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 dip has been a showstopper at every gathering I've hosted, with guests marveling at its volcanic look and addictive flavor.
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 my family together, sparking conversation and joy around the table.
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. Always double-check all ingredient labels for allergen safety.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 17 g, Protein: 13 g per serving
Save This lava flow dip is sure to be the centerpiece of any party and is guaranteed to impress.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → How do you get the molten cheese dip to have a lava-like look?
Shape the cheese mixture into a mound with a central well on top before baking, so it bubbles and resembles molten lava.
- → Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and substitute with grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for similar texture and flavor.
- → What gives the dip its spicy kick?
Pickled jalapeños and fire-roasted tomatoes added to the cheesy base bring a balanced spicy and smoky flavor.
- → What are good dipping companions for the cheese?
Fresh veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, baby carrots, as well as tortilla and pita chips, complement the molten cheese well.
- → How can I add a smokier flavor?
Adding a few drops of liquid smoke or using smoked gouda cheese enhances the smoky profile of this dish.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, if gluten-free chips are used and sausage ingredients are checked for gluten presence, it can be suitable for gluten-free diets.