# What you'll need:
→ Cheese Lava Dip
01 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
02 - 1 cup cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/2 cup sour cream
04 - 1/2 cup diced fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
05 - 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
06 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions
07 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Volcano Base & Platter Items
11 - 12 oz smoked sausage ring or kielbasa, sliced
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes
13 - 1 cup mini bell peppers, sliced into strips
14 - 1 cup baby carrots
15 - 1 cup broccoli florets
16 - 2 cups tortilla chips
17 - 1 cup pita chips
→ Garnish (optional)
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
19 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
20 - Red chili flakes for extra heat
# Method:
01 - Set the oven to 375°F and prepare for baking.
02 - Combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; mix until smooth and fully blended.
03 - Transfer the cheese mixture into a 2-cup ovenproof bowl or ramekin; smooth the mixture into a volcano mound with a small central crater.
04 - Place sausage slices on a baking sheet and bake alongside the dip for 12 to 15 minutes until the dip bubbles and sausage is heated through.
05 - Position the volcano dip bowl at the center of a large serving platter; arrange warmed sausage, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli florets, tortilla chips, and pita chips around it, mimicking lava flows with vibrant vegetables and chips.
06 - Sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced black olives, and red chili flakes over the dip to simulate volcanic ash and lava; serve immediately with vegetables, sausage, or chips for dipping.
