Molten cheese dip with fresh veggies, smoky sausage, and chips arranged for a stunning volcano display.
# Needed Ingredients:
→ 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 fire-roasted tomatoes, drained and diced
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 for extra heat
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - In a medium bowl, mix shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, sour cream, fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
03 - Transfer the mixture into a small ovenproof ramekin (about 2-cup capacity) and smooth the top to form a volcano shape, creating a small crater at the center.
04 - Place sausage slices on a baking sheet. Bake both the dip and sausage for 12 to 15 minutes until the dip bubbles and the sausage is heated through.
05 - Position the hot dip bowl in the center of a large serving platter. Arrange warmed sausage, cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, baby carrots, broccoli florets, tortilla chips, and pita chips around the bowl to mimic lava flowing.
06 - Sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced black olives, and red chili flakes atop the dip to represent volcanic ash and lava. Serve immediately, scooping the molten dip with veggies, sausage, or chips.
