Save to Pinterest A vibrant, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring a spicy, molten cheese dip surrounded by fresh veggies, chips, and smoky sausage, designed to mimic the dramatic look and flavor of a volcano eruption.
This cozy chicken stew is a perfect comfort food for chilly evenings and always warms the whole family up.
Ingredients
- Cheese Lava Dip: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup diced fire-roasted tomatoes (drained), 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños chopped, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste
- Volcano Base & Platter Items: 1 (12 oz / 340 g) smoked sausage ring or kielbasa sliced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup mini bell peppers sliced into strips, 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup broccoli florets, 2 cups tortilla chips, 1 cup pita chips
- Garnish (optional): 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup sliced black olives, red chili flakes (for extra heat)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Cheese Dip:
- In a medium bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
- Shape Volcano:
- Transfer the cheese mixture to a small ovenproof bowl or ramekin (about 2-cup capacity) and smooth the top into a volcano mound shape, creating a small well at the top to mimic a crater.
- Bake:
- Place the sausage slices on a baking sheet. Bake the dip and sausage for 12 15 minutes, until the dip is bubbling and the sausage is heated through.
- Arrange Platter:
- Arrange the volcano dip bowl in the center of a large platter. Fan out the warmed sausage, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, tortilla chips, and pita chips around the dip, creating lava flows with the red and orange vegetables and chips.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the dip with cilantro, black olives, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to resemble volcanic ash and lava. Serve immediately, scooping the hot, molten dip with veggies, sausage, or chips.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings the family together with its vibrant colors and bold flavors creating memorable party moments.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, ovenproof ramekin or small bowl, baking sheet, spatula, serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream, cream cheese). Contains gluten if using regular pita chips. Sausage may contain mustard or other allergens check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories 340, Total Fat 23 g, Carbohydrates 17 g, Protein 13 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines fun presentation with irresistible taste.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the molten cheese texture?
Mix shredded sharp cheddar with cream cheese, sour cream, and spices, then bake until bubbling to create a smooth molten texture.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the smoked sausage and substitute with grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for added texture and flavor.
- → What veggies work best for the platter?
Use colorful fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, baby carrots, and broccoli florets for visual appeal and freshness.
- → How can I add smokiness to the dip?
Incorporate smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke into the cheese mixture for a deeper smoky flavor.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve warm with an assortment of tortilla and pita chips for dipping, and pair with a crisp lager or fruity white wine to complement the spicy, smoky flavors.