Description
Spicy hot sausage beer cheese dip combines zesty flavors for an irresistible game-day appetizer. Southern comfort meets bold ingredients in a crowd-pleasing dish you cannot resist sampling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 oz (30 g) hot Italian sausage, casing removed
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 cup (250 ml) beer (lager or pale ale)
- 1 cup (250 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Pepper
- Green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sausage Sizzle: Brown the spicy sausage in a spacious skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat until it reaches a golden hue, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease and set aside the cooked protein.
- Flavor Foundation: In the same skillet, create a roux by adding flour to the remaining sausage drippings. If the pan seems dry, incorporate a splash of olive oil. Toast the flour for 1-2 minutes, whisking consistently to prevent scorching.
- Liquid Transformation: Stream in beer and milk/cream, crafting a velvety base. Stir continuously as the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Elevate the flavor profile with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for added zest.
- Cheese Fusion: Lower the heat, gradually integrating shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Fold in handful by handful, ensuring each addition melts seamlessly before adding the next.
- Final Assembly: Reincorporate the crispy sausage into the molten cheese sauce, gently mixing to distribute evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer the bubbling dip to a serving dish or slow cooker. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or chives for a vibrant finish.
- Accompaniment Selection: Serve alongside soft pretzels, tortilla chips, baguette slices, or an assortment of fresh vegetable crudités for dipping.
Notes
- Manage Sausage Browning: Cook sausage until deeply golden with crispy edges for maximum flavor development and textural contrast.
- Control Roux Consistency: Whisk flour constantly to prevent burning and ensure smooth, lump-free sauce base that builds rich foundational flavor.
- Balance Cheese Melting: Add cheese gradually at low temperature, stirring continuously to create silky, creamy texture without separation or graininess.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and paprika quantities to personalize heat intensity, accommodating different spice tolerance preferences while maintaining overall recipe balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Drinks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 368
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 787 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 76 mg