Capitol Crack Dip Recipe
This rich and savory Capitol Crack Dip combines browned sweet Italian sausage with creamy melted cream cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and a hint of spice. It's an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, often served warm with tortilla chips or crackers.
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or frying pan For browning the sausage.
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For breaking up sausage and stirring.
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining the cream cheese mixture.
- 1 Can Opener For the Rotel can.
- 1 Serving dish For presenting the finished dip. An oven-safe dish can keep it warm.
Ingredients
Main
- ¾ pound of sweet Italian sausage about 4 links
- One 10-ounce can of Rotel Diced Tomato & Green Chilies mild
- 2 pinches of red pepper flakes
- Two 15-ounce packages cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Remove sweet Italian sausage from casings, if applicable.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula until finely crumbled and cooked through.
- Carefully drain any excess fat from the cooked sausage using a slotted spoon or by tilting the pan and scooping the sausage out.
- Add the can of Rotel Diced Tomato & Green Chilies (undrained for a looser dip, or lightly drained for a thicker consistency) and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Stir to combine.
- Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese and sour cream. Mix vigorously with a spoon or whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the warm sausage and Rotel mixture to the cream cheese mixture in the mixing bowl.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly until they are completely incorporated and the dip is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. If desired, you can gently warm the dip in a microwave-safe bowl or in an oven-safe dish at a low temperature (around 250°F/120°C) until heated through.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, sturdy crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
1. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for optimal smoothness; this prevents lumps and ensures easy incorporation with other ingredients. If short on time, microwave it briefly (10-15 seconds) to soften. 2. Thoroughly drain the sausage fat after browning to prevent the dip from becoming greasy. 3. The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your preference for heat. For more spice, consider using hot Rotel or adding a pinch more flakes. 4. Serve this dip warm to maintain its creamy, luxurious texture. A small slow cooker on a 'warm' setting is excellent for keeping it at serving temperature during a party.