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.
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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)
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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
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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
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This lava flow volcano dip platter makes an unforgettable centerpiece for any gathering and brings exciting flavors to your table
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the cheese into a volcano mound?
Smooth the cheese mixture into a small ovenproof bowl, shaping a mound with a slight crater on top to mimic a volcano before baking.
- → Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and add grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
- → What cheese works best for the molten dip?
Sharp cheddar cheese combined with cream cheese and sour cream melts well, but smoked gouda can add a richer, earthier flavor.
- → How to add smoky flavor without sausage?
Incorporate a few drops of liquid smoke into the cheese blend or use smoked paprika for a smoky, layered taste.
- → What sides best complement this dish?
Fresh veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, and a mix of crunchy tortilla and pita chips create dynamic textures and colors.
