Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it through, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s browned and no longer pink, drain any excess grease, and set the sausage aside. I like to use a paper towel to blot off the excess grease, so the dip doesn’t get too greasy. You don’t want that!

The sausage really adds that savory richness to the dip. If you’ve never used Italian sausage before, you’re in for a treat. It’s full of flavor, and when mixed with the cheese, it creates this mouthwatering blend that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

In a medium saucepan, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir over low heat until everything is melted together and smooth. If the mixture feels too thick, you can add a little milk to reach your desired consistency. I love how creamy this mixture gets. It’s like the cheese is hugging all the sausage in there, creating the most luscious dip.

As the cheese melts, keep stirring to make sure everything blends together nicely. You can also add a little extra shredded cheese if you want it extra cheesy. I’m always one for more cheese, but that’s totally up to you!

Once the cheese mixture is smooth, add the cooked sausage, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir everything together until the sausage is evenly mixed in with the cheese. At this point, you can also add the sour cream to make the dip extra creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more garlic or a dash of salt.

I really like how the garlic powder and onion powder bring out the depth of flavor in the dip. They add that little extra kick that makes this dip feel special. And of course, if you want to kick up the heat, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes. I like a little spice, but you can always leave it out if you’re serving guests who are sensitive to heat.

Now comes the fun part! Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with diced green onions if you like. The green onions add a pop of color and a little crunch that balances the creaminess of the dip. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping. And there you have it—an easy, cheesy, savory dip that’s perfect for any occasion.