If you’re looking for a savory, creamy, and downright addictive dip to serve at your next gathering, look no further than Cheesy Sausage & Bacon Baked Dip! This decadent dip combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and a melty cheese blend that will have your guests coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a holiday gathering, or just a casual get-together, this cheesy dip is sure to steal the show. Let’s dive into what makes this dip so irresistible and how to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Dip
Cheese Galore: It’s got all the cheese you crave—cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and even a bit of Parmesan for that extra burst of umami.
Bacon and Sausage Perfection: Who doesn’t love bacon and sausage? This dip brings together both meats, adding that savory, smoky flavor we all love in every bite.
Easy to Make: This dip is easy to throw together with just a few simple ingredients, and the best part? It’s baked in the oven, so you get that bubbling, golden crust on top that makes it even more irresistible.
Versatile: Serve it with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, and it’s a crowd-pleaser no matter what.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Perfect for any occasion where you need a hearty and comforting snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, meaty masterpiece:
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 4-6 slices)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the sausage)
Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage and Bacon
Start by cooking the Italian sausage. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes), transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.
While the sausage is cooking, crisp up the bacon. You can either bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes or cook it in a skillet until crispy. Once done, chop or crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the sour cream, minced garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
- Combine the Meat and Cheese
Add the cooked sausage and crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Bake the Dip
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish (a 9×9-inch dish or a similar size works well). Use a spatula to smooth the top of the dip into an even layer.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you like your dip extra bubbly, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, but be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy
Once your dip is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve with chips, crackers, or sliced baguette for dipping.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Sausage & Bacon Dip
Make it Ahead: This dip can be assembled a day ahead of time. Simply prepare the dip, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Add More Heat: For those who like it spicy, you can kick up the heat with some jalapeños, sriracha, or extra red pepper flakes.
Use Different Meats: Feel free to switch things up by using ground beef, chorizo, or even rotisserie chicken if you prefer. The key is the combination of savory meats with that creamy, cheesy base.
Go for Full Fat: For the richest flavor and texture, go with full-fat cream cheese and sour cream. Low-fat versions can sometimes change the texture of the dip, making it a bit less creamy.
Serving Ideas
With Chips: Tortilla chips are a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with different kinds like pita chips, potato chips, or even kettle chips for an extra crunch.
With Veggies: If you’re looking for a lighter option (or just want some crunch), pair it with celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or even bell pepper strips.
On a Toasted Baguette: Slice a baguette into thin rounds, toast them lightly in the oven, and serve them alongside the dip for a more refined touch.
Variations to Try
Buffalo Style: Add some buffalo sauce to the cheese mixture for a tangy kick. You can even top the dip with some crumbled blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Spinach and Artichoke: For a twist on this classic dip, add in some spinach (fresh or frozen) and artichoke hearts for a more substantial, veggie-packed version.
Smoky BBQ: If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, stir in some BBQ sauce to the sausage before adding it to the cheese mixture. This will give the dip a subtle sweetness and smokiness.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Sausage & Bacon Baked Dip is a guaranteed hit at any event—whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or just a casual get-together. With its gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and savory sausage, it’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making your life just a little bit easier while you entertain.
