Zesty, creamy Texas Christmas Dip bursting with bold flavors, green chiles, and cheese. A festive crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday parties or game-day spreads!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive presentation: The red and green peppers give it a perfect holiday color scheme.
- Flavor-packed layers: Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and savory all in one bite.
- Easy to prep: Simple ingredients, minimal cooking—just cook the sausage and assemble.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepares beautifully in advance, saving time on busy days.
- Versatile serving options: Serve it with chips, crackers, or even veggies for dipping.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage or spicy ground sausage, cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), seeded if preferred
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to season the base.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly into a shallow serving dish or pie plate.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the creamy base.
- Top with diced red and green bell peppers.
- Scatter sliced jalapeños and green onions across the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the whole dish.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.
Servings and timing
- Servings: Approximately 12 servings
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes (excluding sausage cooking)
- Total time: ~45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Calories: ~150 kcal per 2-tablespoon serving
Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage or use plant-based crumbles instead.
- Extra heat: Use hot sausage and add a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Southwest twist: Add black beans and corn for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Creamy boost: Mix in a bit of ranch dressing or taco seasoning for added depth.
- Warm version: Bake the assembled dip at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Although designed to be served cold, it can be warmed gently in the oven or microwave. If baking, cover with foil and heat at 325°F for 15 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better when made ahead so the flavors can meld. Prepare up to 24 hours in advance.
Can I serve this dip warm?
Absolutely. While it’s typically served chilled, warming it creates a melty, cheesy version that’s also delicious.
Is there a way to make this lighter?
Use light cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, and lean turkey sausage to reduce calories and fat.
What can I use instead of sausage?
Bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or meatless crumbles work well as alternatives.
How spicy is the dip?
It has a mild to medium kick depending on the sausage and jalapeños. You can adjust the heat to your preference.
Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which can separate upon thawing.
What’s the best way to serve this dip at a party?
Serve it with sturdy dippers like tortilla chips, crostini, or pita chips in a chilled pie dish or shallow bowl.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes—try black olives, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flair.
Do I need to cook the bell peppers?
No, the fresh diced peppers add crunch and color without cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover the dip and refrigerate. Use within 3 days for best taste and texture.
Conclusion
Texas Christmas Dip brings festive cheer and bold flavor to any celebration. It’s easy to make, packed with irresistible layers, and flexible enough to suit various tastes and occasions. Whether you serve it chilled or warm, it’s sure to be the highlight of your holiday spread—or any party table year-round.
Print
Texas Christmas Dip
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
A festive, irresistible layered dip made with creamy cheeses, savory sausage, colorful bell peppers, and zesty jalapeños—ideal for holiday parties or any celebration.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage or spicy ground sausage, cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), seeded if preferred
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Spread this creamy base evenly in a shallow serving dish or pie plate.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage over the base layer.
- Evenly distribute diced red and green bell peppers on top.
- Scatter sliced jalapeños and green onions over the peppers.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheeses.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing jalapeños.
- Substitute sausage with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different twist.
- Can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg