Description
Spicy hot ranch sausage dip delivers a flavor explosion that kicks game day appetizers into high gear. Creamy, zesty, and packed with hearty sausage, you’ll crave this irresistible crowd-pleasing recipe at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Dairy and Liquid Components:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
Garnish and Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating a warm environment for melding flavors and achieving a creamy, bubbling dip consistency.
- In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the ground sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into fine crumbles and ensuring no pink remains.
- Drain excess grease from the cooked sausage, preventing the dip from becoming overly fatty or greasy.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese at room temperature to facilitate smooth blending.
- Incorporate the ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, and milk into the cream cheese, whisking until the mixture becomes uniform and velvety.
- Fold the cooked sausage into the creamy base, distributing the meat evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the combined mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to promote consistent heating.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
- Dust the dip with garlic powder and black pepper for an extra layer of aromatic seasoning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the edges begin to bubble and turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the dip to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, adding a bright, crisp finish to the rich, creamy dip.
- Serve warm with crackers, chips, or vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- Control sausage grease by using lean ground sausage or draining thoroughly to prevent an oily texture.
- Experiment with different ranch seasoning brands or make homemade mix for personalized flavor intensity.
- Swap regular sausage with turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter, dietary-specific versions of the dip.
- Enhance protein content by mixing in additional cheeses like pepper jack or adding diced jalapeños for extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 303
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 652 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 69 mg