I always look forward to the holiday season when my kitchen fills with the scent of savory appetizers and cozy snacks. This Hissy Fit Dip has become a staple at our Christmas Eve gathering because it is rich, creamy, and always the first thing to disappear from the table. I love how it brings everyone together for a quick bite while we wait for the main feast to begin, making it a true centerpiece of our festive celebrations.

Recipe Details

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 285 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 4g
Fat: 24g

Why You’ll Love This Hissy Fit Dip

This dip is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly Christmas evening. It gets its name from the idea that people will have a “hissy fit” if they do not get a second helping, and once you taste the combination of melted cheese and savory turkey sausage, you will understand why. It is incredibly easy to whip up with minimal prep work, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Plus, it stays warm beautifully in a serving dish, making it perfect for long holiday parties where guests graze throughout the night.

Hissy Fit Dip Ingredients & Substitutions

1 pound ground turkey sausage
16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
16 ounces sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions, plus extra for garnish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon

For a lighter version, you can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or use a reduced fat cream cheese. If you prefer a bit of heat, swap the sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. Ground beef can also be used in place of turkey sausage if that is what you have on hand in your pantry.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hissy Fit Dip

Step 1: Preparation and Oven Preheating

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is warming up, lightly grease a 2 quart baking dish with butter or a light coating of oil to ensure the dip does not stick to the sides during the baking process.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey Sausage

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground turkey sausage. Cook the meat until it is completely browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once finished, drain any excess liquid from the skillet and set the meat aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend them together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This creates the velvety foundation that makes the dip so addictive.

Step 4: Fold in Savory Ingredients

Add the browned turkey sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the creamy base. Fold everything together gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon over the top for an extra layer of savory flavor. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are slightly golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the dip from the oven and let it sit for about five minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with a few extra chopped green onions for a pop of Christmas color and serve while it is hot and melty.

Tips for Success

To get the smoothest texture possible, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If it is too cold, you might end up with small white flecks in your dip. I also recommend shredding your own cheddar cheese from a block rather than using the pre-shredded bags, as the fresh cheese melts much more smoothly. If you are serving this at a large Christmas party, you can keep the dip warm in a small slow cooker set to the “warm” setting after it has finished baking in the oven.

Variations of Hissy Fit Dip

You can easily customize this dip to suit your family’s preferences. For a “Loaded Hissy Fit Dip,” add a can of drained diced green chiles or some chopped pickled jalapenos for a spicy kick. If you want more texture, stir in half a cup of chopped water chestnuts or toasted pecans. For a festive Christmas look, you can even top the dip with some diced red bell peppers alongside the green onions to mimic the colors of the holiday season.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Hissy Fit Dip

This dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to dippers. I love serving it with sturdy butter crackers, toasted baguette slices, or pretzel thins. For a crunchier option, corn chips or pita chips work wonderfully. If you want to provide some lighter choices on your holiday spread, fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell pepper strips are excellent for scooping up the creamy cheese and sausage mixture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can place a portion in the microwave for 30 second intervals until warm, or put the whole dish back in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Note that the dip may release a little moisture upon reheating, so give it a good stir to bring the creamy consistency back together before serving.

Memories Made Around the Table

Every year when I pull this bubbling dish out of the oven, I am reminded of my grandmother’s busy kitchen. We would all crowd around the island, barely waiting for the dip to cool down before diving in with our crackers. It has become a tradition that marks the start of our Christmas celebration, signaling that the time for work is over and the time for family has finally begun. There is something so special about a recipe that creates a little bit of chaos and a lot of laughter every time it is served.

FAQs

Can I make Hissy Fit Dip in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the dip in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, remove the wrap and bake as directed, though you may need to add five extra minutes to the bake time since it is starting from a cold temperature.

Is this dip very spicy?

This version of the dip is mild and savory, making it a great choice for kids and adults alike. The flavor comes from the seasoned turkey sausage and the Worcestershire sauce rather than heat. If you prefer a spicy dip, you can use a “hot” variety of turkey sausage or add some hot sauce to the mixture.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely. While ground turkey sausage is the standard, you can use ground beef, ground chicken, or even a meat alternative if you prefer. Just ensure that the meat is well-seasoned and fully browned before adding it to the cream cheese mixture to maintain that signature savory profile.

Why is my dip oily on top?

Oil can sometimes pool on top if the sausage was not drained thoroughly or if you used a very high fat cheese. To fix this, simply blot the top gently with a paper towel before serving, or give the dip a quick stir to incorporate the oils back into the creamy base.

Can I freeze Hissy Fit Dip?

I do not recommend freezing this dip because the sour cream and cream cheese can change texture and become grainy once thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Final Thoughts

This Hissy Fit Dip is the perfect addition to your Christmas menu, offering a warm and indulgent treat that everyone will enjoy. Its simple preparation and classic flavors make it a reliable choice for any holiday gathering. I hope this recipe brings as much joy and deliciousness to your family table as it does to mine. Happy holidays and enjoy every savory bite.

Hissy Fit Dip For Christmas

Print Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey sausage
16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
16 ounces sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions, plus extra for garnish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is warming up, lightly grease a 2 quart baking dish with butter or a light coating of oil to ensure the dip does not stick to the sides during the baking process.
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground turkey sausage. Cook the meat until it is completely browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once finished, drain any excess liquid from the skillet and set the meat aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend them together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This creates the velvety foundation that makes the dip so addictive.
Add the browned turkey sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the creamy base. Fold everything together gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon over the top for an extra layer of savory flavor. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are slightly golden brown.
Remove the dip from the oven and let it sit for about five minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with a few extra chopped green onions for a pop of Christmas color and serve while it is hot and melty.

Cook Time: 35 minutes
Diet: Low-Carb