Pin 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 dip instantly became the highlight of every party I've hosted, impressing guests with its fiery presentation and bold flavors.
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.
Pin Our family loves gathering around the platter, sharing stories and laughter while dipping into the molten lava together.
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. Always double check all ingredient labels for allergen safety.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340. Total Fat: 23 g. Carbohydrates: 17 g. Protein: 13 g
Pin This appetizer guarantees a wow factor at any party with its stunning presentation and irresistible flavors.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients create the spicy molten dip?
The dip combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese, sour cream, fire-roasted tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, green onions, and spices like smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders for a flavorful molten blend.
- → How is the dip shaped for the volcano effect?
The cheese mixture is smoothed into a mound with a small crater on top before baking, mimicking a volcano shape when heated and bubbling.
- → What sides are served around the dip?
Smoky sausage slices, cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, baby carrots, broccoli florets, tortilla chips, and pita chips surround the dip to create colorful lava flows.
- → Can it be made vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and replace it with grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
- → What are some suggested flavor variations?
Adding liquid smoke enhances smokiness, and substituting smoked gouda for cheddar creates a richer, earthier taste.
- → What beverages pair well with this dish?
A crisp lager or a fruity white wine complement the spicy and smoky flavors wonderfully.