Get ready to meet the most dangerously addictive party dip you’ll ever make. This Hissy Fit Dip is a warm, creamy, and outrageously savory concoction of sausage, cream cheese, and gooey cheeses that causes a stir wherever it goes. It’s the kind of dish that disappears from the snack table in minutes, leaving everyone begging for the recipe. If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day, a holiday party, or just a cozy night in, you’ve found it. This recipe is unbelievably easy to throw together, but the flavor is so good, people will think you spent hours on it.
What is Hissy Fit Dip (And Why the Funny Name)?
Hissy Fit Dip is a legendary Southern appetizer known for its rich and savory flavor profile. It’s a baked dip featuring a hearty blend of sausage, multiple cheeses like cream cheese, Velveeta, and cheddar, and savory seasonings. The name supposedly comes from the reaction people have when it’s all gone—they’re so sad to see the empty dish they might just have a “hissy fit!” It’s a testament to just how beloved and completely irresistible this dip truly is. Once you taste it, you’ll understand the name perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Hissy Fit Dip Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Just brown, mix, and bake!
- A True Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, nobody can resist this dip. Its creamy, cheesy, and savory flavor is universally loved.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From Super Bowl parties to casual get-togethers, this dip is always the right choice.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it right before your guests arrive, making party prep a breeze.
The Core Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
For the Creamy Base
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture. Let it soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Velveeta: The secret to an ultra-smooth, melty dip that never gets stringy.
- Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess.
For the Savory Flavor
- Breakfast Sausage: A one-pound roll of pork breakfast sausage is classic. Use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
- Onion & Garlic: Minced onion and garlic powder provide a foundational aromatic flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a fantastic depth and umami kick.
- Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar and melty Monterey Jack creates the perfect cheesy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Hissy Fit Dip
Making this dip is as simple as it gets. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and minced onion until the sausage is browned and crumbled. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Velveeta, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined. A hand mixer can make this step easier.
- Mix it All Together: Add the cooked sausage and half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Bake the Dip: Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheeses. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving. It will be very hot! Serve it warm with your favorite dippers.
Pro Tips for the Best Dip Ever
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Don’t skip this step! Softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth, lump-free dip.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. For the best gooey texture, buy blocks of cheddar and Monterey Jack and shred them yourself.
- Drain the Sausage Well: After browning the sausage, make sure to drain the grease thoroughly to prevent the dip from becoming oily.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the dip is hot and bubbly. Overbaking can cause the oils to separate.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, you can easily customize this Hissy Fit Dip to your liking.
Make It Spicier
If you like heat, add a can of diced green chiles (drained) or a finely diced jalapeño to the mixture. Using hot breakfast sausage will also kick up the spice level.
Different Meats
Not a fan of pork sausage? Try using ground beef, ground turkey, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to cook and drain it well.
Cheese Swaps
Feel free to experiment with the cheeses. Pepper Jack can add a nice kick, or you could try a smoked Gouda for a smoky flavor twist.
What to Serve with Hissy Fit Dip
This versatile dip pairs well with almost anything sturdy enough to scoop it up. Here are some of our favorites:
- Tortilla Chips: The classic choice for a reason.
- Crackers: Butter crackers, wheat crackers, or Triscuits are all great options.
- Vegetable Sticks: Celery, carrots, and bell pepper strips offer a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Toasted Bread: Sliced baguette or pita bread, toasted until golden, is perfect for scooping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I Make Hissy Fit Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! This is a great make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare the dip up to the point of baking, spread it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hissy Fit Dip
Yes, you can adapt this for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage first, then combine all ingredients in the Crock-Pot. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted and hot. This is a great way to keep it warm throughout a party.
Absolutely! While pork breakfast sausage is traditional, you can easily substitute it with hot sausage for a spicier kick, ground beef, ground turkey, or even chorizo for a smoky flavor.
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a 350°F oven until it’s warmed through.
The classic Hissy Fit Dip is made from a savory blend of pork sausage, cream cheese, Velveeta, sour cream, onions, and seasonings. It’s all mixed together and topped with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, then baked until hot and bubbly.
This dip is best served warm, right out of the oven. It pairs wonderfully with sturdy dippers like tortilla chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots.
The name is a bit of Southern humor! It’s said that the dip is so unbelievably delicious that people have a ‘hissy fit’ when it’s all gone. It’s a testament to how much of a crowd-favorite it is.
You Might Also Enjoy These Recipes
If you loved this dip, you’re sure to enjoy these other crowd-pleasing appetizers and dishes. For another easy party starter, try this 5-minute boat dip recipe (coming soon). If you’re in the mood for more cheesy goodness, this homemade cheese sauce is a must-try. And for a fun, savory bite, these cheeseburger rollups are always a huge hit with both kids and adults.
Get the Full Hissy Fit Dip Recipe Below!
Hissy Fit Dip: The Outrageously Good Dip That Lives Up to Its Name
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and minced onion until the sausage is browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cubed Velveeta, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked sausage mixture and half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheeses. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables.
Notes
Tip 2: Shred your own cheese from a block for a smoother melt.
Tip 3: This dip can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate before baking.
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