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 cozy chicken stew is a personal favorite that brings warmth and comfort to our family gatherings.
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 Our family loves gathering around this dip during parties, sharing laughs and enjoying the vibrant flavors together.
Notes
Substitute smoked gouda for cheddar for an earthier taste. Pair with a crisp lager or a fruity white wine.
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.
Save Serve immediately after baking for best texture and flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses make the dip creamy and flavorful?
The dip blends sharp cheddar and cream cheese for smooth richness, balanced with sour cream for tanginess.
- → How do you achieve the molten lava appearance?
The cheese mixture is shaped into a volcano mound with a crater-like well on top, then baked until bubbly to mimic lava flow.
- → Can the sausage be substituted or omitted?
Yes, omit sausage for a vegetarian version or replace it with grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for earthier flavors.
- → What vegetables work best around the dip?
Bright vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, and broccoli provide color, crunch, and fresh contrast.
- → How should the platter be served for best results?
Serve the dip warm and bubbling, arranged centrally on a large platter with sausage slices, veggies, and chips fanned out to resemble flowing lava.