Slow Cooker Sausage Dip is a rich, creamy, and savory appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or game day. Made with flavorful sausage, melted cheese, and a blend of spices, it slowly cooks to a warm, irresistible dip that’s easy to serve with chips, crackers, or bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dip | Cuisine: American | Servings: 8
If you are looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that stays warm and gooey throughout the entire party, this Slow Cooker Sausage Dip is exactly what you need. It is rich, creamy, savory, and has just the right amount of spicy kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies. It is the kind of dip that people gather around and scrape the bottom of the pot until it’s gone.
The best part is how incredibly easy it is to make. You brown some sausage, dump everything into the slow cooker, and let it melt into a warm, irresistible dip. It is perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy movie night at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe relies on the magic of processed melting cheese, like Velveeta. Unlike regular cheddar, which can turn greasy and separate when melted, processed cheese melts into a smooth, velvety, and perfectly dippable consistency that stays creamy even as it sits on the warm setting. The browned breakfast sausage brings a hearty, savory depth, while the canned diced tomatoes and green chilies add a bright, tangy flavor and a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) pork breakfast sausage or mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 lb (16 oz / 450 g) processed melting cheese such as Velveeta, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, such as RoTel, undrained
- Tortilla chips, corn chips, or toasted baguettes, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon or meat chopper until fully browned and no pink remains, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the Grease: Thoroughly drain off any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dip creamy and prevent it from becoming oily.
- Prep the Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of a small slow cooker, about 2 to 4 quarts, with nonstick cooking spray. Add the cubed processed cheese to the bottom.
- Combine: Spoon the browned and drained sausage over the cheese. Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, including the liquid, over the top.
- Melt and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or on HIGH for about 1 hour. Stir every 30 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Give the dip one final vigorous stir to fully combine everything. Switch the slow cooker to WARM and serve with tortilla chips, corn chips, or toasted baguettes.
Tips for the Best Results
Drain the grease thoroughly. Excess grease from the sausage can make the dip oily and cause the cheese to separate. Let the sausage drain on paper towels for a few minutes for the best results.
Cut the cheese into small cubes. Smaller cubes melt faster and more evenly, ensuring a smooth, creamy dip without any lumps.
Stir occasionally. Stirring the dip every 30 minutes helps the cheese melt evenly and prevents the bottom from scorching.
Keep it on warm. Once the dip is fully melted, switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting. This keeps the dip at the perfect serving temperature without overcooking it.
Add some spice. If you like a little extra heat, use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño.
Storage and Serving
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the dip has thickened too much. Serve it with a variety of dippers, including tortilla chips, corn chips, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Rich, creamy, and completely hands-off, this Slow Cooker Sausage Dip is a fantastic recipe to keep in your back pocket for easy entertaining.