Save 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 is a fun and exciting dish that always impresses guests with its dramatic presentation and bold flavors. I love serving it at parties for an interactive and delicious snack experience.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- 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 This recipe always brings friends and family together, creating a lively and fun atmosphere as everyone digs in to scoop the cheesy lava.
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 per serving. Total Fat: 23 g. Carbohydrates: 17 g. Protein: 13 g.
Save This dip is sure to be the highlight of any party and will have guests coming back for more.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of cheese work best for the dip?
Sharp cheddar and cream cheese provide a smooth, rich base. Smoked gouda can be used for a smokier flavor.
- → Can I make this without meat?
Yes, omit the sausage and add grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- → How is the volcano shape formed?
The dip is placed in a small ovenproof bowl and smoothed into a mound with a crater-like well on top before baking.
- → What sides pair well with this platter?
Fresh veggies like bell peppers, baby carrots, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, along with tortilla and pita chips, complement the dip perfectly.
- → How spicy is the dip?
It has a mild heat from pickled jalapeños and optional red chili flakes, adjustable based on your preference.
- → Can the dip be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the dip ingredients in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving for best results.