Hissy Fit Dip is the creamy, cheesy, sausage-studded party starter that disappears in minutes. It bakes up hot and bubbly, and it’s the kind of cozy dish that makes people hover by the oven waiting for the first scoop. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and always a crowd favorite.
Hissy Fit Dip
Equipment
- 1 2 to 3 quart baking dish
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
Dip
- 1 lb turkey breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 16 oz processed melting cheese cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies drained
- 2 tbsp green onions chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Topping & Serving
- 0.5 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Crackers pita chips, pretzels, and fresh veggies, for serving
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2 to 3 quart baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound turkey breakfast sausage, breaking it into small crumbles, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine 8 oz softened cream cheese, 16 oz cubed processed melting cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 can drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, 2 tbsp chopped green onions, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Fold in the cooked sausage.
Bake & Serve
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar on top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until melted, bubbling at the edges, and lightly golden.
- Let the dip rest 5 minutes. Top with more green onions and serve warm with crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or crisp veggies.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Hissy Fit Dip
- Ultra creamy with just the right spice and a little smoky depth.
- Hands-off bake time and easy prep ahead for parties and game day.
- Flexible ingredients, so you can use what you have on hand.
- Stays scoopable and melty for longer than most cheese dips.
Hissy Fit Dip Ingredients & Substitutions
- Turkey breakfast sausage: Browned and crumbled for savory bite. Swap with chicken sausage or finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for a meatless feel.
- Cream cheese: Softened for silky body. Neufchâtel works too.
- Processed melting cheese: Velvety melt. Use cubed processed cheese or a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and keeps it scoopable. Greek yogurt works in a pinch.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Drain well to avoid extra moisture. Regular canned tomatoes plus a small can of green chilies also work.
- Shredded cheddar: For extra cheesy top. Pepper Jack adds a gentle kick.
- Green onions: Fresh pop. Chives or finely diced red onion are fine.
- Worcestershire sauce: A touch of savoriness. Soy sauce or coconut aminos can sub.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper: Layers of flavor. Adjust heat to taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to bring everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hissy Fit Dip
Step 1: Heat the oven
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2 to 3 quart baking dish.
Step 2: Brown the sausage
Cook 1 pound turkey sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the base
In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 16 ounces cubed melting cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 can drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Fold in the cooked sausage.
Step 4: Bake until bubbly
Spoon the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar on top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until melted, bubbling at the edges, and lightly golden.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Let the dip rest 5 minutes. Top with more green onions. Serve warm with crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or crisp veggies.
Tips for Success
- Drain well: Extra liquid from tomatoes can make the dip loose. Press with a paper towel after draining.
- Soften cream cheese: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Grate your own cheese: It melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Taste and tweak: Add salt and heat gradually. The flavors bloom as it bakes.
- Keep it warm: Transfer to a small slow cooker on warm for parties.
Variations of Hissy Fit Dip
- Extra smoky: Add a pinch more smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
- Veggie boost: Fold in sautéed bell peppers, corn, or finely chopped spinach.
- Herb lover: Stir in parsley, cilantro, or dill for freshness.
- Jalapeño popper style: Add diced pickled jalapeños and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
- Skillet version: Bake in a cast-iron skillet for rustic edges and easy serving.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Hissy Fit Dip
- Crunchy dippers: Butter crackers, pita chips, pretzel thins, and baguette toasts.
- Fresh veggies: Celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumbers, and carrots.
- Party spread: Serve alongside wings, meatballs, and a simple green salad.
- Beverage ideas: Sparkling water with lime, iced tea, or a citrus spritzer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and chill, then bake 5 to 10 minutes longer.
- Freezing: Not recommended. The texture can turn grainy after thawing.
Memories Made Around the Table
I first served this on a chilly game night, and everyone kept circling back for just one more scoop. It’s the kind of dish that invites people to linger and laugh a little longer.
FAQs
Can I make Hissy Fit Dip spicier?
Add extra crushed red pepper or stir in diced jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce works too.
Can I keep it warm for a party?
Yes. Bake it, then transfer to a slow cooker on warm, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.
What if I do not have processed cheese?
Use a mix of freshly shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons milk to help it melt smoothly.
Is the dip good without sausage?
Absolutely. Add sautéed mushrooms or extra chilies for hearty texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Warm, creamy, and wildly scoopable, this Hissy Fit Dip turns any gathering into a little celebration. Make it once and it will become your most requested party recipe.