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 recipe creates a visually stunning platter that always impresses guests at parties and family gatherings.
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 dish always brings the family together, sparking fun conversations around its dramatic presentation and tasty flavors.
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 Enjoy this lively platter with your favorite dips and crunchy sides for a festive and flavorful party treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the lava flow appearance?
Shape the cheese dip into a mound with a small crater at the top before baking. Arrange fresh veggies and chips radiating outward to mimic lava flows.
- → Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and add grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for a satisfying alternative.
- → What cheeses work best for this dip?
Sharp cheddar and cream cheese create a creamy, tangy base. Smoked gouda can be used for an earthier flavor.
- → How spicy is the dip?
The heat comes from pickled jalapeños and chili flakes, which can be adjusted to taste for mild or bold spice.
- → What sides pair well with this platter?
Crisp lager or fruity white wine complement the smoky and spicy flavors perfectly.