Ingredients
(Serves 10–12)
• 1 lb (450g) pork breakfast sausage (mild or hot) OR mild Italian sausage
→ Pro tip: If using links, slice casings lengthwise and squeeze out meat.
• 1 lb (16 oz) block processed melting cheese (Velveeta recommended—cut into 1-inch cubes)
→ Why block? Pre-cubed melts more evenly than shredded.
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel Original—undrained)
→ Keep the juice! Liquid = perfect dip consistency.
(Optional but classic: Light nonstick spray for slow cooker)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the sausage (don’t skip!)
→ Heat skillet over medium. Crumble sausage; cook 7–10 mins until no pink remains.
→ Critical: Drain all excess grease in colander (prevents oily dip). Pat sausage lightly with paper towel.
2. Layer with purpose
→ Lightly spray 2–4 quart slow cooker.
→ Add cheese cubes → top with drained sausage → pour entire can of tomatoes with juices over top.
→ Do not stir yet. Layering prevents cheese from sticking to bottom.
3. Melt to perfection
→ Cover. Cook:
• LOW 1.5–2 hours (ideal for silky texture)
• HIGH 45–60 mins (if short on time)
→ Stir gently at 30 mins, then every 15 mins until smooth and bubbly.
→ Stop when: Cheese is fully melted, dip coats the back of a spoon, and green chilies are visible throughout.
4. Serve with confidence
→ Switch to WARM setting. Stir once more.
→ Garnish with extra green chilies or chopped parsley (optional).
→ Place directly on table with dippers arranged around the crock.
→ Warning: Stand back. This dip has a gravitational pull.
Pro Tips & Wisdom
✅ No draining drama: Press cooked sausage firmly in colander over sink—every drop of grease removed = cleaner flavor.
✅ Extra creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp sour cream after cooking (adds tang without thinning).
✅ Spice control: Use Rotel Mild for gentle heat; Hot for bold kick.
✅ Keep it warm: Dip stays perfect on WARM setting up to 3 hours (stir every 30 mins).
✅ Double batch? Use 4-quart slow cooker; add 15 mins to cook time.
Flavor Variations (Same 3-Ingredient Base)
→ Smoky Southwest: Swap breakfast sausage for chorizo (drain very well)
→ Breakfast-for-Dinner: Use maple breakfast sausage + top with crispy bacon bits
→ "Fancy" Upgrade: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika + ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar after melting
→ Vegetarian Twist: Use plant-based sausage crumbles + vegan cheese block (texture varies)
Serving Suggestions
→ Classic: Sturdy tortilla chips, baguette slices, pretzel rods
→ Fresh: Celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds
→ Hearty: Buttered crostini, soft pretzel bites, baked potato wedges
→ Pro move: Hollow out a sourdough boule; pour dip inside for edible serving bowl
FAQ
Q: Can I skip browning the sausage?
A: Strongly discouraged. Raw sausage releases excess fat and water into dip, making it greasy and thin. Browning = deeper flavor + cleaner texture.
Q: Can I use block cheddar instead of processed cheese?
A: Not recommended. Natural cheeses often seize or become grainy when melted slowly. Processed cheese’s emulsifiers create that signature smooth, clingy texture.
Q: Dip is too thick! How do I fix it?
A: Stir in warm broth or milk, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Cool completely, store covered in fridge up to 2 days. Reheat on LOW 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add splash of milk if needed.
Allergy Information
• Contains: Dairy (cheese), Pork (in most sausages)
• Check labels for: Soy (in some sausages/cheese), Gluten (in some sausages)
• Dairy-free option: Use vegan cheese block + plant-based sausage (texture will differ)
• Pork-free option: Use turkey or chicken sausage (verify ingredients)
Always confirm ingredients with dietary needs.
There’s profound wisdom in recipes that refuse to overcomplicate joy. This dip doesn’t pretend to be gourmet. It celebrates the humble: the sizzle of sausage hitting a hot skillet, the gentle melt of cheese into golden silk, the quiet pride of setting out a dish that requires no explanation—only a spoon and an open heart.
It’s the dip your college roommate made at 2 a.m. after finals.
The one your aunt brings to every family reunion without fail.
The bowl that sparks conversations like, "Wait—only THREE ingredients?"
So make this for the friend who needs comfort. For the party where you want to contribute without exhaustion. For the moment you realize: the most beloved things in life aren’t complicated—they’re simply shared.
One last whisper: Stir in a pinch of cayenne after cooking for a subtle heat that lingers like a secret.
