Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- Add browned, drained sausage to slow cooker. Top with cubed cream cheese, entire can of undrained Rotel, and shredded cheese. Do not stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours. After 1 hour, remove lid and stir vigorously until everything starts coming together. It will look separated at first—keep stirring. Re-cover and cook remaining hour.
- Give one final, thorough stir until perfectly smooth. Switch slow cooker to WARM setting. Dip will hold beautifully for hours.
- Serve with tortilla chips, Fritos Scoops, veggies, pretzel bites, or breadsticks.
Notes
Soften cream cheese to room temperature 30-60 minutes before using, or microwave 15-20 seconds. Cold cream cheese takes much longer to melt smoothly.
Shred cheese from a block yourself. Pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that make dip grainy and prevent smooth melting.
Don't drain the Rotel—that liquid is essential for consistency and flavor.
Stir at 1-hour mark to bring everything together. This step is crucial for smooth, cohesive dip.
If dip seems too thick after stirring, thin with splash of milk or beer until perfect consistency.
Use quality sausage—it's the flavor foundation. Jimmy Dean, Bob Evans, or local breakfast sausage work great.
For spicy version: Use hot sausage and add ¼ cup pickled jalapeño slices.
Add aromatics: Stir in 1-2 minced garlic cloves or ½ tsp smoked paprika with Rotel.
Try different proteins: Ground beef with taco seasoning, chorizo (drain very well), or Italian sausage all work.
Make it milder: Use Mild Rotel and mild sausage for family-friendly version.
Garnish: Top with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or crumbled bacon before serving.
No slow cooker: Use heavy pot on stovetop over lowest heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching (20-30 minutes).
Make ahead: Brown sausage and refrigerate. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker insert, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours. Cook on LOW for extra 30-60 minutes.
Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 4 days. Dip will solidify as it cools.
Reheat gently in microwave at 50% power, stirring every minute, or in saucepan over low heat with splash of milk.
Doesn't freeze well due to cream cheese separation.
Serve with: Tortilla chips, Fritos Scoops, bell pepper strips, carrot chips, celery, pretzel bites, toasted baguette slices, or just a spoon.
Keeps warm and dippable on WARM setting for entire party duration.
Shred cheese from a block yourself. Pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that make dip grainy and prevent smooth melting.
Don't drain the Rotel—that liquid is essential for consistency and flavor.
Stir at 1-hour mark to bring everything together. This step is crucial for smooth, cohesive dip.
If dip seems too thick after stirring, thin with splash of milk or beer until perfect consistency.
Use quality sausage—it's the flavor foundation. Jimmy Dean, Bob Evans, or local breakfast sausage work great.
For spicy version: Use hot sausage and add ¼ cup pickled jalapeño slices.
Add aromatics: Stir in 1-2 minced garlic cloves or ½ tsp smoked paprika with Rotel.
Try different proteins: Ground beef with taco seasoning, chorizo (drain very well), or Italian sausage all work.
Make it milder: Use Mild Rotel and mild sausage for family-friendly version.
Garnish: Top with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or crumbled bacon before serving.
No slow cooker: Use heavy pot on stovetop over lowest heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching (20-30 minutes).
Make ahead: Brown sausage and refrigerate. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker insert, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours. Cook on LOW for extra 30-60 minutes.
Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 4 days. Dip will solidify as it cools.
Reheat gently in microwave at 50% power, stirring every minute, or in saucepan over low heat with splash of milk.
Doesn't freeze well due to cream cheese separation.
Serve with: Tortilla chips, Fritos Scoops, bell pepper strips, carrot chips, celery, pretzel bites, toasted baguette slices, or just a spoon.
Keeps warm and dippable on WARM setting for entire party duration.