This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Sausage Cheese Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory sausage — and it practically makes itself right in your crock pot!
A Ridiculously Easy Dip Recipe
I am not exaggerating when I say this dip disappears in minutes every single time I make it. It’s one of those recipes that I keep in my back pocket for game days, holiday parties, potlucks — honestly any occasion where I need something that requires almost zero effort but delivers huge flavor. Three ingredients, a slow cooker, and you’re done. It doesn’t get more simple than that!
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s completely hands-off. You toss everything in, set it, and go about your business. By the time your guests arrive, your whole house smells incredible and the dip is perfectly warm and ready to go. Serve it with tortilla chips, toasted bread, or even some fresh veggies and you have a winning appetizer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sausage should I use?
I use a roll of Jimmy Dean regular pork sausage and it works perfectly every time. You can also use hot sausage if you want an extra kick, or a maple flavored sausage if you want a little sweetness in there. Ground turkey sausage works here too if that’s what your family prefers!
What kind of Velveeta should I use?
The original Velveeta block is what I always reach for here. You can also use the Velveeta with jalapeños already in it for a spicier version. Just cut it into cubes so it melts down nice and evenly in the slow cooker.
Can I use a different cream soup?
Absolutely! Cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or cream of cheddar will all work beautifully here. Use whatever your family enjoys most. You can also use a low or no sodium version if you are watching salt intake — I highly recommend it since the sausage already has sodium in it.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, of course! Brown your sausage in a medium saucepan, drain the excess grease, then add the cubed Velveeta and cream soup directly to the pan. Stir over low heat until everything is melted together and smooth. Keep it on the lowest possible heat while serving so it doesn’t scorch on the bottom.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can brown the sausage the night before and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. The next day, just add everything to the slow cooker and heat it up. This is a great time saver especially when you are prepping for a big party.
How do I store leftover Sausage Cheese Dip?
Allow the dip to cool completely then transfer it to a covered airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. I don’t recommend freezing this one — the cheese texture tends to get a little grainy when it thaws.
Can I keep this warm in the slow cooker during a party?
Absolutely! Once the dip is fully melted and combined, just switch your slow cooker to the warm setting. Give it a stir every so often to keep it smooth and creamy. It’ll stay perfect for a couple of hours on warm.
Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below for the Full Recipe)
- pork sausage — I use a 1-pound roll of regular Jimmy Dean sausage. Hot sausage is a great option if you want a little heat. Ground turkey sausage works here too if you prefer a lighter option.
- Velveeta cheese — cut it into cubes so it melts down faster and more evenly. The jalapeño Velveeta is a fun swap if your crowd likes things spicy!
- cream of mushroom soup — this is the secret ingredient that makes the dip extra creamy and gives it that rich, savory depth. Cream of chicken works just as well. I always grab a low sodium version when I can find it.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Cheese Dip
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the sausage until it is thoroughly cooked through. Drain the excess grease from the pan. You want to get as much of that grease out as possible so your dip isn’t greasy.
Transfer the cooked sausage into a 3-4 quart slow cooker. Add the cubed Velveeta and the cream of mushroom soup right on top. Do not add any water — the soup goes in straight from the can, undiluted.
Cover and cook on low for 1 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so, until the cheese is fully melted and everything is smooth and combined. Once it is all melted together, give it one good final stir and switch to the warm setting for serving. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette and watch it disappear!
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Cheese Dip
- Drain the sausage well. This is important! Excess grease in the slow cooker will make your dip oily and heavy. After browning, I like to lay the cooked sausage on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Cube your Velveeta small. The smaller the cubes, the faster and more evenly it will melt. I usually aim for roughly 1-inch pieces. Large chunks take much longer to melt down and you will find yourself stirring a lot more.
- Don’t rush it on high heat. Low and slow is the way to go here. Cooking on high can cause the cheese to get grainy or even scorch on the edges of the slow cooker. Patience pays off!
- Customize it your way. Stir in a can of diced green chiles for a bit of kick. Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to amp up the flavor even more. A dollop of sour cream stirred in at the end makes it even creamier. This recipe is very easy to make your own!
What to Serve with Sausage Cheese Dip
This dip is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite things to serve alongside it:
- Tortilla chips — the classic choice and the most popular at any party!
- Toasted sliced baguette or crusty bread
- Crackers of any kind
- Fresh vegetables like broccoli florets, celery, or bell pepper strips
- Soft pretzel bites
- Toasted pita wedges
You can also spoon this dip over baked potatoes, use it as a topping for nachos, or drizzle it over some steamed broccoli for a fun and easy side dish. It’s one of those recipes that you will find a million uses for!
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Sausage Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble 1 lb of pork sausage until fully cooked through. Drain excess grease thoroughly and pat the sausage with a paper towel if needed.
- Transfer the drained, cooked sausage into a 3-4 quart slow cooker.
- Add 16 oz of cubed Velveeta and 1 can (10.5 oz) of undiluted cream of mushroom soup directly on top of the sausage. Do not add water.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 1 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Once melted and combined, give the dip one final good stir. Switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting and serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread.
