Save to Pinterest 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.
I love serving this at gatherings because it always dazzles guests with its look and flavor.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cheese dip:
- 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.
- Shape volcano:
- 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.
- Bake dip and sausage:
- 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.
- Arrange platter:
- 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.
- Garnish and serve:
- 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 to Pinterest This platter always brings the family together for fun and laughter during parties.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 340, total fat 23 g, carbohydrates 17 g, protein 13 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This appetizer always steals the show with its dramatic presentation and delicious flavors.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of cheese works best for this dip?
Sharp cheddar combined with cream cheese creates a creamy texture and bold flavor. Smoked gouda is a great alternative for a deeper smoky note.
- → Can the dip be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and add grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas to the platter for added protein and texture.
- → How do I keep the dip spicy without overpowering guests?
Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños and chili flakes to suit heat preferences; starting with smaller amounts allows control over spice levels.
- → What sides pair well with the molten cheese dip?
Fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, along with tortilla and pita chips, complement the creamy dip and add crunch.
- → Is this platter suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free chips and verifying sausage ingredients, this dish can be enjoyed gluten-free.
- → How long does the preparation and cooking take?
Preparation takes about 25 minutes, with 15 minutes baking time, making it ready in roughly 40 minutes total.