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Rotel Sausage Dip

This easy slow cooker party dip is an easy appetizer made with just 5 ingredients, including Velveeta, Rotel, and chunks of juicy sausage. It’s a Rotel sausage dip that everyone will rave about!

Party dip recipes are always a favorite including this hot crab dip, bacon cheddar ranch dip and taco dip!

Rotel dip in a white bowl.
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Meaty, Cheesy, and Super Easy!

This sausage cream cheese dip is simple and humble yet incredibly delicious! They don’t call it ugly dip for nothing. It’s similar to Velveeta queso made with Velveeta and Rotel, but this dip includes a few extra ingredients for added flavor and creaminess. 

Rotel sausage cheese dip is one of the easiest crockpot appetizers to make. With 10 minutes of prep time, the rest is hands-off, and then it stays warm until serving. It’s one of our favorite Super Bowl appetizers and it’s also great at holiday parties, potlucks, movie nights, you name it.

Why This Recipe Works

Everyone loves this fabulous rotel sausage dip! It is easy to make, irresistible, and full of simple ingredients. Get ready to make this dip over and over again!

  • An all-around party dip. Cheese sausage dip is a casual dip that makes its mark at almost any gathering for almost any occasion. From a Super Bowl party to an easy appetizer for the holidays.
  • Addictive. It’s the kind of dip that draws in a crowd who will either ask you for the recipe or ask you to make it again next time. 
  • Budget-friendly. None of the 5 ingredients in this dip is fancy schmancy. Not only that, but some of them are even customizable to what you may already have on hand. No need to blow your party budget!

Ingredients Needed

This sausage and cheese dip is a great appetizer recipe to have in your back pocket because you only need 5 simple ingredients!

Rotel dip ingredients on counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Sausage: Use either breakfast sausage or Italian sausage. Use mild sausage unless you like a little extra heat. Then go for the spicy Italian sausage. Jimmy Dean’s hot sausage is great too!
  • Onion: It may seem obvious, but knowing how to cut an onion quickly and easily can save you a lot of tears! 
  • Velveeta: This is a processed cheese known for its velvety smooth melting properties. It’s what makes the sausage cream cheese Rotel dip orange!
  • Cream cheese: No need to bring it to room temperature ahead of time. It will melt as it cooks adding to the tanginess and the creaminess of this dip.
  • Rotel: If you’re unfamiliar with what Rotel tomatoes are, a can of them consists of a combination of these tomatoes with green chilies and seasonings. It comes in original or spicy, so use what you prefer.

Variations

Create the best rotel sausage dip using the ingredients you love! Try different types of meat, extra cheese, or even no cream cheese, and make it extra spicy. The variations are endless!

  • Protein. Use ground beef instead of sausage. Be sure to drain the excess grease before adding it to the sausage Rotel dip.
  • No cream cheese. Omit the cream cheese altogether. It adds a ton of creaminess and a bit of tang, but if you don’t have any, you don’t need to run to the store to get it. Just add more Velveeta.
  • Cheese. Cheddar cheese is an option to use if you don’t like, or don’t have any Velveeta.
  • Seasoning. Chili powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika are additional spice options. Taco seasoning is great too. Extra flavor with a kick!
  • Spicy salsa. Swap the Rotel for spicy salsa. It tastes different but still yum!
  • Thin dip. Add in up to 1/4-1/2 cup evaporated milk for a thinner dip. This is great for when you want to pour it over nachos!
  • Spice it up! Add in chopped bell peppers or jalapenos for a little kick. To ramp up the heat, you can also choose to use spicy Rotel and spicy sausage.
  • Garnish. Top with chopped cilantro, if desired. It’ll add a nice pop of color while cutting through the heaviness of the dip.

How to Make Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Dip

Only 10 minutes of prep time and then the slow cooker does the rest of the work for you. The hardest part about making this Rotel sausage cheese dip is waiting for it to cook before you can dig in!

Step by step collage making sausage cheese dip.
  1. Brown the meat and cook the onions. In a medium skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat. If you plan on doubling this recipe, grab yourself a large skillet. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the meat and cook on the stovetop until no longer pink. Remove it from the heat and drain any excess grease.
  2. Combine all ingredients. Add the sausage and onions to the crock pot. Top with Velveeta, cream cheese, and Rotel.
  3. Cook low and slow. Cover with the lid and then cook on low heat for 2 hours until everything has melted. 
  4. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately while hot or keep it on the warm function until you’re ready to serve. Stir the sausage cream cheese Rotel dip just before serving.

Expert Tip

Instead of draining the meat into a colander or trying to tip it just enough so that the grease drains while you hope none of the meat falls out, try this instead:

Use absorbent paper towels to soak up the grease. That way you’re not tipping any pans and not creating more dirty dishes for yourself.

Rotel sausage dip in a crockpot.

Serving Suggestions

An assortment of crackers, veggies, homemade tortilla chipshomemade pretzel bites, pita bread, and fresh-cut vegetables is what we usually serve.

Any leftover dip also tastes great on sheet pan nachos or on to make-your-own nacho bar as an easy dinner for your family.

Recipe FAQs

What is Rotel dip made of?

Rotel dip is a simple appetizer with three main ingredients. Ground beef, Velveeta cheese, and rotel tomatoes with green chiles. The beef is browned and the cheese is cubed and melted then the tomatoes add the final touch! We used sausage instead of beef but either makes a great combination!

How do you make rotel dip thicker?

As the rotel sausage dip is sitting then it will thicken over time. You can also add flour or more cream cheese and cheese to thicken the dip.

Can I make this Rotel sausage dip on the stove without a slow cooker?

You can make this a stove top dip by melting everything in the skillet over low heat. In this case, I would start with a large skillet.

Does this dip need to be kept in the refrigerator?

The dairy in this dip won’t keep for too long outside of the fridge. If you’re keeping it on the warm function, it will last a little longer but do not keep it out much longer than 2 hours at room temperature.

Can I make this cheesy dip ahead of time?

You can cook the meat and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to add them to the slow cooker.

Dipping chip into rotel dip.

5 star review

“This is really tasty and very flavorful sausage cheese recipe, super easy to follow as well. Highly recommended! Thanks for sharing this! Will have this again!”

-Allyssa

How to Store and Reheat Rotel Sausage Dip

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, a skillet, or the slow cooker. It just depends on how much you have left.

Love dips? Try my queso blanco dip, cream cheese chili queso dip, and 7-layer dip for your next game day party!

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Chip dipping into sausage cream cheese rotel dip.

Rotel Sausage Dip

5 from 22 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
This easy slow cooker party dip is an easy appetizer made with just 5 ingredients, including Velveeta, Rotel, and chunks of juicy sausage. It's a sausage rotel dip that everyone will rave about!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Video

Ingredients 

  • ½ pound breakfast sausage , or Italian sausage
  • ½ cup chopped onion , optional
  • 1 (8-ounce) package Velveeta , cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 (10-ounce) can RO*TEL

For serving: Tortilla chips, Crackers, Vegetables

    Instructions

    • In a medium skillet, cook the sausage and onions, if using, over medium heat. Break up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned. Remove from heat and drain any grease.
    • Add the sausage mixture to a slow cooker. Top with Velveeta, cream cheese, and RO*TEL. Set to low heat and cook for 2 hours, or until melted. Alternatively, heat all ingredients in a skillet over low heat until melted.
    • Serve hot or set slow cooker to warm until ready to serve. Stir just before serving.

    Notes

    Variations: 
    • You can omit the cream cheese and use more Velveeta. 
    • Add in up to 1/4-1/2 cup evaporated milk for a thinner dip. 
    • Add in chopped bell peppers or jalapenos for a little kick. 
    • Add in a teaspoon of taco seasoning or chili powder to amp up the flavor. 
    • Top with chopped cilantro, if desired. 
    Storage: Store in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 452mg | Potassium: 179mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 354IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 0.5mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Diet: Gluten Free

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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