# What You Need:
→ 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 diced fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
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 (use gluten-free if needed)
→ Garnish (optional)
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
19 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
20 - Red chili flakes, for extra heat
# Steps:
01 - Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, sour cream, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped jalapeños, green onions, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
03 - Transfer the cheese mixture into a 2-cup capacity ovenproof ramekin or small bowl, forming a mound with a small well at the center to resemble a volcano crater.
04 - Arrange the sliced smoked sausage on a baking sheet alongside the ramekin.
05 - Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the dip is bubbling and the sausage is heated through.
06 - Position the baked dip in the center of a large serving platter. Fan the warmed sausage slices, cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, baby carrots, broccoli florets, tortilla chips, and pita chips around the dip, visually mimicking lava flows with red and orange vegetables and chips.
07 - Sprinkle the dip with chopped cilantro, sliced black olives, and a pinch of red chili flakes to simulate volcanic ash and lava. Serve immediately, encouraging guests to scoop the molten dip with vegetables, sausage, or chips.
