Description
A creamy, spicy, and savory cheese dip made specifically for two people, using smoked sausage and freshly grated cheddar. This small-batch recipe ensures no leftovers and takes under 20 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or smoked chicken/turkey sausage), sliced into half-moons
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 0.5 cups Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, freshly grated (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- 2 oz cream cheese, full-fat and softened
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 4 oz diced tomatoes and green chiles (e.g., Rotel), drained well
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Tortilla chips or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Heat a small non-stick skillet (8-10 inch) over medium heat. If using fatty sausage, cook without added oil; if using lean sausage, add 1 tsp olive oil.
- Add sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika to the fat. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the drained tomatoes and green chiles. Cook for 1 minute to meld flavors.
- Turn heat to low. Add softened cream cheese, breaking it up and stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Add freshly grated cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring after each addition until melted and glossy. This should take 3-4 minutes total. Keep heat low to prevent splitting.
- If the dip is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream. If too thin, cook for another minute to reduce.
- Stir the cooked sausage back into the queso. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or cayenne if desired.
- Remove from heat immediately and serve warm.
Notes
[‘Grate your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.’, ‘Drain the tomatoes and green chiles thoroughly to avoid a watery dip.’, ‘Keep heat low when melting cheese to prevent it from becoming oily or grainy.’, ‘Serve immediately as the dip thickens upon cooling.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: small batch queso, smoked sausage dip, cheese dip for two, quick appetizer, game day food, no leftovers, spicy cheese dip