Description
This bubbling hot football dip is loaded with spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and tangy tomatoes—making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or any party. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, it’s guaranteed to be the MVP snack at your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (or ground beef/turkey)
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and crumbled. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, mozzarella, and mayonnaise (if using) until smooth.
- Stir in tomatoes with green chilies, red onion, green bell pepper, garlic, cilantro, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Fold gently until just combined.
- Spread half the cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with cooked sausage and bacon. Spread remaining cheese mixture over the meat. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Cheese should be melted and edges slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and extra cilantro.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
Notes
For best results, shred your own cheese for smoother melting. Prep the cheese base a day ahead for easy assembly. To make vegetarian, substitute sausage and bacon with black beans, corn, and mushrooms. For less spice, use mild sausage and omit cayenne. If dip is oily after baking, blot gently with a paper towel. Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/8 of the dish
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 14
Keywords: football dip, game day appetizer, party dip, cheesy dip, sausage dip, hot dip, Super Bowl snack, crowd pleaser, easy appetizer, spicy dip