How to Make Pimento Sausage Cheese Dip

"Dip" is the popular term used for a type of sauce used to add flavor to other, less lively foods, such as bread slices, unflavored chips, raw vegetables or crackers. In this manner it serves the same function as a sauce, but is offered on the side or in a separate dish, rather than being poured over the food. This makes dips a popular party food as they are easily distributed among a crowd. The recipe for a dip featuring ground sausage, pimento peppers and cheese is served hot and can be accompanied by tortilla chips, strips of pita bread or bite-sized pieces of raw vegetables.

Things You'll Need

• Shallow baking dish or small crock pot
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Large skillet
• 1 pound spicy, ground pork sausage
• 6 green onions, diced
• 4 ounce can green chilies, diced
• 2 ounce jar pimento peppers, diced
• 8 ounce jar mild salsa
• 1 cup grated cheddar or Monterey jack cheese
• 1/4 cup real mayonnaise (not salad dressing)
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat.

2. Coat a shallow baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a light layer of shortening.

3. Place the sausage in the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until completely brown. Remove from heat and drain off any fat.

4. Drain excess liquid off of green chilies and pimentos. Add them to the sausage and mix well.

5. Add the salsa, cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir until well blended, with all ingredients evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

6. Transfer the mixture into a well-greased, shallow baking dish and spread evenly, pushing the dip to the edges of the pan with the back of a spoon. Alternatively, place the cheese dip into a small crock pot and allow it to warm for several hours or until thoroughly melted.

7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese dip is golden brown and bubbling.

8. Serve hot with raw, peeled vegetables or tortilla chips.

Tips & Warnings

• Other cheese can be used to suit your personal preferences. You might try using parmesan, gouda or an American type cheese. For a vegetarian version, leave out the sausage and substitute one 14 ounce jar of marinated artichoke hearts, drained, chopped and lightly sauteed.

Resources

• Appetizers and Snacks at AllRecipes.com