Sausage Rotel Dip (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

What is Rotel?

If you’ve never tried Rotel before, you’re in for a treat!

Rotel is basically a brand name for a mix of canned vine-ripened tomatoes and green chilies.

There is a range of different flavors, all varying in degrees of spiciness and heat, from the Original Rotel, to Mild Rotel or Hot Rotel.

Tasty Sausage Rotel Dip

Since it’s almost summer and we’ll be gathering with friends over backyard grilling parties, hanging out at the parks and holding endless potlucks, it’s time for dips!

Apart from our favorite spinach dip, hummus, and baba ganoush, we’ve also got this amazing rotel sausage dip!

In today’s recipe, we’re making a delicious dip with a mixture of Rotel tomatoes, ground sausage and dairy-free cheese – that is perfect with these crispy homemade corn chips that you’re going to love!

Serve this at your next gathering, movie night, or when watching a football game because it’s sure to be a crowd favorite!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The few ingredients required for this Rotel dip with sausage are easily accessible at the local grocery store.
• Super Easy to Make: Ready in 5 minutes and requiring just a few easy steps, all you need to do is cook the ground sausage and mix in the rest of ingredients until you get a smooth cheesy dip.
• Totally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: The best part is that this tasty Rotel dip recipe is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances are able to enjoy this creamy sausage dip without issues.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients for this sausage rotel dip recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Ground Sausage: If you prefer not to use ground sausage, go ahead and use ground beef, chicken or turkey if you prefer. If you prefer to keep this recipe vegetarian or vegan, you can also use crumbled tempeh or tofu instead.
• Chili Powder: I like adding a big of chili powder to add a bit of spice. Alternatively, you may also use ground paprika, or ground cayenne pepper if you prefer.
• Dairy-Free Cheddar Cheese: I used dairy-free cheddar cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal cheddar cheese or Velveeta cheese instead. If you find the cheese a little too thick, add a bit of water to thin out the mixture.
• Rotel: There are also many different flavors of Rotel. In this recipe, I’ve used this Mexican Style one, but you can also use the Original, Mild, or Hot flavors if you prefer.
• Parsley: I like garnishing this sausage and rotel dip with fresh chopped parsley for a contrast in color, but you could also use fresh chopped chives or green onions if you prefer.

How to Make this Sausage Rotel Dip (Step by Step):

1. Cook Ground Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage until browned all over and there is no more pink. Drain any excess grease.

2. Season

Season the with chili powder, salt, and pepper if desired and stir to combine.

3. Add Cheese and Rotel

Add Reduce the heat to medium and then add the dairy-free cheddar cheese and Rotel tomatoes with the liquid.

4. Cook and Stir

Cook and stir the ingredients together for 5-10 minutes until the cheese has fully melted. Remove from the heat.

5. Garnish and Serve

Serve fresh with a side of tortilla chips, pita chips or fresh veggies. You can serve it in the skillet with a trivet underneath or transfer the dip into a serving bowl.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

• Use Your Preferred Rotel Flavor: There are also many different flavors of Rotel. In this recipe, I’ve used this Mexican Style one, but you can also use the Original, Mild, or Hot flavors if you prefer.
• Use Ground Meat of Choice: I used ground sausage in this rotel sausage dip recipe (you can choose spicy sausage, hot sausage, Italian sausage or any sausage you like). Alternatively, you can always use any other ground meat you prefer (ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey, etc).
• Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: If you prefer to keep this easy sausage dip recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat.

Recipe FAQs:

What to Serve with Rotel Dip:

• Homemade Tortilla Chips (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Easy Homemade Crackers (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Other Dips/Sauces You’ll Enjoy:

Gluten-Free Appetizers You’ll Love: