Fiery Fiesta Cheese Dip
A crowd-pleaser for game day gatherings or cozy movie nights, this Fiery Fiesta Cheese Dip combines rich, creamy Velveeta with spicy, smoky Jimmy Dean sausage and a kick from fresh peppers and zesty salsa. Perfectly blended in a slow cooker, this dip delivers an irresistible balance of heat and flavor that keeps everyone reaching for one more chip. Customize the heat by adjusting the types and amounts of peppers, ensuring it suits your taste buds. Get ready to spice up your next get-together with this unforgettable dip that will have your friends begging for the recipe!
N/A
Servings
285
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spicy Jimmy Dean sausage
1 lb (browned and crumbled)
Velveeta cheese
32 ounces (cubed)
Hot Rotel tomatoes
16 ounces (2 cans, drained)
Fresh habanero peppers
1-2 (finely diced)
Fresh jalapeno peppers
1-3 (chopped)
Salsa
12 ounces (added for thickness control)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the spicy Jimmy Dean sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, similar to taco meat. Cook until fully browned and set aside.
2
While the sausage is cooking, cube the Velveeta cheese and place it in your crock pot. Add the 2 cans of drained hot Rotel, allowing the cheesy goodness to begin melting while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
3
Once the sausage is cooked, drain the excess fat and transfer it to the crock pot, mixing it well with the melting cheese and Rotel.
4
Prepare your workspace for handling hot chilies. It’s essential to avoid touching any surfaces unnecessarily, particularly the crock pot lid, to prevent spreading the heat from the peppers. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the peppers.
5
Finely chop the fresh jalapenos according to your heat preference. For a more intense flavor, dice the habaneros very finely. Add both to the crock pot, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
6
Stir the mixture in the crock pot to combine, and cover loosely with a lid, or leave the lid off to further enhance the heat as it cooks.
7
Check the consistency of the dip after about an hour of cooking. If it's too thick for your liking, gradually add salsa, one spoonful at a time, stirring until you reach your desired thickness. Remember, it's easier to thin out a dip than to thicken it.
8
Allow the dip to simmer for at least 2 hours for the flavors to meld together beautifully. Keep stirring occasionally, and prepare to enjoy with your favorite chips or veggies!
9
Feel free to experiment by adding new ingredients, such as black beans or chili. Don't hesitate to share your unique tweaks!
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
16.5g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Fiesta Cheese Dip?
It is a spicy, creamy appetizer made with Velveeta cheese, spicy sausage, Rotel tomatoes, and fresh hot peppers, typically prepared in a slow cooker.
What type of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of spicy Jimmy Dean sausage for the best flavor and heat profile.
How do I prepare the sausage for the dip?
Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces similar to taco meat, and drain the excess fat before adding it to the crock pot.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
32 ounces of Velveeta cheese is recommended because of its superior melting properties.
How much Rotel is needed?
The recipe uses two cans (totaling 16 ounces) of hot Rotel tomatoes.
Should I drain the Rotel tomatoes?
Yes, you should drain the cans of hot Rotel before adding them to the cheese mixture.
Which fresh peppers are included in this dip?
The recipe includes 1-3 chopped jalapenos and 1-2 finely diced habanero peppers.
How can I adjust the heat level?
You can customize the heat by increasing or decreasing the number of jalapenos and habaneros used.
What safety precautions should I take with the peppers?
Avoid touching surfaces or your face after handling chilies, wash your hands thoroughly, and consider wearing gloves while dicing habaneros.
What is the purpose of adding salsa?
Salsa is used as a thickness control agent; add it one spoonful at a time if the dip becomes too thick.
How long does the dip need to cook in the slow cooker?
It should simmer for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
How should I cut the Velveeta?
Cube the cheese into small pieces to help it melt more quickly and evenly in the crock pot.
Can I add other ingredients to this dip?
Yes, common additions include black beans, chili, or extra spices to customize the flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving contains approximately 285 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are approximately 21 grams of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and protein counts?
Each serving has about 16.5g of carbohydrates and 12g of protein.
Should the slow cooker lid be on or off?
You can cover it loosely with a lid or leave it off to enhance the heat and thicken the mixture as it cooks.
What is the best way to serve this dip?
Serve it warm with your favorite tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Is this dip suitable for game day?
Yes, it is specifically described as a crowd-pleaser for game day gatherings and movie nights.
What if the dip is too thick?
Gradually add salsa one spoonful at a time while stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use mild peppers instead?
Yes, if you prefer less heat, you can substitute the habaneros and hot Rotel for milder versions.
How often should I stir the dip?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers to ensure the ingredients remain well-mixed.
Can I make this on the stove?
While designed for a slow cooker, you can make it on a stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent the cheese from burning.
How many different ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: spicy sausage, Velveeta, Rotel, habaneros, jalapenos, and salsa.
Is this a Mexican-style recipe?
Yes, it is categorized with tags like 'mexican' and 'fiesta' due to its ingredients.
How do I ensure the sausage is distributed evenly?
Mix the browned sausage well with the melting cheese and Rotel once it is added to the crock pot.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' because it mostly involves browning meat and combining ingredients in a slow cooker.
What should I do after handling the fresh peppers?
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and avoid touching the crock pot lid or other surfaces to prevent spreading the spicy oils.
Can I use a different brand of cheese?
You can, but Velveeta is preferred for its specific creamy texture and melting point in dips.
How long should I wait before checking the thickness?
Check the consistency after about one hour of cooking to see if you need to add any salsa.