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

For Serving

  • Tortilla chips
  • Crackers
  • Toasted baguette slices
  • Celery sticks
  • Bell pepper strips

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sausage Dip is easy to prepare because most of the cooking happens in the slow cooker. The only step that needs attention is browning the sausage before it goes into the crock.

Another reason to love Sausage Dip is its creamy texture. Cream cheese adds body, cheddar adds sharpness, and Monterey Jack melts smoothly.

It is also easy to customize with mild or hot sausage, vegetables, or different cheeses. The slow cooker keeps it warm for easy party serving.

How to Make Sausage Dip

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the sausage and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Cook until there is no pink remaining.

Drain off excess grease so the finished dip does not become oily.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients

Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker.

Add the cream cheese, tomatoes with green chiles, cheddar, Monterey Jack, sour cream, and milk.

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chili powder.

Step 4: Begin Slow Cooking

Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour.

Avoid using HIGH at the beginning because dairy-based dips can heat unevenly or become greasy if they get too hot too quickly.

Step 5: Stir the Dip

After 1 hour, remove the lid and stir thoroughly.

The cream cheese should be soft enough to blend into the other ingredients.

At this point, Sausage Dip will start becoming smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Continue Cooking

Cover again and cook on LOW for another 30 to 60 minutes.

Stir every 20 to 30 minutes if possible.

The dip is ready when the cheese has melted and the mixture is hot and scoopable.

Step 7: Adjust the Consistency

If the dip is too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of milk at a time.

If too thin, leave the lid slightly open for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 8: Add Fresh Flavor

Stir in sliced green onions just before serving.

If you are using jalapeños, cooked bacon, corn, or black beans, add them during the final 20 minutes of cooking.

Step 9: Keep Warm

Once Sausage Dip is fully melted and creamy, switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting.

Stir occasionally during serving, especially around the edges.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Top with extra cheddar, green onions, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños if desired.

Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, vegetables, or toasted bread.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage Dip is especially good with sturdy tortilla chips because they can hold plenty of the creamy mixture without breaking.

You can also serve Sausage Dip with pretzel crisps, buttery crackers, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, mini naan, celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or strips of red and yellow bell pepper.

For a larger party spread, serve it with sliders, wings, meatballs, nachos, and vegetables.

Use leftovers over baked potatoes, nachos, or scrambled eggs.

For a rich seafood dinner, try our Mediterranean Creamy Spinach & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon with tender salmon, creamy spinach, shrimp, garlic, and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Recipe Tips

Use good-quality sausage because it provides much of the flavor in the dip.

Drain the sausage well after browning. Excess grease can make the cheese mixture separate.

Cut the cream cheese into cubes before adding it to the slow cooker so it melts more evenly.

Freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

For the smoothest Sausage Dip, cook on LOW and stir several times instead of trying to melt everything quickly on HIGH.

Do not leave the slow cooker uncovered for long periods because the surface can dry out.

If the dip thickens while sitting on the WARM setting, stir in a splash of milk.

Taste before adding extra salt because sausage, cheddar, and canned tomatoes can already be salty.

Easy Variations

Sausage Dip can be made mild, spicy, smoky, or extra cheesy depending on your preference.

For more heat, use hot breakfast sausage and add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

For a smoky version, add cooked bacon and a little extra smoked paprika.

You can make Sausage Dip with spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a stronger herb flavor.

For a Tex-Mex version, add black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and cilantro.

Pepper Jack can replace Monterey Jack if you want more spice.

For a lighter variation, use reduced-fat cream cheese and replace some sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.

You may also enjoy our Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for a quick weeknight meal with savory beef, tender noodles, garlic, ginger, and a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This is a convenient make-ahead appetizer.

Brown the sausage up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Measure the spices, shred the cheese, and slice the green onions ahead.

When you are ready to cook, place everything in the slow cooker and follow the recipe as written.

For best texture, cook it close to serving time.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Sausage Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat a larger amount, return it to the slow cooker and warm on LOW until hot, stirring occasionally.

For individual portions, microwave in 20- to 30-second intervals and stir between each interval.

Add a small splash of milk if the dip becomes too thick after refrigeration.

Freezing is not recommended because cream cheese and sour cream can separate and become grainy after thawing.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 290
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 650 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the sausage, cheeses, tomatoes, add-ins, and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Italian sausage?

Yes. Mild or spicy Italian sausage works well, although the herb flavor will be different from breakfast sausage.

Can I use Velveeta?

Yes. You can replace part of the cheddar and Monterey Jack with processed cheese for an especially smooth texture.

Do I have to drain the tomatoes?

Lightly draining them is best. Leaving a small amount of liquid helps the dip stay creamy, but too much can make it watery.

Can I make Sausage Dip spicy?

Yes. Use hot sausage, jalapeños, cayenne, Pepper Jack, or hot sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and allow additional heating time. Stir well so the center heats evenly.

How long can it stay on warm?

For serving, keep it on WARM and stir occasionally. For food safety and best texture, avoid leaving it out for extended periods beyond your gathering.

Can I make this without sour cream?

Yes. Replace it with plain Greek yogurt or add a little extra cream cheese and milk.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Dip is one of those simple slow cooker appetizers that delivers plenty of flavor without requiring complicated preparation.

Because Sausage Dip combines savory sausage, creamy cheese, tomatoes, garlic, and warm spices, it works equally well for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, and relaxed family gatherings.

Keep this Sausage Dip recipe handy when you need a hot appetizer that can stay warm and ready to serve while everyone enjoys the party.

With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and easy slow cooker preparation, Sausage Dip is a dependable crowd-pleaser that pairs with everything from tortilla chips and crackers to vegetables and toasted bread.