Kielbasa Dip

The best party recipes are quick, crowd-pleasing and a little bit surprising—just like this kielbasa dip. It starts with rich, tangy cream cheese, which is the perfect foundation for hot dip recipes because it heats well without splitting or becoming too thin. Here’s where things get interesting. After stirring up the creamy base, you’ll fold in flecks of chopped kielbasa. The smoky sausage makes the dip robust, chewy and hearty, with complex notes from the Polish spices. It tastes elaborate—so much so that nobody will guess you made it in the microwave.

Recipe contributor Mary Bondegard of Brooksville, Florida, likes to serve this thick, smooth cream cheese dip with crackers and fresh vegetables. We think it’s perfect as a tailgate recipe or for an office potluck—just be prepared to email out the recipe to everyone after.

Ingredients for Kielbasa Dip

• Cream cheese: Although you begin by warming it in the microwave, room-temperature cream cheese will soften even more easily. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before starting the recipe.
• Sour cream: Sour cream thins out the dip, making it, well, dippable. It also adds a zippy tang.
• Milk: Milk also lightens the texture. You can use any kind of milk you like, from whole to 2% to skim to even nondairy milk.
• Mayonnaise: This creamy condiment contributes an appealingly bouncy, light texture to the dip. Use any of the best mayonnaise brands you like.
• Worcestershire sauce: A little bit of fermented, caramel-colored Worcestershire sauce goes a long way.
• Kielbasa sausage: This Polish-style sausage is typically smoky, firm and flavored with garlic and other spices. Make sure it’s fully cooked; spicy or mild versions will be equally tasty.
• Green onions: Sliced green onions add a vibrant, bright note to the dip, along with a pleasant crunch and a pop of color.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds incomparable umami flavor.
• Assorted crackers or raw vegetables: Serve the dip with your favorite crackers, sliced raw vegetables or both.

Directions

Step 1: Make the dip

In a 1-1/2-quart microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream cheese, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds to soften it. Stir the sour cream, milk, mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce into the warmed cream cheese. Mix until smooth.

Step 2: Add the mix-ins

Add the kielbasa, 1/4 cup of sliced green onions and the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

Step 3: Heat the dip

Microwave the dip, uncovered, on high for two to three minutes or until it’s heated through, stirring once.

Step 4: Serve the dip

Sprinkle it with the remaining green onions over the dish. Serve the dip with crackers or vegetables.

Kielbasa Dip Variations

• Add cheese: Stir a cup of shredded cheese into the warm dip, then microwave it longer if needed. Any good melting cheese works: Sharp cheddar, pepper jack and Swiss are all tasty options.
• Turn up the heat: If you love spice, use a spicy sausage, or add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a generous dash of hot sauce.
• Add spice: Boost the dip’s flavor with any number of seasonings. Try smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder or dried herbs like basil, oregano or marjoram.
• Lighten up: Use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream and mayo to cut down on calories and fat.

How to Store Kielbasa Dip

Store kielbasa dip in the refrigerator. Leave it uncovered until it’s completely cool, then cover it tightly with storage wrap or foil. It will last for up to four days.

How should you reheat kielbasa dip?

Reheat kielbasa dip in the microwave. If the dip has thickened in the refrigerator, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk. Heat it on high for two to three minutes, stirring once midway through.

Kielbasa Dip Tips

Can you make kielbasa dip in the oven?

Yes, you can make creamy kielbasa dip in the oven. Prepare the dip as directed through Step 3. In Step 4, transfer it to an oven-safe baking dish. Bake the dip at 350°F until it’s hot and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes.

What can you serve with kielbasa dip?

Don’t be shy about what you serve with this smoky, creamy dip; it’s more versatile than you may expect. Any kind of cracker will be great for dipping, from crispy rice crackers to crunchy butter crackers and hearty whole-grain crackers. Toasted baguette slices or store-bought breadsticks would be a tad fancier (and perfect for that holiday party). Tortilla chips work, even flavored Doritos (the seasoning mix is a fun match with sausage). On the fresh side, slice up crispy vegetables to enjoy as crudites: celery, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli and cucumbers.

The smoky, creamy dip is a versatile appetizer for a low-key or fancy party. Pair it with pigs in a blanket and beer cheese soup. For a more elevated occasion, serve the crowd-pleasing dip with bacon-wrapped dates or tiny meatballs.