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.
This appetizer has always been a hit at my family gatherings with its eye-catching presentation and bold flavors.
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 This recipe always sparks joy during family parties, creating fun memories as everyone digs in together.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 340, Total Fat 23 g, Carbohydrates 17 g, Protein 13 g per serving
Save Serve immediately to enjoy the molten, lava-like cheese dip at its best and watch your guests marvel at the presentation.
Kitchen Guide
- → What gives the lava flow dip its spicy kick?
Chopped pickled jalapeños combined with smoked paprika and chili flakes provide a balanced, smoky heat to the cheese dip.
- → Can I make the dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, omit the sausage and substitute with grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for a satisfying, meat-free option.
- → What are good dipping options alongside the cheese lava dip?
Fresh veggies like baby carrots, broccoli, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, tortilla chips, and pita chips complement the dip perfectly.
- → How do I create the volcano shape for the dip?
Smooth the cheese mixture in an ovenproof bowl into a mound with a small crater on top before baking to mimic a volcano’s shape.
- → Can I enhance the smoky flavor in the dip?
Adding a few drops of liquid smoke or substituting gouda cheese for cheddar intensifies the smoky notes in the dip.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free chips and verify sausage ingredients to keep the platter gluten-free for sensitive diets.