Molten cheese dip with fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, veggies, chips, and smoky sausage for vivid party platters.
# What Goes In:
→ Cheese Lava Dip
01 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
02 - 1 cup cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/2 cup sour cream
04 - 1/2 cup diced fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
05 - 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
06 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions
07 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Volcano Base & Platter Items
11 - 12 ounces smoked sausage ring or kielbasa, sliced
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes
13 - 1 cup mini bell peppers, sliced into strips
14 - 1 cup baby carrots
15 - 1 cup broccoli florets
16 - 2 cups tortilla chips
17 - 1 cup pita chips
→ Garnish (optional)
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
19 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
20 - Red chili flakes, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - 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 thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Transfer the mixture into a 2-cup ovenproof ramekin. Shape the top into a volcano mound with a small crater at the center to resemble a volcano.
04 - Arrange sausage slices on a baking sheet alongside the ramekin with dip.
05 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese dip is bubbling and the sausage is warmed through.
06 - Place the baked dip in the center of a large serving platter. Artfully arrange warmed sausage, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, baby carrots, broccoli florets, tortilla chips, and pita chips around the dip to mimic lava flowing from the volcano.
07 - Sprinkle cilantro, black olives, and chili flakes over the dip to simulate volcanic ash and lava. Serve immediately, encouraging guests to scoop the warm dip using the veggies, sausage, or chips.
