Rotel Sausage Dip

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Rotel Sausage Dip is a creamy, cheesy sensation that combines sizzling pork sausage with zesty diced tomatoes and green chilies. Perfect for game days, gatherings, or cozy nights in, this dip delivers a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Get ready to create a crowd-pleasing treat that will have everyone asking for more.

If you’re hosting a party, you probably need easy appetizer recipes that don’t take all day to make. This easy Rotel dip recipe can be quickly made alongside air fryer buffalo chicken wings and chicken kebobs for a hearty spread everyone will devour.

Table of Contents

What is Rotel Dip?

Rotel dip is a general term used to describe a whole slew of yummy appetizer dips that include ‘Rotel’ brand canned tomatoes and chilies. Rotel dips are usually cheesy or creamy as they typically involve adding cream cheese, cheddar, Velveeta, or another type of cheese. They sometimes include meat like ground beef or sausage.

Rotel dips are a favorite appetizer for parties and game days for both guests and hosts! They’re so yummy and flavorful to eat, but they’re also incredibly simple to make!

Why You’ll Love Rotel Sausage Dip

This creamy, cheesy sausage dip is the absolute perfect blend of savory Italian sausage, creamy goodness from cream cheese, and a zing of heat and flavor from a can of Rotel.

I’ve made this dip as a light dinner alongside bread and veggies. And it’s always a hit at parties. You’re bound to make everyone happy when this dip is on the table.

And, it’s a dip that’s SO easy to make but is also incredibly satisfying. You just cook the meat and stir everything together. It really doesn’t get any simpler, so no matter your level of kitchen expertise, you’ll be able to make this dip.

Ingredients

Italian sausage – You can opt for chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage and it will still taste great! Ground beef also works well.
Cream cheese – To make it dairy-free, try using a cashew-based cream cheese. It won’t taste quite as creamy, but it will make it friendly for your guests who can’t eat dairy.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Chilies
Roma tomatoes – Any type of fresh tomatoes will work well here.
Jalapeños – For less heat, switch to a green bell pepper or leave them out, but jalapeños provide a very mild spicy flavor that most people (even kids) will tolerate well.
Fresh parsley – Feel free to use cilantro or leave it out altogether.
Tortilla chips – Or any other dippers you want to include.

How to Make

STEP ONE: Brown the Italian sausage. Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the fat.

STEP TWO: Add the other ingredients. Add the Rotel tomatoes and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted.

sausage, rotel tomatoes, and cream cheese in a skillet

STEP THREE: Serve. Serve hot topped with tomatoes, jalapenos and parsley.

What can I serve with Rotel dip?

Rotel sausage dip can be the centerpiece of your appetizer table, especially if you serve it with a big spread of food to dip! Of course, tortillas are the obvious – and delicious – choice, but cheesy Rotel dip goes well with so many other accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:

Corn chips
Potato chips (especially Ruffles!)
Pretzel sticks
Crackers (such as wheat crackers, butter crackers, or pita crackers)
Mini naan breads
Breadsticks
Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber)
Cauliflower & broccoli florets
Jalapeno poppers (Yum! Extra delicious!)
Chicken tenders
Mozzarella sticks
Soft pretzels
Mini meatballs
Cocktail sausages

Really, just about anything tastes great when you scoop up Rotel dip with it! So clean out your cupboard and make a nice big platter to go alongside your cream cheese Rotel dip.

How to Keep Rotel Dip Warm

If you want to serve this at a party, place the prepared dip in a Crock Pot on warm or low with the lid on until you’re ready to serve. This will keep it fresh and hot.

Expert Tips

Make sure to brown the Italian sausage to enhance the flavor of the dip. Letting the meat get just a touch brown will help it to caramelize and give your dip a richer flavor.
Don’t clean the pan when you drain the fat. Add the meat back into the pan and you’ll incorporate all the yummy flavorful bits from the pan into your dip.
For a smoother texture, soften the cream cheese before adding it to the skillet. Just let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes beforehand. Cut it into pieces to help it blend more evenly.
Once you add the cream cheese, stir, and don’t stop until it’s fully incorporated and totally melted. Otherwise, you might end up with lumps in your dip.

FAQs

Can I add some shredded cheese on top?

What isn’t better with more cheese!? Yes, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella can take this dip to the next level. I like Mexican blend on top. You can also put the dip in a small casserole dish, top it with cheese, and place it under the broiler for 1 minute. Watch it closely so it doesnt burn!

Can I add black beans to Rotel dip?

Yes, black beans can be great for adding a heartier texture and helping this dip go even further. Use a can of drained black beans.

Can I double Rotel dip recipe?

You sure can. Just make sure the cheese is room temperature and cut up into chunks when you add it to the pan, and stir really well as it melts.

Can This Recipe Be Made Gluten-Free?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free tortilla chips or veggie sticks for dipping. The dip itself is already gluten-free, but check your labels just to be sure.

Storing & Reheating Instructions

After your party, if you happen to have some dip left, storing it is a breeze. Transfer the dip to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, if it’s been sitting out for a long time or a lot of people have been dipping in it, you might want to consider tossing it just to be safe.

If you’re wondering whether you can freeze this dip the answer is yes, you can freeze the leftovers! Place the dip in a freezer-safe container with a lid that tightly seals. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

To reheat the dip, use the microwave or stovetop. If you use the microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. On the stovetop, warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until it steams.

To make it ahead of time you you can prepare the dip and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat following the instructions above. It will taste just as good (and maybe even better!). If you need to thin it out a bit, add just a few tablespoons of water at a time until the consistency is right.

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