Easy Rotel Dip with Sausage & Cream Cheese
This Cream Cheese Rotel Dip with Sausage is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! It’s perfect for game-day parties, holiday gatherings, or even casual get-togethers. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful sausage, this dip comes together quickly and is always a hit. Serve it with tortilla chips, veggies, or even low-carb options—whatever you prefer.
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Why This Sausage Cheese Dip is a Must-Try
This cheesy dip is a fun twist on the classic Rotel dip with cream cheese and sausage. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make. Whether watching the big game or hanging out with friends, this dip is always a hit. My family loves it!
What’s cool is that it’s low-carb and keto-friendly too. But don’t worry if you’re not counting carbs – it’s so yummy everyone will love it!
Ingredients for the Perfect Cream Cheese Rotel Dip
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Rotel dip with sausage and cream cheese:
Hot Sausage – adds a nice kick, but if you prefer less spice, you can swap it out for regular sausage.
Cream Cheese – for that creamy goodness
Rotel (Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies) – adds some tangy, slightly spicy flavor.
Green Chilies – These add flavor without too much heat.
Spices—Garlic powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes give the dip a great flavor and just the right amount of spice.
Freshly Grated Cheese – I like mixing cheddar and Monterey Jack for that extra cheesiness.
How to Make Rotel Dip with Sausage and Cream Cheese
Below is a visual step-by-step process. You can also scroll down to the full printable version at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Brown sausage in the skillet, drain, and return to the pan. Add softened cream cheese and work into the browned sausage with the back of a spoon until combined.
Tip: If your cream cheese isn’t softened, it won’t melt as smoothly. You can set it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Step 3: Add Rotel, green chilis, spices, and cheese to the sausage and cream cheese mixture.
Step 4: Mix ingredients, then cook on low/medium heat until the cheese melts and the dip is smooth. Reduce heat to low and simmer with the lid on for 5 minutes.
Expert Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Rotel Dip
Drain the Sausage Well: Always drain the sausage well. Nobody likes a greasy dip!
Soften Cream Cheese Before Mixing: Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before mixing it with the sausage. This will make it easier to combine smoothly without clumps.
Cook Over Low Heat: When combining all ingredients, keep the heat low. Cooking at high heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy instead of creamy.
Shred Your Own Cheese: It melts better than the pre-shredded stuff.
Taste Test Your Spices: Start with less spice and add more if needed. You can always make it hotter, but you can’t take the heat away!
What to Serve with This Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Dip
No matter what you choose, this sausage queso dip is guaranteed to be the star of the party! Tortilla chips are classic, but if you’re watching your carbs, try these:
- Low-Carb Vegetables— celery sticks, carrots, broccoli, green bell pepper, or cucumber slices.
- Keto Crackers: My Keto Cheese Crackers give you the perfect crunch!
- Pork Rinds: Crispy and low-carb, perfect for scooping this cheesy dip.
FAQ’s
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it before serving. It may thicken up after refrigeration, so add a little milk or cream when reheating to keep it creamy.
How do I keep the dip warm at a party?
The best way to keep your sausage cream cheese Rotel dip warm is by using a small slow cooker on the “warm” setting. This will keep it at the perfect temperature without drying it out.
What if I don’t have Rotel?
If you can’t find Rotel, you can substitute it with a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of green chilies. Adjust the seasoning if needed for a similar flavor.
Can I make this dip in the oven?
Yes, after browning the sausage and mixing the ingredients, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are recommended because they melt well, but other cheeses will work, too.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild sausage and replace the hot Rotel with a can of regular diced tomatoes. You can also skip the red pepper flakes.
How to Store Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (it rarely happens at my house!), just pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about four days. To reheat, warm them slowly on the stove or in the microwave.
Variations
Add More Vegetables: When browning the sausage, add finely chopped bell peppers or onions for extra texture and flavor. These vegetables soften as they cook and give the dip an extra boost.
Swap Sausage for Ground Beef: You can substitute sausage with ground beef or even ground turkey for a different flavor. Just add extra seasoning to maintain the bold flavor.
Add Bacon: Mix in some crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of smoky flavor. Bacon pairs perfectly with sausage and cheese!
Extra Spicy: If you like things extra hot, swap out the Rotel for the spicy version, use hot sausage, and double up on the red pepper flakes. You can also add a diced jalapeño to the mix.
Creamier Version: For an even creamier dip, stir in ½ cup of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream after everything is mixed. This adds extra richness and a smoother texture.
Mexican-Inspired: Add one tablespoon of taco seasoning for a more pronounced Mexican flavor. Top the finished dip with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
Slow Cooker Method: Brown the sausage in a skillet, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours. This is perfect for parties as it keeps the dip warm and ready to serve.
More Keto Appetizers & Dips:
- Keto Queso Recipe
- Everything but the Bagle Dip
- Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Sticks
- Chocolate Drizzled Bacon
- Fried Chicken Bites
- Sausage Ball Puffs
- Pumpkin Spice Pecans
- Keto Party Mix
- Keto BLT Dip
Easy Rotel Dip with Sausage & Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb Hot Sausage (can also use mild)
- 1 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 10 oz can of RO-TEL
- 1 4.5oz can of green chilis
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 2 cups Cheddar and Monterrey Jack Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Brown Sausage in a skillet, then drain and return to the pan.
- Add softened cream cheese and work into the browned sausage with the back of a spoon until it is combined.
- Add Rotel, green chilis, spices, and cheese.
- Stir to combine ingredients, then cook on low/medium heat until the cheese melts and the dip is smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer with the lid on for 5 minutes.
- Serve with celery ribs or pork rinds.
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Video
Notes
- Drain the Sausage Well: Always drain the sausage well. Nobody likes a greasy dip!
- Soften Cream Cheese Before Mixing: Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before mixing it with the sausage. This will make it easier to combine smoothly without clumps.
- Cook Over Low Heat: When combining all ingredients, keep the heat low. Cooking at high heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy instead of creamy.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: It melts better than the pre-shredded stuff.
- Taste Test Your Spices: Start with less spice and add more if needed. You can always make it hotter but can't take the heat away!
Nutrition
What is the serving size please….?
That is up to each person to determine their own serving size. I have provided the nutritional info for the entire skillet but you can divide it however is best for you.
So, does that mean 1 cup of cheddar and one cup of Monterrey jack or 2 cups of each?
Is this like breakfast sausage?
Yes, it is.
I just made this using italian sausage, I also added fresh spinach, delicious and super easy. Thanks for recipe.
So glad you enjoyed Carolyn!!
2 cups of combined chesse or 4 cups
2 cups of combined cheese
Is this really 2240cal??
Yes, as noted on the recipe card it is for the entire skillet of the low carb sausage dip since serving sizes would vary.
Excellent. I enjoy it with red bell pepper wedges for dipping. Thank you!
I’m really glad you enjoyed it!
Way better than rotel dip I’ve made in the past definitely a win!!!
Awesome! So glad you loved it.
Wow! Amazingly simple and great flavor mix. I did leave out the red pepper flakes to keep it from being too hot. But it’s still a great appetizer, snack, or even side dish. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Awesome! I am so glad you loved it. THanks for taking the time to comment and rate the recipe.
Kasey, I have followed your recipes since I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2017. You posted low carb recipes at that time and now you mostly post Keto. I still enjoy your recipes but because I can’t have a high Saturated fat level I have to adjust, but I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to post really good recipes for everyone.
Can this be served as a warm dish? Like in a crockpot during a football get together?
I haven’t personally tried it to say for sure, but I think it would work!
Can you freeze this?
Hey Audrey, rewarming a frozen dish with dairy is difficult, so I don’t suggest it.
Kasey
Thank you so much for sharing all your recipes! You are very talented!
Thank you so much, Meg!
This is a real crowd pleaser! Glad to be making it again for a game day at church! Thanks for all your great recipes, Kasey!
I also had some pork rinds converts when this was served with Lowry’s microwave popped pork rinds!
Glad you loved it!! This is always a hit at out house too!