Why You’ll Love This Hissy Fit Dip
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and requires very little complicated preparation. Once the sausage is browned, everything is mixed together and baked in one dish.
The creamy base stays thick enough for dipping, while sausage makes every scoop more substantial. Using more than one type of cheese also creates a balance between creamy melting and stronger cheese flavor.
You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on how much heat you want.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 8 oz processed melting cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions or fresh chives
- Crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices for serving
How to Make Cheesy Hissy Fit Dip
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish, small casserole dish, or oven-safe skillet.
2. Brown the Sausage
Place the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
Once completely browned, drain the sausage thoroughly.
Removing excess grease is important because the cheeses already contribute plenty of richness.
3. Make the Creamy Base
Place the softened cream cheese and sour cream in a large mixing bowl.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, sage, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Stir again.
4. Add the Sausage and Cheese
Add the drained sausage, cubed melting cheese, Monterey Jack, cheddar, and green onions.
Fold everything together until evenly distributed.
5. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle a small amount of additional shredded cheese over the top if you want an extra-cheesy golden finish.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until the dip is thoroughly hot and bubbling around the edges.
The top should have melted completely and developed a few lightly golden spots.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the dip from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes.
Garnish with additional green onions or chives.
Serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or vegetables.
Tips for the Best Hissy Fit Dip
Soften the cream cheese first. Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more easily with sour cream.
Drain the sausage well. Excess sausage grease can make the finished dip oily.
Shred cheese from a block when possible. It generally melts more smoothly.
Don’t overbake. The goal is a hot, bubbly dip rather than a dry cheese casserole.
Let it rest briefly. Five minutes gives the hot cheese mixture time to settle and become easier to scoop.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Hissy Fit Dip
Use hot breakfast sausage and add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Bacon Hissy Fit Dip
Add about ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon.
Jalapeño Hissy Fit Dip
Mix in one finely diced jalapeño for fresh heat.
Extra Cheesy Version
Add another ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the top before baking.
Hissy Fit Dip with Tomatoes and Green Chiles
Stir in a small can of well-drained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Drain them thoroughly to avoid making the dip watery.
What to Serve With Hissy Fit Dip
This thick baked dip works best with sturdy dippers that can hold plenty of cheese and sausage.
Try:
- Tortilla chips
- Ritz-style crackers
- Pretzel crisps
- Toasted baguette slices
- Pita chips
- Celery sticks
- Bell pepper strips
- Carrot sticks
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble the dip ahead of time.
Brown and drain the sausage, prepare the cheese mixture, and transfer everything to the baking dish.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to serve it, remove the dish from the refrigerator while the oven preheats. Because the ingredients are cold, the dip may require several additional minutes in the oven.
Bake until the center is thoroughly hot and the edges are bubbling.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover dip to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, stirring when necessary.
For a larger portion, cover loosely and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Hissy Fit Dip?
Hissy Fit Dip is a rich baked cheese and sausage appetizer. Common versions combine ground sausage with cream cheese, sour cream, melting cheeses, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?
Breakfast sausage works particularly well. Choose mild sausage for a family-friendly version or hot sausage if you prefer extra spice.
Why Is My Hissy Fit Dip Greasy?
The most common reason is excess fat from the sausage. Drain browned sausage thoroughly before combining it with the dairy ingredients.
Can I Make Hissy Fit Dip in a Slow Cooker?
Yes. Brown and drain the sausage first, then combine it with the other ingredients in the slow cooker.
Heat on LOW until the cheeses have melted and the mixture is thoroughly hot, stirring occasionally. Switch to WARM for serving.
Can I Make It Without Processed Cheese?
Yes. You can experiment with additional Monterey Jack and cheddar instead. The texture will be somewhat different because processed melting cheese helps create an especially smooth consistency.
Can I Freeze Hissy Fit Dip?
You can, but freezing isn’t ideal for dairy-heavy dips because sour cream and cream cheese can develop a grainier texture after thawing.
For the best consistency, refrigerate leftovers rather than freezing them.
Can I Make This Dip Spicy?
Absolutely. Use spicy sausage, jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.