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Smoked Sausage Game Day Queso Dip: Easy 15-Minute Recipe

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This Smoked Sausage Game Day Queso Dip comes together in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients. Browned smoked sausage, creamy melted cheese, and a hint of spice make it the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces smoked sausage, diced into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
  • 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 1 cup)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, extra diced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first. Dice the smoked sausage into small cubes, about 1/4-inch pieces. Seed and mince the jalapeño. Shred both cheeses if using blocks. Drain the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
  2. Brown the sausage. Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once it melts and starts sizzling, add the diced smoked sausage. Spread it into a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until most sides have some color. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Make the roux. Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the flour over the rendered fat in the pan. Whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture turns golden and smells slightly nutty.
  4. Add the milk. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Melt the cream cheese. Add the softened cream cheese cubes to the pan. Whisk until fully incorporated and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Add the shredded cheeses. Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese one handful at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until each addition is mostly melted before adding more.
  7. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, minced jalapeño, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
  8. Return the sausage. Add the browned smoked sausage back into the pan. Stir gently to combine. Let everything heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve immediately. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or keep it warm in a small slow cooker on the warm setting. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or extra jalapeños if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, pretzels, or sliced vegetables.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce. Keep heat low when melting cheese to prevent clumping. If sauce separates, add a splash of warm milk and whisk vigorously. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: queso dip, smoked sausage, game day dip, easy appetizer, 15-minute recipe, cheesy dip, party dip