Hot Sausage Beer Cheese Dip

1. Cook the Sausage

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Sausage: Add the hot Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Set Aside: Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.

2. Cook the Onions and Garlic

1. Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Combine Ingredients

1. Add Beer: Pour the beer into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Add Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
3. Add Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and combined.

4. Season and Mix

1. Season: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Combine with Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the cheese sauce.

5. Serve

1. Transfer to Serving Dish: Pour the hot sausage beer cheese dip into a serving dish.
2. Garnish: Garnish with sliced green onions.
3. Serve with Dippers: Serve immediately with pretzels, bread, or vegetables for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Cheese Choice: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
• Beer Choice: Choose a beer that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be prominent in the dip.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dip, use mild sausage instead of hot.

Variations

Experiment with these variations to customize your dip:

• Bacon Beer Cheese Dip: Substitute the sausage with cooked and crumbled bacon.
• Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based sausage or omit the meat and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
• Extra Cheesy: Add a variety of cheeses like pepper jack or Gouda for a more complex flavor profile.

Conclusion

You’ve just made a delicious and indulgent Hot Sausage Beer Cheese Dip that’s perfect for any gathering. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and the subtle bite of beer creates a dip that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just looking for a comforting snack, this dip is sure to satisfy.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy this hearty and flavorful dip. Bon appétit!