Save 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.
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.
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
- 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.
Save 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.
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
Save This Lava Flow Volcano Dip Platter is sure to impress guests with its bold flavors and striking presentation.
Recipe FAQ
- → What gives the dip its spicy kick?
The heat comes from pickled jalapeños and a sprinkle of red chili flakes, balanced by creamy cheeses and smoky paprika.
- → Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and substitute with grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for added texture and flavor.
- → How do I achieve the volcano shape?
Shape the cheese mixture into a mound with a small well at the top to resemble a crater before baking.
- → What can be substituted for smoked sausage?
You can use kielbasa, smoked gouda for cheese, or leave out meat completely for a vegetarian option.
- → What chips work best for this platter?
Tortilla chips and pita chips provide sturdy, crispy bases that complement the creamy dip and fresh veggies.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free by using gluten-free chips and ensuring the sausage is free of gluten ingredients.