I love bringing Hissy Fit Dip to Thanksgiving gatherings because it is warm, creamy, and easy to share while everyone catches up. Savory beef sausage, melty cheese, and a little spice make this a cozy appetizer that can be prepared ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Hissy Fit Dip
This dip combines familiar, comforting flavors in one bubbling dish. It takes just a few minutes to assemble, travels well to potlucks, and is easy to keep warm for guests who like to snack throughout the gathering. You can also adjust the spice to suit your crowd.
Hissy Fit Dip Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 pound ground beef sausage, or ground turkey sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces processed cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, optional
For a milder dip, use plain diced tomatoes and leave out the smoked paprika. Ground turkey sausage works well in place of beef sausage, and you can use Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a softer, milder cheese flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hissy Fit Dip
1. Brown the sausage
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through. Drain off excess fat.
2. Mix the creamy base
In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until mostly smooth. Fold in the processed cheese, cheddar, drained tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Add the sausage
Stir the cooked sausage into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed. Spoon everything into a small oven-safe baking dish and smooth the top.
4. Bake until bubbly
Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges. Sprinkle with green onions, if using, and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing so the dip blends smoothly.
- Drain the tomatoes well to keep the dip thick and scoopable.
- Cook the sausage fully before adding it to the cheese mixture.
- For easy party serving, transfer the baked dip to a small slow cooker set to warm.
- Keep sturdy chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables nearby for dipping.
Variations of Hissy Fit Dip
Stir in a small can of drained green chilies for extra heat, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper. For a veggie boost, mix in finely chopped bell pepper or spinach. You can also top the dip with a little extra cheddar during the last few minutes of baking for a more golden, cheesy finish.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Hissy Fit Dip
Serve this dip with tortilla chips, sturdy crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh vegetables such as celery, bell pepper strips, and carrot sticks. At Thanksgiving, I like to set it out with a few lighter bites so guests have something savory to nibble on before the main meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate leftover dip in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a baking dish at 325°F until warmed through, stirring once or twice. For smaller portions, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one. If the dip thickens after chilling, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or milk as it reheats.
Memories Made Around the Table
I think the best appetizers are the ones that bring people together before the meal even starts. I set this dip in the middle of the table with plenty of chips and vegetables, and before long, everyone is gathered around, swapping stories and reaching for another scoop. It is a simple, welcoming addition to a busy holiday spread.
FAQs
Can I make Hissy Fit Dip ahead?
Yes. Assemble the dip, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let the dish sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven heats, then bake until hot and bubbly. It may need a few extra minutes if it is still cool.
Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the sausage first, then add it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses are melted and the dip is hot. Use the warm setting for serving.
How can I make the dip less spicy?
Choose mild sausage and plain diced tomatoes instead of tomatoes with green chilies. You can also leave out the smoked paprika and serve spicy toppings on the side.
What should I do if the dip is too thick?
Stir in milk or sour cream a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency. Reheat gently so the cheese stays smooth.
Final Thoughts
Hissy Fit Dip is an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for Thanksgiving and other family gatherings. Make it ahead, serve it warm with plenty of dippers, and enjoy a comforting dish that disappears one scoop at a time.
Hissy Fit Dip
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Small oven-safe baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef sausage or ground turkey sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces processed cheese cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies 10 ounces, drained
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions optional
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through. Drain off excess fat.
- In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until mostly smooth. Fold in the processed cheese, cheddar, drained tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Stir the cooked sausage into the cheese mixture until evenly distributed. Spoon everything into a small oven-safe baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges. Sprinkle with green onions, if using, and serve warm.