What Is Rotel Dip?
The original Rotel dip recipe is a combination of processed Velveeta cheese with a brand of canned green chiles and tomatoes known as Ro-tel (or Rotel). Although most dip recipes usually microwave these two ingredients together, you can easily make stovetop or Crock Pot Rotel dip instead — all with less processed cheese!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for sausage queso dip, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options (with more in the Variations section below). For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Ground Italian Sausage – Any pork sausage will work if Italian seasoning isn’t your favorite. See more meat ideas below! Cheddar Cheese – You can buy pre-shredded, but shredding yourself will make a smoother texture in your dip. You can also substitute other shredded cheeses that melt well, such as Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a kick. Cream Cheese – This ingredient keeps the dip creamy without using processed cheese. I used a plain variety, but other savory flavored ones will work. Diced Tomatoes With Green Chiles – Rotel is the most common brand, but you can also find other varieties in the grocery store in mild, medium, or hot flavors. You’ll need two cans of Rotel tomatoes for this recipe. Green Onions – They’re optional, but make a fresh and zesty garnish.
How To Make Rotel Dip
This section shows how to make sausage dip with Rotel, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
Swap the meats – Instead of cream cheese Rotel dip with sausage, try Rotel dip with ground beef, ground turkey, chorizo, or even chicken. Add beans – If your lifestyle allows, include a can of drained and rinsed beans to the pot with other ingredients. Try it with black beans or canned chili beans (with or without meat). Use a different cheese – Although cheddar tastes great, you can substitute with mild, sharp, or smoked varieties — or try a different medium to hard melting cheese, such as pepper jack or Mexican blend. Swap with salsa – No Rotel? Substitute it with an equal amount of your favorite salsa. You can use jarred salsa or homemade salsa, but my favorite is this salsa recipe — yum! Use a chunkier variety for extra texture. Add spices – Include homemade taco seasoning or fajita seasoning for an extra kick. Rotel dip with shrimp – Instead of using sausage, toss 1 pound of precooked and thawed salad shrimp with 2 teaspoons of store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning mix. Add to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage Instructions
Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Or, use it as a stuffing option for stuffed portobello mushrooms. Meal prep: Brown sausage 1-2 days in advance. Assemble dip in the Crock Pot several hours before serving. Reheat: Warm in a microwave on low power until hot, or reheat in a slow cooker on Low until heated through. Freeze: If made with processed cheese products, Rotel dip may freeze and thaw with no issues. However, since this recipe is made using natural cheeses, I don’t recommend freezing it because its texture will change.
What To Serve With Rotel Dip
Rotel sausage cheese dip pairs well with lots of different foods! Try it with these simple sides for game day… or any day:
Fresh Veggies – Veggies like celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and mini bell peppers are great for dipping. Chips & Crackers – Serve with your favorite gluten-free crackers and pretzels, conventional tortilla chips, almond flour crackers, air fryer zucchini chips, or keto tortilla chips. Game Day Appetizers – Make a full party spread with dishes like Mexican shrimp cocktail, asparagus wrapped in bacon, lemon pepper wings, a jalapeno poppers recipe, and zucchini pizza bites. Stuffing – Use this dip as a stuffing option for stuffed tomatoes or peppers.
More Cheesy Dip Recipes
Real ingredients make the best easy dips! Once you try sausage dip with Rotel, make these ones next. Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle!
