This recipe for cheese dip (sausage queso dip with cream cheese) is a super easy crockpot recipe that is great for a party appetizer, game day recipes, or side dish for any occasion. If you love the Rotel cheese dip with sausage, this is a great alternative. Because it’s so easy, it’s also a fun recipe to make with kids!
EASY RECIPE FOR CHEESE DIP
This is one of those cheese dip recipes that you really can’t go wrong with because it tastes good with almost any ingredient. (So don’t be afraid to play around with this appetizer recipe!)
Because of that, you will hear it called many different names – Jimmy Dean sausage cheese dip, Mexican cheese dip recipe, or sausage Rotel cream cheese dip – based on the ingredients / dip recipe people use.
Some people like to make this as a Velveeta cheese dip with sausage and hamburger (which is yummy, too!). However, we like to make our sausage cheese dip without Velveeta and use cream cheese and shredded cheddar instead. (I find this cream cheese dip recipe to be much creamier than the Velveeta recipes.)
How do you make cheese dip from scratch?
There are many different cheese dips with a variety of ingredients like. To make cheese dip from scratch, use and of these ingredients:
- Cream cheese
- Velveeta
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Ground sausage
- Hamburger
- Tomatoes
- Rotel
How do you keep cheese dip creamy?
Once a cheese dip starts to cool, it will begin to harden (or solidify). To make cheese dip creamy, add cream cheese or canned evaporated milk. Stir into the recipe while heating slowly. That’s why I love crock pot cheese dips. It stays warm for the entire party and prevents the cheese from hardening.
Can you fix curdled cheese sauce?
Grainy cheese sauce is actually the cheese curdling. If you catch this as it is happening, immediately remove the cheese dip from the heat. Then, stir in cream, evaporated milk, or cream cheese to help counter the curdling.
How long is Rotel dip with sausage good for?
The cheese dip with sausage is good for 3-4 days. Be sure to refrigerate the dip immediately after using. Heat before serving again. (You may need to add evaporated milk or cream cheese if the dip is too thick.)
TRY THESE OTHER GREAT PARTY DIPS AND SNACKS:
Easy Artichoke Dip Recipe
Dill Pickle Party Mix
Homemade Guacamole
Black Bean and Corn Salad Dip
EASY CROCKPOT CHEESE DIP RECIPE
This cream cheese dip with shredded cheddar cheese makes a yummy, creamy party appetizer or side dish and has become one of our favorite go-to cheese dip recipes!
We make this cheese dip in crock pot because it’s easy for me to dump all the ingredients in as a set and forget recipe. However, you can make this on the stovetop also in a skillet or place in a baking dish and bake.
Recipe for Cheese Dip with Sausage

If you're looking for a slow cooker dip with cream cheese and real cheddar or a baked queso dip (without the baking), this is it!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, cooked and drained
- 1 lb spicy sausage, cooked and drained
- 16 ounce cream cheese, cubed
- 20 ounce Rotel with chilis, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- salt and pepper, to taste
- chopped green onions as topping (optional)
Instructions
- To a crockpot (slow cooker) add the cooked sausage, cubed cream cheese and Rotel tomatoes.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheese. (Reserved the remaining cup in the refrigerator.) Stir. Cover with lid and cook on low for 3-4 hour (1-2 hours on high).
- At 3 hours, remove lid and stir. Top with remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Replace lid and continue cooking until cheese topping has melted.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions (optional).
- Serve hot immediately with tortilla chips or crackers.
Notes
Don't be afraid to try out other ingredients and make this dip recipe as hot or mild as your family likes! This recipe makes it a medium spice level, but you can use plain sausage to decrease the spiciness or even add hot sauce or a can of chopped green chilis if you like it spicy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12 cupsServing Size:
1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 511Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 1214mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 22g
Nutrition information is estimated. Changes to the recipe and use of different brands may cause changes to the nutritional information to vary slightly from the ones provided here.

Want a learning pairing with this recipe? Try WHO MOVED MY CHEESE? for Kids to stick with the cheese theme! Read the book before and then discuss the concepts of the “Magical Cheese” while you’re making cheese dip!