Sausage queso dip is a classic party dish, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Featuring a creamy, spicy blend of sausage, cheese, and a mix of flavorful ingredients, this dip is simple to make but leaves a lasting impression. It's the perfect choice if you're looking to bring a bit of heat to your next gathering.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in your local supermarket. The main ingredient, sausage, can be found in the meat section. You can choose any type of sausage according to your preference. Diced tomatoes with chiles are available in the canned goods aisle. For the cheese, sharp cheddar is recommended for its full flavor, but you can substitute with other types if you prefer. Jalapenos are in the fresh produce section, and remember, you can adjust the amount based on your tolerance for spice.
Ingredients for Sausage Queso Dip
Sausage: The star of this dish, the sausage brings a hearty, savory flavor.
Onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and texture to the dip.
Flour: Helps to thicken the dip and gives it a smooth consistency.
Cumin: A warm spice that enhances the overall flavor of the dip.
Evaporated milk: Adds a creamy and rich taste to the dip.
Diced tomatoes with chiles: Offers a burst of tangy and spicy flavor.
Jalapenos: Brings a hot and spicy kick.
Cream cheese: Contributes to the creamy and tangy taste of the dip.
Hot sauce: Amplifies the heat in the dip.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the dip, adding a rich and bold taste.
Pico de gallo: A fresh salsa that adds a burst of freshness as a garnish.
Tortilla chips: The perfect crunchy vehicle for this creamy, spicy dip.
One reader, Chariot Hernandez says:
This sausage queso dip recipe is a game-changer! The blend of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapenos creates a mouthwatering dip that's perfect for any gathering. It's a crowd-pleaser and always the first to disappear. I highly recommend trying it out for your next party!
Key Techniques for Making Sausage Queso Dip Recipe
How to cook sausage and onions: Cook the sausage and onions in a skillet until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent.
How to make a roux: Add flour and cumin to the cooked sausage and onions, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the flour is well incorporated.
How to melt cream cheese: Stir in the cream cheese and cook until it is melted and fully incorporated into the mixture.
How to garnish with pico de gallo: Sprinkle the queso dip with pico de gallo before serving to add a fresh and colorful topping.
How to serve with tortilla chips: Serve the queso dip with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
How To Make Sausage Queso Dip
You’ll have your guests coming back for seconds with this easy queso dip. It’s loaded with sausage, tomatoes, and jalapenos, plus a hint of hot sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozsausage
- 1small onion,diced
- 2tbspflour
- ½tspcumin
- 12ozevaporated milk,(1 can)
- 12ozdiced tomatoes with chiles,(1 can)
- 4ozjalapeños,diced, drained
- 2ozcream cheese
- 1tsphot sauce
- 2cupssharp cheddar cheese,grated
- pico de gallo,for garnish
- tortilla chips,for serving
Instructions
-
Cook sausage and onions in a 10-inch skillet. Drain any fat.
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Add flour and cumin and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Add evaporated milk, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Stir in diced tomatoes, jalapenos, cream cheese, and hot sauce. Cook until melted and heated through for about 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until smooth.
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Garnish with pico de gallo and serve with tortilla chips.
Nutrition
- Calories: 212.43kcal
- Fat: 16.03g
- Saturated Fat: 7.94g
- Trans Fat: 0.28g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.82g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.35g
- Carbohydrates: 6.69g
- Fiber: 0.95g
- Sugar: 4.61g
- Protein: 10.93g
- Cholesterol: 49.09mg
- Sodium: 372.48mg
- Calcium: 241.51mg
- Potassium: 256.78mg
- Iron: 0.57mg
- Vitamin A: 109.54µg
- Vitamin C: 16.05mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Sausage Queso Dip Recipe
When cooking the sausage and onions, make sure to break the sausage into small pieces. This will not only ensure that the sausage is cooked evenly, but also help it to blend well with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more cohesive dip. Additionally, when adding the cheddar cheese, remove the skillet from the heat first. This prevents the cheese from overheating and becoming grainy, resulting in a smoother, creamier dip.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sausage Queso Dip
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure out ingredients, and cook the sausage in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it yourself.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a single pot or skillet for the entire cooking process to minimize cleanup time.
Double the batch: Make a larger quantity of the queso dip and freeze the extra portions for future use.
Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in an organized manner before starting to cook for a more efficient process.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end, making the cleanup process much faster.
Time-saving appliances: Utilize kitchen appliances like food processors or choppers to quickly prepare ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Sausage Queso Dip Recipe
sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: This substitute provides a meat-free alternative while still maintaining the savory flavor and texture of the original recipe.
evaporated milk - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can be used as a substitute to provide a similar creamy texture and richness to the dish.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to cream cheese, adding a tangy creaminess to the dip.
sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese can be used for a spicier kick and a different flavor profile while still providing the necessary melting quality for the dip.
How to Beautifully Present Sausage Queso Dip
Elevate the plating: Arrange the tortilla chips in a visually appealing manner, creating height and dimension on the plate. This will showcase the dip as the star of the dish.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant elements such as the pico de gallo to add a pop of color against the rich, creamy queso dip. This will create an eye-catching and appetizing presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the dip is the focal point while the garnishes complement its flavors and textures.
Emphasize texture: Consider adding a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro or a drizzle of sour cream to provide a contrasting texture and enhance the overall dining experience.
Utilize elegant serveware: Choose sophisticated and visually appealing serving dishes that complement the upscale nature of the dish, elevating the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Queso Dip
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and lifting ingredients.
- Whisk: A utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, incorporating air and creating a smooth texture.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for slicing, chopping, and dicing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Skimmer: A utensil with a perforated surface used for removing foam or impurities from liquids.
- Can opener: A tool used for opening cans and tins.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating or shredding ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or chocolate.
- Tongs: A versatile tool used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with perforations used for draining liquids from food items.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Stove: A cooking appliance with burners or heating elements used for cooking food in pots and pans.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Can opener: A tool used for opening cans and tins.
- Meat thermometer: A tool used for measuring the internal temperature of cooked meat to ensure it is safe to eat.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Sausage Queso Dip
To store leftover queso dip, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, transfer the desired amount of queso dip to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the dip is heated through and smooth. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the consistency if it has thickened during storage.
If you want to freeze the queso dip for later use, transfer the cooled dip to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw frozen queso dip, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the dip in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through and smooth. You may need to add a little milk or cream to help restore the original consistency.
For best results, consume the reheated queso dip within 2-3 days of thawing. Do not refreeze previously frozen queso dip, as this can affect the texture and quality of the dip.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Sausage Queso Dip
Reheat the queso dip in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through and the cheese is melted. This method ensures even heating and prevents the dip from burning or separating.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the queso dip in the microwave. Transfer the dip to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until it's heated through and the cheese is melted.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream to the queso dip while reheating. This will help loosen up the dip and make it smoother.
If the queso dip has thickened too much during storage, you can thin it out by whisking in a small amount of evaporated milk or chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.
To add a fresh flavor to the reheated queso dip, consider stirring in some freshly chopped cilantro, jalapenos, or pico de gallo just before serving.
If you have a slow cooker, you can reheat the queso dip on the low setting for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is ideal for keeping the dip warm during parties or gatherings.
Interesting Trivia About Sausage Queso Dip
Queso dip is a popular Tex-Mex dish that originated in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is traditionally made with melted cheese and various ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers. This savory dip is often served with tortilla chips and is a favorite at parties and gatherings.
Budgeting for Homemade Sausage Queso Dip
The cost-effectiveness of this sausage queso dip recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your area. Sausage and cheddar cheese can be relatively affordable, while items like jalapenos and evaporated milk may vary in cost. Considering the portion size and the satisfaction it brings, this recipe could be rated at 8/10 for its flavor and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a reasonable choice for a flavorful and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Is Sausage Queso Dip Healthy or Unhealthy?
The sausage queso dip recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- High in saturated fat: Sausage and cheddar cheese are both high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Calorie-dense: With ingredients like evaporated milk, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, this dip is likely to be high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
- Processed ingredients: The recipe includes processed foods like evaporated milk and store-bought tortilla chips, which often contain added preservatives and unhealthy oils.
However, there are some redeeming qualities, such as the inclusion of onions and tomatoes, which provide some nutrients and fiber.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use a leaner protein source, such as ground turkey or chicken, instead of sausage
- Reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety
- Incorporate more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to increase the nutrient content and fiber
- Use whole grain tortilla chips or veggie sticks for dipping instead of processed chips
- Replace the evaporated milk with a lower-fat alternative, such as 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Sausage Queso Dip Recipe
This sausage queso dip recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of sausage, onions, and jalapenos creates a savory and slightly spicy base, while the cream cheese and cheddar cheese add a creamy and indulgent richness. The addition of cumin and hot sauce provides a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. The pico de gallo garnish adds a fresh and vibrant touch, balancing the richness of the dip. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and will surely be a hit with its bold and satisfying flavors.
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Why trust this Sausage Queso Dip Recipe:
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring sausage for a savory kick and jalapenos for a spicy punch. The combination of evaporated milk and cream cheese creates a creamy texture, while the addition of sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich and indulgent flavor. The use of diced tomatoes with chiles and pico de gallo ensures a burst of freshness and zesty tang. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this queso dip is a surefire hit at any gathering.
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