Every Christmas, my kitchen becomes a hub of laughter and delicious smells, and there is one appetizer that everyone begs for. I first tried this Hissy Fit Dip at a holiday party and I immediately understood the name because people truly throw a fit if it runs out. It is creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor that perfectly complements the festive spirit of the season.

Recipe Details

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 4g
Fat: 27g

Why You’ll Love This Hissy Fit Dip

This Hissy Fit Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any Christmas gathering. It combines the richness of cream cheese and sour cream with the savory depth of seasoned turkey sausage and sharp cheddar. It is incredibly easy to whip up, meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time opening presents with your family. The warm, bubbly texture makes it the perfect comfort food for a chilly winter evening.

Hissy Fit Dip Ingredients & Substitutions

1 pound ground turkey sausage or seasoned ground beef
16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
16 ounces sour cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup turkey bacon bits
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For a lighter version, you can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use a reduced-fat cream cheese. If you cannot find turkey sausage, use ground beef seasoned with a pinch of fennel and smoked paprika to mimic the traditional flavor. Chives can be used if green onions are unavailable, and any hard melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda will work beautifully in place of cheddar.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hissy Fit Dip

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a decorative pie plate with a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking during the baking process.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey sausage or seasoned ground beef until it is completely browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the meat aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. You can use a hand mixer for a fluffier texture or a sturdy spatula for a more dense dip.

Step 4: Fold in Flavors

Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Add the cooked meat, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the green onions, and the turkey bacon bits. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. Top with the remaining green onions before serving.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Hissy Fit Dip is as creamy as possible, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If it is too cold, you might end up with small white lumps in the dip. For the best flavor, grate your own cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags, as it melts much smoother. If you are serving this at a long Christmas party, consider keeping it in a small slow cooker on the warm setting to keep the cheese from hardening.

Variations of Hissy Fit Dip

If your family likes a bit of heat, you can add a diced jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking. For a more earthy flavor, try folding in some sautéed finely chopped mushrooms. You can also turn this into a cold dip by skipping the baking step and simply chilling it in the refrigerator for two hours, though the warm version is much more popular during the Christmas season.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Hissy Fit Dip

This savory dip is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers. Thick-cut potato chips or butter crackers are the classic choice for a satisfying crunch. For a festive touch, serve it with red and green bell pepper strips or toasted baguette slices. If you want something sturdier, pretzel thins or bagel chips provide a great base for the heavy, cheesy dip.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm. You can also put it back in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes if you are reheating the entire dish. I do not recommend freezing this dip as the sour cream and cream cheese can change texture once thawed.

Memories Made Around the Table

I remember one specific Christmas Eve when the snow was falling heavily outside and we were all gathered around the coffee table. I had just pulled this Hissy Fit Dip out of the oven, and the aroma filled the whole house. My cousins and I didn’t even wait for plates, we just started dipping right from the dish while laughing about old family stories. It is those simple, delicious moments that make the holidays feel so special to me.

FAQs

Can I make Hissy Fit Dip in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions up to the baking step, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, add about 5 minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold.

What is the best way to keep the dip warm during a party?

The best way to keep it warm is to serve it in a small slow cooker or a fondue pot set to the lowest heat setting. This prevents the cheese from solidifying and ensures every guest gets a warm, creamy bite throughout the evening.

Is this dip very spicy?

As written, this recipe is mild and family-friendly. The flavor comes from the savory sausage and spices rather than heat. If you want it spicy, you would need to add crushed red pepper flakes or hot peppers yourself.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely. While sharp cheddar provides a classic flavor, you can use white cheddar, pepper jack for a kick, or even a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different profile. Just ensure it is a cheese that melts well.

What should I do if the dip is too thick?

If you find the dip is too thick for your liking, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or heavy cream before baking. This will loosen the texture without sacrificing the rich, creamy flavor.

Final Thoughts

Hissy Fit Dip is a Christmas tradition that never fails to impress. Its combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors makes it a reliable choice for any holiday hostess. Whether you are hosting a large party or a quiet family movie night by the tree, this dip is sure to be the star of the show. Give it a try this year and see why it earned its hilarious name.

Hissy Fit Dip For Christmas

Print Recipe

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey sausage or seasoned ground beef
16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
16 ounces sour cream
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup turkey bacon bits
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a decorative pie plate with a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking during the baking process.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey sausage or seasoned ground beef until it is completely browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the meat aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. You can use a hand mixer for a fluffier texture or a sturdy spatula for a more dense dip.
Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Add the cooked meat, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the green onions, and the turkey bacon bits. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. Top with the remaining green onions before serving.

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Diet: Low-Carb