Texas Christmas Dip
Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy, Texas Christmas Dip is the ultimate holiday appetizer that brings warmth and flavor to any gathering. With savory sausage, rich cream cheese, and a kick of green chilies and diced tomatoes, it captures that bold Tex-Mex flair that turns a simple dip into a party favorite. It’s one of those recipes that disappears faster than it was made.
Whether you’re hosting a festive open house or snuggling on the couch watching holiday movies, this dip fits right in. You can toss it in a slow cooker to keep it warm or serve it straight from the skillet—either way, it draws a crowd. Pair it with tortilla chips, baguette slices, or even celery sticks for a low-carb twist.
Why You’ll Love This Texas Christmas Dip
This dip has everything going for it. It’s ultra-comforting and made with ingredients that are easy to find and quick to prep. The creamy texture pairs with bold spices to create a mouthwatering balance. It’s also incredibly adaptable: want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Need it meatless? Skip the sausage and double up the beans. It’s endlessly customizable.
Can I Make This With a Different Protein?
Absolutely! While traditional Texas Christmas Dip features ground pork sausage, you can swap in ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles. Just be sure to season well, as the sausage adds a lot of flavor on its own. If you want extra smoky depth, try a mix of chorizo and sausage.
Ingredients for the Texas Christmas Dip
This hearty dip comes together with just a handful of staple ingredients that deliver bold and festive flavor in every scoop. Each one plays a key role in making the dip rich, spicy, and perfectly melty.
- Ground pork sausage — Adds savory flavor and a meaty base that sets the tone.
- Cream cheese — Gives the dip its signature creamy texture and mild tang.
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies — Brings that essential Tex-Mex zest with a hint of heat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese — Melts beautifully and gives the dip that cheesy pull.
- Black beans — Adds texture, protein, and a slightly nutty contrast to the richness.
- Green onions — Offers fresh flavor and a pop of color at the end.
- Garlic powder and cumin — Deepens the spice profile and ties the flavors together.
- Tortilla chips — For dipping, naturally.

How To Make the Texas Christmas Dip
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage until fully browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, making sure there are no large chunks.
Step 2: Add Creamy Elements
Lower the heat slightly and add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sausage. This creates a luscious base for the dip.
Step 3: Stir in the Flavor
Pour in the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained black beans, and mix in the garlic powder and cumin. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 4: Make It Extra Cheesy
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and gooey. If you’re using a slow cooker, you can transfer everything now and keep it on warm.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with green onions just before serving. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or vegetable sticks.
Serving and Storing Your Texas Christmas Dip
This recipe yields enough to feed about 6 to 8 people as an appetizer. If you’re bringing it to a holiday party, consider doubling it—this dish vanishes fast. Serve it warm for the best experience, either from a skillet or in a small slow cooker.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze portions and thaw for a quick snack down the road.
What to Serve With Texas Christmas Dip?
Toasted Baguette Slices
Their crispy edges and chewy centers are perfect for scooping up thick dips.
Tortilla Chips
The go-to classic. Pick a sturdy variety so they don’t break mid-dip.
Celery and Carrot Sticks
If you’re looking for a lighter or low-carb option, veggies bring a satisfying crunch.
Warm Flour Tortillas
Tear into strips and dip them for a soft and comforting bite.
Pretzel Bites
Their salty finish balances the rich creaminess of the dip.
Nacho Fries
Turn the dip into a topping and drizzle over hot fries.
Crackers
Especially buttery or multigrain ones for a rustic twist.
Jalapeño Poppers
Double down on the spice with these zesty bites on the side.
Want More Dip Ideas That Bring the Heat?
If you’re into bold, cozy dips with lots of flavor, check these out too:
- Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak
- Irresistible Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
- Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy
- Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can bring the bold to your next gathering.
I’d love to hear what variations you tried! Did you swap the meat? Go extra spicy? Add a secret ingredient? Drop your twists in the comments below.
Explore beautifully curated holiday recipes and festive dips on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover new favorites to bring cheer to your table: Luna Meals on Pinterest.
Conclusion
Texas Christmas Dip isn’t just a dip, it’s a full-on flavor experience. With its bold ingredients and warm, creamy comfort, it earns a spot at every holiday gathering—and probably even a few random Tuesdays too. Whip it up in under 30 minutes and watch how quickly it becomes a seasonal staple. Easy to make, hard to forget.

Texas Christmas Dip
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
Texas Christmas Dip is the ultimate holiday appetizer loaded with creamy cheese, spicy sausage, and Tex-Mex flavors. This festive hot dip is perfect for parties, game days, and cozy gatherings. Easy to make and impossible to resist!
Ingredients
1 pound ground pork sausage
8 ounces cream cheese
10 ounces Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated with the sausage.
3. Add the drained Rotel tomatoes, black beans, garlic powder, and cumin. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey.
5. Transfer to a slow cooker set to warm or serve directly from the skillet.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions just before serving.
7. Serve warm with tortilla chips, toasted bread, or veggie sticks.
Notes
This dip can be made up to 4 days ahead and reheated.
Easily customizable—swap the protein or make it spicier.
Freeze in small portions for easy reheating during the season.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg


