Zesty Sausage Queso

My husband loves queso dip. It's usually a staple at potlucks around here in the southwest. A lot of times, people take a shortcut and use Velveeta and Rotel and call it a day. While this is a popular dip, and there is nothing wrong with it if you like processed cheese, I generally don't care for it at all and don't make it at home.

We have a lot of Mexican restaurants here in our area and it appears that each one of them has their own spin on queso. I've had some really good ones, and some that were rather "meh". Considering you can make a big batch of this dish quite cheap if you can find the ingredients on sale it's well worth it, since it feeds a crowd and everyone typically loves it. So I set out to find a recipe that would please our family and friends.

I found a lot of different and good sounding recipes, but in the end I just went with what I thought sounded good, and created a new family favorite. I served this for my oldest child's birthday party a few weeks ago and it was gone in no time (apparently teens REALLY love queso). I also made it again for a work potluck my husband had and he returned with an empty dish, and last but not least, I made it last weekend for a memorial day potluck and it was just as well received.

It is a quick and easy recipe to make. You can also change the flavor by adding different cheeses, pepper jack, provolone or even Gouda are other great choices. I hope you will add it to your next party and only have empty bowls to account for afterward!

Zesty Sausage Queso

(Print this Recipe)

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) package zesty/hot breakfast sausage (like Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans)

2 cans original Rotel tomatoes, undrained (you can also use hot or mild as well depending on spice level)

3 packages cream cheese

6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook sausage until crumbled and browned. Add undrained tomatoes and cream cheese. Turn heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring frequently until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is well blended. Add your shredded cheese and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and combined. Serve warm with Tortilla Chips!