Sausage Queso Dip (with Real Cheese!)
Sausage queso dip is creamy and hearty with bites of corn and fresh tomatoes. This queso dip is loaded with half a pound of REAL shredded cheddar and it’s one of our favorite Rotel recipes!
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Sausage Queso Dip
Sausage queso dip has to be one of the easiest dips ever! It has just a handful of simple ingredients and comes together quickly in 1 pan. It is perfect for parties or a game day appetizer just like our Cowboy Caviar, creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip, or Pico de Gallo.
The inspiration for this dip cake from one of my readers, Ksusha who shared her version, saying it was a “super easy dip that I almost never host without. It’s one of those things that never gets old.” Ksusha, thank you so much for sharing this with me!
Ingredients for Rotel Sausage Dip:
This Rotel dip recipe takes just a few simple ingredients: ground pork sausage, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, canned corn, cream cheese, and real cheddar cheese. The garnish is just chopped tomato and green onion or chives.
Substitutions and Toppings for Queso Dip:
We love to change up this queso dip based on what we have on hand. Here are some ideas for queso variations:
- Other ground meat (i.e. chicken, beef, turkey) for ground sausage. If it doesn’t say “sausage” on the label, you may need to add additional seasoning to taste at the end.
- Chopped black olives for the corn
- Adding black beans and chopped jalapenos
- Adding taco seasoning and serve with sour cream
How to Make Sausage Queso Dip:
1. In a large dry pot or deep skillet over medium/high heat, brown sausage (10-12 minutes), breaking it apart with your spatula (the sausage releases enough oil to grease the pan). Pat sausage dry with a large paper towel to remove excess grease – push paper towel around the pan with a spatula until fully saturated then discard.
2. Cut cream cheese into pieces and stir it into browned pork cooking over medium heat until melted and incorporated.
3. Add 2 cans un-drained Rotel tomatoes, 15 oz can drained corn, and 8 oz shredded cheddar (reserve some cheddar to garnish the top if desired). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally just until bubbly and cheese is melted. Remove from heat, garnish with diced tomatoes, reserved cheddar, and fresh chives. Serve with tortilla chips.
It does melt into a perfectly creamy consistency and you’ll find that sampling at this stage is undeniably irresistible! This does make a big batch so it is absolutely party friendly.
Can I Make Queso in the Slow Cooker?
Our readers have also had success in making this queso dip in the crockpot. You can keep it warm for hours while the game is on so everyone can have seconds. Just make sure you brown your meat on the stove before adding it to the crockpot.
How to Reheat Leftover Dip:
If you’re fortunate enough to end up with leftovers, this queso dip reheats really well. You can microwave it for 1 1/2 minutes stirring every 30 seconds, or on the stovetop, stirring frequently until heated through.
More Party Dip Recipes:
We have lots of great dip recipes. Try some of our others for your next game day party:
- Hot Shrimp Dip -creamy and cheesy with shrimp and artichokes
- Buffalo Chicken Dip -great with chips and veggie sticks
- Southwest Hot Chicken Dip -extra cheesy
- Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip -always a hit at parties
- Avocado Ranch -quick and easy to make
Sausage Queso Dip Recipe (with Real Cheese!)
Ingredients
Ingredients for Sausage Queso:
- 1 lb ground pork sausage, make sure it says "sausage"
- 8 oz cream cheese, (no need to soften)
- 20 oz Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, (two 10oz cans)
- 15 oz can of corn, drained
- 8 oz medium cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish for Queso Dip:
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 1 Tbsp chives or green onion, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large dry pot or deep skillet over med/high heat, brown sausage (10-12 min), breaking it apart with your spatula (the sausage releases enough oil to grease the pan). When browned, remove excess grease by pushing a paper towel around the pan with a spatula until fully saturated then discard.
- Cut cream cheese into pieces and stir it into browned pork until melted and incorporated.
- Add 2 cans un-drained Rotel tomatoes, 15 oz can drained corn, and 8 oz shredded cheddar (reserve some cheddar to garnish the top if desired). Cook over med heat, stirring occasionally just until bubbly and cheese is melted. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh tomatoes, reserved cheddar, and chopped chives. Serve with tortilla chips.
Nutrition Per Serving
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
We first published this recipe in 2012 and updated it in January 2020 with more tips, substitutions, reheating instructions and how to make Rotel queso dip in the slow cooker.
And that cute little hand is my son’s. He was my willing hand model.
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Oh my days… it was gone! We had some friends over and they demolished this and raving about it while eating it. I’m sure that could have been their whole dinner! 🙂
We don’t have the Rotel tomatoes in Canada so I substituted it with some Paese Mio roasted ones I found and some Old El Paso green chillies and that seemed to work. I also used a pack of mix of cheeses that were spicy had pizza mozzarella, cheddar and Monterey Jack… it turned out great!
We love your recipes, you make me look like an awesome cook!
Aw, that’s wonderful, Christine! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the recipe Miss Natasha. I enjoy cooking, but rarely use recipes. Sausage Queso dips are a big hit in Texas where I’m from, but unfortunately I’ve been displaced in PA for the past few years. Saw your recipe and just had to try it. Am I glad that I did. Totally scrumptious dip and perfectly suited for Super Bowl Sunday 🏈.
Hi Mase! You’re very welcome! I’m so glad you loved the recipe. 🙂
I accidently thawed a roll of (venison) sausage instead of ground venison so taco night was ruined. I made this instead and thought it was pretty tasty but it was only approved by 1 out of 3 kids. Thanks all the same!
Oh no! We’ll I’m glad at least one kid enjoyed it. You’re welcome! 🙂
Hi Natasha! Have you by any chance made this with other shredded cheeses? Just curious on how a variation would taste. Thanks!
Hi Dayle! I have not but another cheese that melts well such as pepper jack, or Monterey jack I think would be great to enhance and change the flavor.
I made this for a “guys movie night”. I put all the ingredients in a crock pot and served with scoops. It was destroyed! It was Great!
Awesome, good to know that it was a huge hit!
I made this for my boy Greg’s Uncle’s memorial service in Rhode Island. The food was amazing even during such a hard and dark time. He would have loved this recipe. If only I could’ve found it sooner. RIP Greg’s Uncle <3
Thanks for sharing that with us, Jacob. Good to know that you like this recipe.
Hi, just wondering what else would go with it, instead of chips? Thanks
Saltines, butter crackers, pita chips. Or if you are looking for a healthy alternative try carrots, celery stalks, green peppers, radish, or another veggie of your choice.
We ended up making this with minced chicken and just diced tomatoes (we don’t have cans where the chilies and tomatoes come combined and we kinda forgot haha), but it was absolutely amazing!! My boyfriend made sure there weren’t any leftovers haha. I also recommended my mom to try the recipe before I even got done eating. 😀
Another winner!
Awesome, great to hear that you both enjoyed it! Thanks a lot for sharing your review with us.
Hey Natasha, I tried making this recipe exactly like you have it and the taste was very chalky to me. Any recommendation as to why?
Hi Erica, can you tell me more about it, what do you mean it was very chalky? Were there any substitutions used when it comes to the recommended ingredients?
No I literally followed step by step and got exactly what you did but when eating it with chips there was a taste at the end that was just chalky taste, I’m not exactly sure how else to describe it.
It could have been the brand of cheese or cream cheese. I’ve had that chalky after taste when mixing certain cheeses with cream cheese.
Maybe it was your chips?? Were they old or stale? I’ve made this for years and never, ever chalky.
Chalky usually comes from using pre-shredded cheese. Buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself with a grater or food processor and you’ll probably not have the chalky problem.
This recipe is quick and delish! Made it for a potluck dinner for my husband’s employee’s. HUGE hit! 🥳👍
Thank you so much Natasha!
I’m so happy to hear this was a hit, Michelle! That’s so great!
So good!! We made this for a meal today. Wanted something easy for dinner. So we made nachos. 2 big thumbs up! 👍🏻
So good to know that, Shannon. Thank you for your great review!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Can you use store bought shredded cheese instead of shredding the Tillamook block?
Hi Sandy, we prefer it fresh but that should work!
Was looking for a new dip to make for get togethers. Found this recipe and it seemed to have good reviews. Tried it last night and OMG! Sooo good! I used Jimmy Dean hot sausage, hot rotel and added a few diced jalapenos. We like spicy in our house. Huge hit! I’ve been told it stays on list of things to make for every party From now on.
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Carrie!
Can you use salsa instead of rotel. I make my own salsa so have an abundance.
Hi Laura, there are so many varieties of recipes out there for salsa it is hard knowing exactly what yours is like but if you do the experiment I would love to know how you like this recipe!
i did try it with salsa and it tasted great!
Great to hear that! Thank you for sharing.
Wanted a small dinner, this worked out fine …
I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe!
We made breakfast burritos and used some of this left over dip omg so good!!!!
I’m so happy to hear that Vicky! Thank you for this amazing review!
Can leftovers be frozen? Wondering because my husband loves this but it makes a lot.
Hi Patricia, to be honest, I haven’t tested that to advise. I worry the cream will separate when defrosted. If you happen to experiment I would love to know how you like this recipe.
I can’t even remember how many times I’ve made this dip. It’s ALWAYS a hit and people always ask me for the recipe. You can’t mess it up and it reheats really well. Thank you, Natasha, for another great recipe!
Super! Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback.
If you were to use traditional mexican chorizo instead, what would you change? I’m fairly certain you can’t pat chorizo dry when initially cooking it with a paper towel.
Hi Keith, I haven’t tried that myself to advise. If you happen to experiment I would love to know how you like that!
This recipe is great. Last time I made it, as a twist, once I had everything mixed, I put it in a foil tray and heated it in my smoker at 225F for 1.5 hours stirring a couple time while heating.
I’m glad you enjoyed that Jason! Thank you for that great feedback.
This was the BIGGEST party hit. We refrigerated leftovers and ate it with tortilla chips following the party. Will be making this at future gatherings as well.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Jane!
We like spicy so for that extra kick I tossed in a couple of chopped Jalapenos. And for the boys for the extra, extra kick I added a Serrano. The peppers made it just right for us.
Awesome! Thank you so much for sharing that with me and for giving great feedback!
can you substitute frozen corn
Hi Kristin, I have not tested that with frozen corn, If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
Finally! A recipe without velvetta. Going to make this and sub in vegetarian sausage. Excited for how it turns out
Excited for you to try this out Tiffany. Let me know how it goes.
Wow this is good!! Reheating from yesterday in a small crockpot. It’s almost a porridge lol. And using Aldis products—wasn’t up for the Big Store—about $8. Thank you! I’be already shared it with friends & fam who’re hosting or attending super bowl parties.
That’s so awesome, Lauren! Thank you for sharing that with me.
So delicious, one of our favorite appetizers!
THat’s so awesome, Katie! Thank you for that wonderful review!
Finally! an easy queso recipe with real cheese and not processed cheese product! Love this! So delicious and easy. Great for game day!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Okay, I am so making this dip for our superbowl party! Looks AMAZING.
It is so good & so perfect for the game!
Not a big fan of breakfast sausage. Can I use either hot or sweet Italian ground sausage?
Hi Jan, yes, you can use really any kind of ground meat. Chicken, turkey, or beef. Keep in mind, if you are not using a ground “sausage”, you may need to add additional seasoning to taste at the end. Let me know what you end up testing! Hope you love it!
Ooh reading the comments this one made me curious. Any spices/seasoning you recommend if you don’t use “sausage”?
Just a few I can think of are fennel, thyme, sage…
Sounds like interesting flavors for spicing up this dish when using ground meat. Cool! Thanks for the reply and recommendation! 🙂
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Katharina!
I use sweet Italian sausage and it is delicious.
Excellent, excellent!!! Made it twice now, both times RAVE reviews. The guys love this dip. My son made this the day before Christmas. He said BEST thing he’s ever eaten. Also said, they ended up only eating this for dinner. All your recipes Natasha are excellent. Love the mango shrimp salsa!!!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
Hi Natasha, This was so good even my picky eater Grandson loved it. It’s definitely a keeper. Thanks
Hi Linda, You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
I am making this for work tomorrow. Doubling the recipe. But only bought 2 cans of rotel tomatoes. Do you think it will still be ok.
Hi Bobbie, that should work just fine to double the recipe. You would need to heat it longer to make sure it heats through and the cream cheese melts together smoothly with the rest of the ingredients.
Can it be made without corn and still turn out well. Or can you substitute something else for the corn?
Hi Joyce, you are welcome to omit that. Here’s what one of readers used in place of that “I made the sausage queso dip, and it’s super good! I tweaked the recipe a little by replacing the corn with chopped black olives, then I added a half envelope of gluten free taco seasoning. It was a hit at my friend’s taco party!”
I plan on making this soon, but adding some black beans and chopped jalapenos!
That’s a great idea, Amanda! We can’t wait for your feedback once you try that!
Made this twice now and everyone loves it!
Question: Any suggestions on how to thin it out just a little?
That’s so awesome! I’m so happy to hear that!
Just add chicken broth. In fact, make a great nacho soup and use the entire box of chicken broth. Just add it to this recipe!
Excellent Recipe! Thx so much for sharing. Made it yesterday for a Derby party. Kept in crockpot to keep warm. (Forgot to take a picture to share on your social media links.)
I don’t love to see that photo next time! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe Connie!
Made with Jimmy Dean sausage..my family and I love it. We make it quite often around here 😬. Thanks for the great recipe!
You’re so welcome, Mila! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!
In Austin we always made the queso with “hot” Jimmy Dean or Owens breakfast sausage, Rotel, and Velveeta. If it is too thick, you can thin it with milk.
Absolutely perfect cheesy dip. I made a batch for a fall party and it was gone in no time. This will be a go to recipe for me!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Another great hit Natasha! I made this over the weekend for the boys to munch at the house and they were nuts over it! I was a little scared at first when I added the cream cheese because I was afraid it was not going to melt but it came out so perfect and the cheddar just blended right in. I loved adding the corn as a little kick and the Rotell tomatoes and chiles…oh my! The perfect kick! I doubled up on ingredients so that I can make some this week! Thanks for another great recipe!
You’re so welcome Kimberly! I’m happy you enjoyed this!
Turned out wonderful, big hit at my party
Awesome! I’m glad to hear how much everyone enjoys the recipe. Thanks for sharing your excellent review!
I have made this multiple times for parties, and it’s a hit each time! I make it a few hours ahead of time, then put it in the Crock-Pot to keep it hot and let the flavors continue to blend.
I’m happy to hear how much you love the recipe Sarah! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!
I made the sausage queso dip, and it’s super good! I tweaked the recipe a little by replacing the corn with chopped black olives, then I added a half envelope of gluten free taco seasoning. It was a hit at my friend’s taco party! 🙂
Great suggestions Theresia! I’m glad to hear the recipe was a hit. Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Hi Nicole, you can reheat on the stove top, stirring frequently until heated through or in the microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
I made this for tonight’s Superbowl party. I used ground turkey, added black beans, taco seasoning mixand some sour cream. Its yummy!
I’m glad you enjoy the recipe Robin! Thanks for sharing your great review!
I made this for NYE, we like it hot so used rotel with habenero and jimmy dean hot breakfast sausage..YUMMO!!
Thank you for the wonderful review and you are very welcome 😬.
I love this dip!!! I was thinking it would be a delicious soup do you have any ideas how to make it into a soup?!?
Hi Marlly, I haven’t tried making this into a soup but it sounds like a delicious idea!! If you experiment, let me know how you like it! 🙂
I finally experimented with it and made it into a soup!! My husband loved it as a dip as well as a soup!!! I added some beef broth, and heavy whipping cream!!! I also added a can of black beans (drained and rinsed) and some Ghonchi noodles! It was delicious!! I really wanted to use tortellini instead of the ghonchi but my Walmart was sold out but it was still very good!!! I will definitely make it again!!! It was a family favorite!
Awesome, I’m glad to hear the recipe was such a success! Thanks for sharing your excellent suggestion with other readers!!
If you use chicken broth, use low-sodium
Can you freeze this
Hi Theresa, I haven’t tried freezing it but I’m guessing it will work well. I hope you love it!
I made it with venison sausage and it turned out really good! Thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome Mike! That sounds yummy! I’m glad you enjoy the recipe. Thanks so much for sharing!
Made this tonight for my husband and while we played cards and it was perfect! Great finger /snack food. It tasted delicious, and was very filling. Kids ended up sneaking out and tasting and they LOVED it as well.
I’m glad to hear the recipe is a HIT! Thanks for sharing your great review Ashley!
I messed up and got ground pork, not sausage. I just added salt, pepper, and herbs de provence to the pork as it was browning. It worked just fine and no one could tell it wasn’t sausage.
I love how easily it reheats. 1:30 in the microwave (stirring every 30sec) and its piping hot and ready for a midnight snack.
I’m glad it turned out well! Thanks for sharing your review Azure!
Great recipe! Quick and easy, I added a little hot sauce for a little spice and I Loved it!!!
I’m happy to hear you love the recipe Narrie! Thanks for sharing your wonderful review!
I plan to make this but What are rotell tomatoes
Hi Jeany, Rotel is the brand. In the can, you will find diced tomatoes with green chilis. We have a photo of the can in the recipe. I hope that helps.
Has anyone tried making this in a crockpot? I’m thinking of browning the sausage the day before and then putting everything else in the crockpot and cooking on low. I’m not sure how many hours to cook it, hoping someone else has tried this!
I haven’t tried that but I do think it would work fine as long as you pre-cook the meat per the recipe.
Got all of the ingredients but thought it was a crockpot recipe! I think I’m still going to try it. How did yours turn out?
Yes.. Comes out really good.. brown the meat .. then throw everything else in the crock pot ..
I tried this recipe last weekend, kids loved it! My hubby is not fan of chips, so he had it with bread, was really good!
I’m glad to hear the whole family enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for sharing 🙂
The recipe is really quick and easy. Super tasty too! My 13-year daughter made it with ground meat instead of sausage and also added fresh garlic (because we just love garlic!) and the taste was amazing!! Everyone loved it.
Yum! I’m so glad to hear you enjoy the recipe! Thank you for sharing Tanya 🙂
Made it the day it showed up on the blog and everyone loved it! So quick and easy!
Reviews like yours put a smile on my face! Thank you for sharing Amanda 🙂
I really want to try this but, not a fan of pork. Will chicken or turkey sausage work as a substitute?
Yes, you can use really any kind of ground meat. Chicken, turkey, or beef. Keep in mind, if you are not using a ground “sausage”, you may need to add additional seasoning to taste at the end. Let me know what you end up testing! Hope you love it!
Hi Natasha,I have recently made the healthier carrot cake and it was good!….Could you maybe post a recipe for French toast sticks?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you for the suggestion!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you for the suggestion!
This is seriously making my mouth water! That’s what I get for going to look at food blogs before my lunch break! I think this would be an acceptable lunch though too 😉
LOL!! It is delicious!! Let me know what you think if you try the recipe.
Oh dear, always good things at your place 🙂 I will use this dip as a spread on your Duch Oven Bread.
Thank you for that amazing compliment! I hope you love this recipe! 🙂
I am going to try this improved version asap. You made this dip just a little more exciting! 😄
Hi Ksusha!! Thank you again (SO MUCH!!) for sharing this recipe with me. It was so sweet of you to think of me 🙂
Hi! No problem! I got this recipe from my sister in law Oksana. Not sure where she got it.. I have made your version last night for group and really loved it 🙂
Awesome! I am glad to hear you guys loved it! 🙂
Never thought about adding sausage to the Queso. Have to try it next itme.
It is so good! Let me know what you think if you decide to make it!
My husband loves queso, but I refuse to eat it because of the velveeta. I need to make this for him and change his mind.
Ha! That’s awesome and I hope you both LOVE it! 🙂
So is the dip a little spicy?
Hi Alena, my son doesn’t like spicy stuff and he ate a whole bowl with a glass of milk :). It’s a little spicy not it’s more of a subtle spiciness 🙂
WOw Natasha, this dip recipe looks incredibly delicious! Pinning it for later!
My favorite party dip is spinach artichoke dip! 😛 I make it a lot for my guests and family.
Love your Staub skillet such a beautiful color!<3
Mmm I can’t resist a good spinach artichoke dip and the one you posted looks amazing!! Thank you, it is a new skillet and this was my first time using it. The dip fit perfectly 🙂