Description
This Sausage Jalapeño Popper Dip is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining browned sausage, cream cheese, jalapeños, and rich Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses, it’s baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a flavorful kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound bulk sausage
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the dip.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk sausage until browned, then drain excess fat using paper towels to keep the dip from being greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the cream cheese and sour cream. Stir over medium-low heat until the cream cheese melts completely and combines smoothly with the sausage mixture.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in the garlic powder, minced jalapeños, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly into the sausage mixture.
- Bake the Dip: Transfer the mixture to a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe dish and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, and serve the dip immediately with your favorite chips or bread.
- Optional Slow Cooker Method: After browning the sausage and melting the cream cheese and sour cream with it on the stovetop, transfer the mixture to a crock pot. Stir in garlic powder, minced jalapeños, and Monterey Jack cheese, then cook on LOW for 2 hours. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Remove seeds from jalapeños to reduce heat if preferred milder flavor.
- Use a cast iron skillet or oven safe dish to ensure even baking.
- Drain excess sausage fat thoroughly to avoid greasy dip.
- For extra spice, leave some jalapeño seeds or add hot sauce.
- This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices.
- You can prepare the sausage mixture ahead and bake just before serving.
