Hissy Fit Dip is a creamy, cheesy appetizer with savory beef sausage and a little kick from green chiles. I love serving it at Thanksgiving gatherings because it can be made ahead and keeps everyone happily gathered around the snack table.
Why You’ll Love This Hissy Fit Dip
This dip brings together browned sausage, smooth cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and plenty of melted cheese for a warm, hearty bite. The green chiles add gentle heat without overpowering the creamy base, and it is easy to serve with crackers, bread, or crisp vegetables. It is a reliable choice for holiday parties, game days, and casual family get-togethers.
Hissy Fit Dip Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 pound ground beef sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 16 ounces processed melting cheese, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish
You can use ground turkey sausage instead of beef sausage. For a milder dip, choose diced tomatoes without green chiles. If you prefer a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or use a spicier can of tomatoes and chiles.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hissy Fit Dip
1. Brown the sausage
Heat the oven to 350°F. Cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Drain excess grease and set the sausage aside.
2. Mix the creamy base
In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until mostly smooth. Fold in the cubed melting cheese, shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes with green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cooked sausage.
3. Bake until bubbly
Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once about halfway through, until the cheeses are melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
4. Garnish and serve
Stir the dip well, scatter sliced green onions over the top, and serve warm with your favorite dippers.
Tips for Success
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing so it blends easily and leaves fewer lumps.
- Drain the sausage well to keep the dip rich and creamy rather than greasy.
- Stir the dip partway through baking to help the cheeses melt evenly.
- Use a small slow cooker on the warm setting to keep the dip ready for guests after baking.
- Set out a sturdy spoon and plenty of dippers, since this thick dip is easy to scoop generously.
Variations of Hissy Fit Dip
For a lighter flavor, swap the beef sausage for ground turkey sausage. Add a handful of sliced jalapeños for extra heat, or fold in a cup of drained corn for a sweet pop in every bite. You can also top the dip with extra cheddar during the last few minutes of baking for a golden, cheesy finish.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Hissy Fit Dip
Serve Hissy Fit Dip with tortilla chips, buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, or pretzel bites. For a fresh option, add bell pepper strips, celery sticks, and cucumber rounds to the platter. At Thanksgiving, I like to place it near the other appetizers so guests can snack while the main meal comes together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one. To warm a larger amount, place the dip in an oven-safe dish, cover it, and heat at 325°F until hot, stirring once or twice. Add a spoonful of sour cream or milk if it has thickened in the refrigerator.
Memories Made Around the Table
I always think of a busy holiday kitchen when I make this dip. Someone is usually sneaking a crackerful before the dish even reaches the table, and before long everyone has gathered nearby for one more scoop. It is the kind of easy, shareable appetizer that makes a family gathering feel even warmer.
FAQs
Can I make Hissy Fit Dip ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dip, cover the dish, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.
Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown and drain the sausage first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until melted and hot. Keep it on warm for serving.
How can I make the dip less spicy?
Use mild diced tomatoes without green chiles and leave out any optional cayenne or jalapeños. The creamy cheeses help keep the overall flavor gentle.
What can I use instead of beef sausage?
Ground turkey sausage is a simple substitute. Brown it just as you would the beef sausage, then drain any excess liquid before mixing it into the dip.
Final Thoughts
This Hissy Fit Dip is warm, creamy, and simple to prepare, making it a welcome addition to a Thanksgiving appetizer spread or any gathering. Serve it straight from the baking dish with a generous selection of dippers, and enjoy sharing every cheesy scoop.
Hissy Fit Dip
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Baking Dish lightly greased
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 16 ounces processed melting cheese cubed
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles 10 ounces, undrained
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons green onions sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Drain excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until mostly smooth. Fold in the cubed melting cheese, shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes with green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cooked sausage.
- Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once about halfway through, until the cheeses are melted and the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Stir the dip well, scatter sliced green onions over the top, and serve warm with your favorite dippers.