Ah, the anticipation of a gathering—friends chattering, the clinking of glasses, and the aroma of something truly irresistible wafting from the kitchen. Imagine a dish so decadent, it could make even the most stoic cowboy tip his hat. This cheesy baked cowboy dip isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug in a skillet, brimming with flavors that dance around your taste buds like a wild rodeo.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cook the Italian sausage in a dry pan over medium heat until sizzling. Break apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 10 to 12 minutes, then drain excess grease if necessary.
- In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, 4 ounces of Cheddar, corn, cooked sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes with chiles, Hatch chiles, jalapeños, green onions, salt, pepper, and cayenne until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar and a pinch of cayenne.
- Place the dish on a baking sheet and bake in the center of the oven until the cheese has melted and the edges are bubbling, approximately 30 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups sweet corn, thawed and drained
- 1 (14 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced Hatch green chiles
- ½ cup fresh jalapeño peppers, diced
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, adjustable to taste
- 2 tablespoons sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, adjustable to taste
- 1 teaspoon green onion, sliced, adjustable to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 4176 | Total Fat: 352g | Saturated Fat: 192g | Cholesterol: 992mg | Sodium: 8256mg | Total Carbohydrate: 128g | Dietary Fiber: 16g | Sugars: N/A | Protein: 144g | Potassium: 3232mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the cheese in the Cowboy Dip recipe?
- Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well instead of sharp Cheddar. Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences.
- Is it possible to prepare the Cowboy Dip in advance?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the dip by following steps 2 and 3, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the remaining steps to bake it.
- Can I serve the Cowboy Dip cold?
- Yes, the Cowboy Dip can be served cold. To do so, just complete steps 2, 3, and 5, and skip the baking process.
- What can I use instead of fire-roasted tomatoes with chiles?
- If you prefer, you can use regular diced tomatoes without chiles. This can be a good option if you’re looking for a milder dip.
- How can I make the Cowboy Dip less spicy?
- To reduce the spiciness, you can decrease or omit the cayenne pepper and jalapeño peppers. Additionally, using regular diced tomatoes instead of those with chiles can further lessen the heat.
Tips
- Opt for a high-quality brand of sweet corn for better flavor, rather than choosing a budget-friendly option.
- If you prefer a less spicy version, consider using regular diced tomatoes instead of ones with chiles.
- This dip can be prepared in advance; simply follow the instructions up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Feel free to substitute Cheddar cheese with any other cheese that melts well, depending on your taste preference.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish (suitable for oven use)
- Sheet pan (to place under the baking dish in the oven)
- Wooden spatula or spoon (for cooking and breaking up sausage)
- specific tools.
