Cheesy Hissy Fit Dip
Cheesy Hissy Fit Dip isn’t just a party appetizer—it’s the kind of indulgent comfort food that makes gatherings memorable.
Creamy, gooey layers of cream cheese, sour cream, and Velveeta meld with savory sausage and aromatic spices, creating a rich, irresistible flavor. The name “Hissy Fit” comes from its Southern roots—legend has it, if you show up to a party without this dip, folks might just throw a hissy fit!
Bubbly, golden, and full of melty cheese, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser served with chips, crackers, or crisp vegetables.
Why People Will Love Cheesy Hissy Fit Dip:
Ultimate comfort food – A warm, creamy, cheesy dip that satisfies both the stomach and the soul, making it impossible to resist.
Crowd-pleasing flavor fusion – The balance of savory sausage, velvety cheese, and aromatic herbs delivers a bold yet comforting taste everyone craves.
Perfect party centerpiece – Its rich aroma and bubbling golden top make it a dish that steals the spotlight at gatherings, potlucks, or game nights.
Versatile serving options – Whether paired with crunchy chips, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables, it adapts effortlessly to every taste and occasion.
Nostalgic and indulgent – Rooted in Southern tradition, it brings a sense of warmth, indulgence, and a little fun to the table with its playful name and unforgettable flavor.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Sausage – The heart of the dip, bringing a rich, savory depth and a meaty bite that anchors all the creamy flavors.
Velveeta & Monterey Jack Cheese – A duo of melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness: Velveeta for unmatched creaminess and Monterey Jack for a touch of sharpness and stretch.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream – The silky, tangy foundation that balances the richness, creating a luscious texture that keeps every scoop smooth and irresistible.
Fresh Chives & Dried Herbs (Sage, Parsley, Onion, Garlic) – Layers of aromatic notes that elevate the dip, adding brightness and warmth to the decadent cheese base.
Worcestershire Sauce – A secret splash of umami that ties the sausage and cheeses together, deepening the savory profile with subtle complexity.
Expert Tips:
Balance the Sausage Fat: When browning the sausage, drain most of the fat but leave just a thin coating—this small amount helps carry flavor into the cheese blend without making the dip greasy.
Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Always let cream cheese come fully to room temperature before mixing. This ensures it blends seamlessly with the sour cream and herbs, creating a luxuriously smooth base without lumps.
Layer the Cheese for Texture: Cut Velveeta into small cubes for even melting, but don’t overmix once they’re folded in—leaving a few soft pockets of cheese creates little molten treasures when baked.
Enhance Depth with Heat: For a bolder flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix. The subtle heat balances the richness and keeps the dip exciting bite after bite.
Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the dip sit for 5–7 minutes before serving. This short pause allows the cheeses to stabilize, preventing it from becoming too runny while still staying perfectly scoopable.
Cheesy Hissy Fit Dip
Ingredients
1 pound ground sausage
2 tbsp chives, freshly chopped
½ tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
16 ounce Sour Cream
8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
1 tsp parsley, dried
8 ounces Velveeta, cut into cubes
½ tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
4 ounces Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
½ tsp ground Sage
Instructions
Crumble and brown the ground sausage in a skillet
Drain the excess fat from the skillet
Preheat the oven to 350* and grease a 9×9 baking dish
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, sage, parsley and garlic powder, along with the onion powder and Worcestershire Sauce.
Blend until well combined
Stir in the browned Sausage, the Monterey Jack Cheese, Velveeta cubes and the chives
Spread the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and place in the heated oven
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes
Serve with crackers, chips, vegetables or any of your other favorites.
Enjoy!
Important Notes When Making Cheesy Hissy Fit Dip:
Use Quality Sausage: The flavor of the dip depends heavily on the sausage you choose. Opt for a well-seasoned ground sausage (mild or spicy depending on your preference). A bland sausage will make the dip fall flat.
Mind the Salt Levels: Since cheeses like Velveeta and Monterey Jack already contain salt, be careful not to over-season. Taste the mixture before baking and adjust with salt sparingly.
Bake Until Bubbling, Not Dry: Keep an eye on the oven during the last 10 minutes of baking. The dip should be golden and bubbling around the edges, but overbaking can make it dry and lose its creamy pull.
Best Served Warm: This dip shines when hot and gooey. If serving at a party, keep it in a warm oven or transfer it to a slow cooker set on low to maintain the perfect texture.
Storage Considerations: Leftovers should be cooled and refrigerated promptly. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring back creaminess.
How To Enjoy Cheesy Hissy Fit Dip After Cooking:
Right Out of the Oven
Allow the dip to rest for 5–7 minutes after baking so it sets slightly without losing its gooey texture.
Serve while it’s still bubbling hot for that stretchy, melty cheese pull that makes the dish irresistible.
Pair with the Right Dippers
Classic choices: Butter crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted baguette slices for a satisfying crunch.
Low-carb options: Fresh celery sticks, cucumber rounds, or bell pepper strips balance the richness with freshness.
Creative twists: Soft pretzels, pita wedges, or even warm naan bread to scoop up every bite.
Beverage Pairings
For comfort vibes: A cold lager or crisp pilsner cuts through the richness beautifully.
For wine lovers: Try a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a bright, balancing contrast.
For non-alcoholic pairing: Sparkling water with lemon or an iced tea with herbs (like mint) keeps the palate refreshed.
Best Occasions to Serve
Perfect centerpiece for game nights, holiday parties, or casual family gatherings.
Works wonderfully as part of a potluck spread—just keep it warm in a slow cooker so guests can keep going back.
Leftovers & Next-Day Enjoyment
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm and melty again. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick.
Bonus idea: Use leftovers as a cheesy filling for breakfast burritos or stuffed into baked potatoes for a new meal twist.
Nutrition Information:
For Cheesy Hissy Fit Dip (based on a serving size of about 1/12 of the whole recipe):
Calories: 285 kcal | Total Fat: 23 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 65 mg | Sodium: 640–720 mg (depending on sausage and added salt) | Total Carbohydrates: 6 g | Dietary Fiber: 0.3 g | Sugars: 2 g | Protein: 14 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the dip in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warm and bubbly, about 15–20 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works too, but the oven preserves the creamy texture better.
Can I substitute the Velveeta with another cheese?
Absolutely. Velveeta gives it a smooth, melty consistency, but you can swap with cheddar, Colby Jack, or even Fontina for a richer, slightly less processed flavor.
How can I make this recipe a little lighter?
Try using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, turkey sausage instead of pork, and part-skim shredded cheese. You’ll still get a creamy, flavorful dip with fewer calories and less fat.
What are the best serving pairings for this dip?
This dip shines with sturdy dippers like tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or pretzel bites. For a healthier balance, pair it with crunchy raw veggies like celery, bell pepper strips, or carrot sticks.
Do I need to cook the sausage before adding it to the dip?
Yes, the sausage must be fully browned and drained before mixing it with the cheeses. This prevents excess grease from making the dip oily and ensures the meat is fully cooked.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping in the mixture?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend smoothly with the sour cream and seasonings, leaving lumps.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Definitely. If you prefer a spicier dip, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or use hot sausage instead of mild. For a milder version, reduce or omit strong spices and stick with mild sausage.
Why does the dip need nearly an hour to bake?
The long bake time allows the cheeses to fully melt and the flavors to meld together. It also develops that golden, slightly crispy top while keeping the inside creamy.
What size baking dish works best for this dip?
A 9×9-inch dish is perfect for this recipe, giving the dip enough depth to stay creamy while allowing even baking. If using a larger dish, reduce baking time slightly since the mixture will be more spread out.