Description
Creamy sausage jalapeño popper dip delivers bold southwestern flavors in one irresistible appetizer. Home cooks can quickly prepare this cheesy crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients that guarantee party success.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453 grams) ground sausage (hot or mild)
- 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) pickled or fresh jalapenos, diced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup (60 ml) green onions, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Sausage Preparation: Crumble ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat, cooking until golden and fully rendered. Drain excess fat and let cool briefly.
- Creamy Mixture: Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings until smooth in a large mixing bowl. Fold in cooked sausage, shredded cheeses, and diced jalapenos until thoroughly combined.
- Baking Process: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Spread mixture evenly in a baking dish, then sprinkle breadcrumbs across the surface for a crispy topping.
- Finishing Touch: Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and center becomes bubbly. For an extra-crisp finish, broil briefly while watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and present immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Manage Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat tolerance – remove seeds for milder flavor or add extra for more kick.
- Prevent Soggy Texture: Drain sausage thoroughly and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that could make dip watery.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and more consistent texture throughout the dip.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to enhance flavor development and save preparation time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg