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Big Game Salsa Dip

Great make-ahead-of-the-game dip! Cheesy (with some surprises), and served with tortilla chips. Keep hot in a slow cooker to last all afternoon and free yourself to watch the game. Always disappears quickly! Can be served in individual dip bowls with tortilla chips, or over a handful of chips in a bowl.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine south american
Servings 80 people
Calories 6952.3 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker Essential for melting cheese and keeping the dip warm.
  • 1 Medium Skillet For browning sausage and sautéing onions.
  • 1 Cutting Board For preparing onions.
  • 1 Chef's knife For chopping vegetables and cubing cheese.
  • 1 Stirring Spoon Heat-resistant, for mixing ingredients in both skillet and slow cooker.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 2 pound loaf processed cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 12 ounce package ground pork sausage
  • 1 white onion chopped
  • 1 24 ounce jar medium salsa
  • ½ 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 bunch green onions chopped
  • 1 12 ounce package tortilla chips

Instructions
 

  • In a slow cooker set to high heat, place the processed cheese and milk. Cover and, stirring occasionally, cook until the cheese has melted and is well blended with the milk.
  • Place ground pork sausage in a medium skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Mix in white onion. Cook and stir until onion is translucent. Remove from heat and drain.
  • Stir sausage mixture into the cheese mixture. Reduce heat to low. Mix in salsa and black beans. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, approximately 1 hour.
  • Garnish with green onions and serve with tortilla chips.

Notes

To elevate the flavor beyond processed cheese, consider using a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for a richer, more complex profile, though processed cheese offers unmatched meltability. Ensure the ground pork sausage is thoroughly browned and drained to prevent a greasy dip and to develop deep umami notes. For an extra layer of freshness, a homemade salsa can dramatically enhance the dip's vibrancy. When using a slow cooker, stir the cheese mixture frequently, especially initially, to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, emulsified texture. This dip benefits from resting on low heat for an hour, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro along with the green onions adds a pop of color and herbaceous aroma.