When you're hosting a game day party, barbecue, or just a casual get-together, a hearty dip is always a crowd-pleaser. Baked Cowboy Dip is one of those go-to dishes that combines savory, spicy, and creamy flavors into one irresistible appetizer. The beauty of this dish lies in its rich combination of spicy Italian sausage, fresh jalapeños, roasted tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese—all baked to gooey perfection. It’s a dip that's so versatile, you can enjoy it with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or even crackers.

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This baked dip is all about layers of flavors. First, there’s the smoky kick from fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles, balanced by the creamy richness of melted cream cheese and sour cream. The sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the heat from fresh jalapeños and cayenne. To top it all off, the sharp cheddar cheese offers a salty, tangy finish that makes every bite memorable. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this dip is going to be your new favorite for any gathering.

What makes this Baked Cowboy Dip even more appealing is how easy it is to make. Everything gets mixed together in one dish and baked to a bubbly, cheesy delight. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time and pop it into the oven when your guests arrive, making it a perfect stress-free option. The balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and just the right amount of spice makes this dip a hit for any occasion—from football Sundays to family dinners.

For those who like to customize their dips, Baked Cowboy Dip offers plenty of room for variation. Feel free to swap in mild Italian sausage if you’re not a fan of spice, or add extra heat with additional jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also switch up the cheese, using pepper jack for an extra kick, or even top the dip with crumbled bacon for a smoky touch. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily make this recipe your own.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings):  

• • Calories: 320 kcal  
  • Protein: 12g  
  • Carbohydrates: 8g  
  • Fat: 28g  
  • Sodium: 710mg  
  • Sugars: 4g

Storage Information:  

Baked Cowboy Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Due to the creamy nature of the dip, it is not recommended to freeze it, as the texture may change upon thawing.

Fun Fact:  

Did you know that the term “cowboy” often brings to mind hearty, rustic dishes? This dip reflects the bold, flavorful, and no-nonsense approach to food that many associate with cowboy cooking, making it a fitting dish for hearty appetites.

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Baked Cowboy Dip Recipe

Ingredients:  

• • 12 oz hot Italian sausage or hot links  
• • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped  
• • 1 (4-ounce) can Hatch green chiles  
• • 1/2 cup fresh jalapeño peppers, diced  
• • 2 cups frozen sweet corn  
• • 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles  
• • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper  
• • 2 pinches cayenne pepper  
• • 1 teaspoon kosher salt  
• • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated  
• • 2 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese, grated (for topping)  
• • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened  
• • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven  

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot for baking the dip.

2. Cook the sausage  

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage or hot links, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.

3. Combine the ingredients  

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth. Add the cooked sausage, chopped green onions, diced jalapeños, sweet corn, fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles, Hatch green chiles, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.

4. Bake the dip  

Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden brown.

5. Serve  

Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions or a pinch of cayenne for a pop of color. Serve warm with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or fresh veggies.

This Baked Cowboy Dip is a perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors that will make it a standout at any gathering. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!