Sweet Italian Sausage Dip

Brown oval dish of sausage dip topped with diced tomatoes with a wooden spoon in it.

This hearty sausage dip is full of rich flavor and satisfying texture, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Sweet Italian sausage pairs with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, then simmers with tomatoes, cream, and cheese for a thick, scoopable dip that’s packed with depth. Chill it for a thicker texture or serve it warm and melty — either way, it’s a hit.

Course Appetizers, Snacks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 144kcal

Author Diane Gail

Ingredients

2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion chopped
8 oz baby portabella mushrooms chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
15 oz can diced tomatoes
1/4 cup heavy cream
8 oz cream cheese cubed
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 plum tomato (optional, for garnish)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Warm oil: Add olive oil to a large skillet and place over medium heat for 1–2 minutes.
Sauté onion: Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add mushrooms: Stir in chopped mushrooms and cook until softened, about 7 minutes.
Season aromatics: Add crushed garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook sausage: Cut or crumble sausage directly into the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking apart as it cooks.
Add cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the sausage mixture.
Add tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices.
Melt cheeses: Add cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir continuously until both are fully melted and incorporated.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.

Notes

Reduce the mushrooms fully: Cook until the pan looks nearly dry for concentrated flavor and no watery dip.
Brown the sausage deeply: Go for deep golden crumbles with crisp edges; that caramelization builds real, savory flavor.
Drain extra fat if needed: Spoon off any pooled fat after browning to keep the dip rich without turning greasy.
Don’t drain the tomatoes: Add the whole can with juices; it adds a clean tomato note evenly throughout the dip.
Add cream and cheeses on low heat: Keeps the mixture smooth and prevents separating.

Nutrition