SAUSAGE JALAPEÑO POPPER DIP
This Sausage Jalapeño Popper Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer that's always a hit. It combines the classic flavors of jalapeño poppers – cream cheese, jalapeños, cheese, and bacon (or sausage) – into a warm and dippable dip.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage regular or spicy
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or a Mexican blend
- ½ cup chopped pickled jalapeños from a jar, seeds removed for less heat, or leave some seeds in for more heat.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions optional
- ¼ cup sour cream or mayonnaise optional, adds extra creaminess
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings optional: Cooked bacon crumbles, extra shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, chopped green onions.
- Serving suggestions: Tortilla chips crackers, baguette slices, celery sticks, carrot sticks.
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, green onions (if using), and sour cream or mayonnaise (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish or cast iron skillet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Top with cooked bacon crumbles, extra shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, and/or chopped green onions, if desired. Serve warm with your choice of dippers.
Notes
- Jalapeños: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to your spice preference. Removing the seeds will reduce the heat.
- Cheese: You can use any combination of cheeses that you like. Pepper jack cheese will add extra spice.
- Sausage: You can use mild or spicy breakfast sausage. Italian sausage or chorizo can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Serving Suggestions: Get creative with your dippers! Pita bread, pretzel crisps, bell pepper slices, or even toasted baguette slices are all great options.