There are some recipes that never fail to gather folks around the table, and this 3-ingredient sausage dip is one of them. It is the kind of simple, dependable party food so many of us in the Midwest have carried from church basements to football Sundays, because it is affordable, filling, and mighty hard to stop scooping once it is warm. With just a handful of store-bought ingredients, you get a rich, creamy dip with a little kick that tastes like you fussed far more than you did.

Serve this dip hot with sturdy tortilla chips, corn chips, or butter crackers for easy scooping. If you want to stretch it for a bigger crowd, set out celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or toasted baguette slices alongside it, and keep a cold pitcher of lemonade, iced tea, or your favorite game day drinks nearby.

3-Ingredient Sausage Dip

Servings: 8

Finished 3-ingredient sausage dip
Finished 3-ingredient sausage dip

Ingredients

1 pound pork sausage

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Directions

1. Place a large skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned and crumbly with no pink remaining. Drain off excess grease if needed.

2. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet, then stir until the cream cheese is melted and everything is evenly combined into a thick, creamy dip.

3. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the dip is hot and smooth. Transfer to a serving container or small slow cooker to keep warm, and serve right away with chips or crackers.

Variations & Tips

Spicier Dip: If your crowd likes more heat, use hot sausage or add a spoonful of chopped pickled jalapenos. A pinch of cayenne works too, but add it lightly at first.

Slow Cooker Method: Brown the sausage first, then add everything to a small slow cooker. Stir until melted, then keep it on warm during the game so it stays smooth and scoopable.

Make It Stretch: For a larger gathering, double the recipe and serve it with plenty of chips and fresh vegetables. This is one of those thrifty dishes that goes a long way when set out with a few other snacks.

Texture Tip: If you prefer a looser dip, stir in a splash of milk after everything has melted. If you like it thicker, let it sit a few minutes before serving, and it will tighten up nicely.