Easy Skillet Chorizo Cheese Dip

Grab your skillet because we’re about to create the ultimate crowd-pleaser! This chorizo cheese dip is what happens when spicy sausage meets melty cheese in a bubbling hot skillet of pure deliciousness. Trust me, this is the kind of dip that disappears within minutes at any gathering.

The magic of this dip lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Spicy chorizo brings the heat, tangy buffalo sauce adds zing, while the blend of cream cheese and cheddar creates that irresistible stretchy cheese pull that makes everyone go back for “just one more dip.” The best part? It all comes together in one skillet with minimal effort but maximum impact.

Ingredients

• 9-10 Ounces Mexican Chorizo
• ½ Medium Onion (roughly ½ cup) – diced
• 10 Ounce Can Rotel
• 8 Ounces Cream Cheese
• 8 Ounces Mild Cheddar – shredded*
• ⅓ Cup Hot Sauce
• ½ Teaspoon Salt

For the Toppings:

• Pickled Jalapenos
• Lime Slices
• Green Onion – diced
• Cilantro – chopped

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a 10-12 inch cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium heat and add your chorizo. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned and fully cooked through, making sure to chop and break up into small pieces as you cook (similar to ground beef). The chorizo should be crumbly and no longer pink in the center. Drain off any excess grease if there’s more than 1-2 tablespoons (this isn’t necessary if there’s just a little fat, as it adds flavor). Return the chorizo to the skillet after draining.
2. Once the chorizo is cooked, add the remaining ingredients to the skillet – diced onion, can of Rotel (with its liquid), cream cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes for faster melting), shredded cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and salt. Don’t stir them together yet – the oven will do the melting work for you.
3. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheese is completely melted. If your cheese isn’t fully melted after 15 minutes, give it another 2-3 minutes.
4. Using oven mitts (the skillet will be extremely hot!), carefully remove from the oven and gently mix the dip together. The melted cheese and other ingredients will slowly come together to create a super creamy texture. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until everything is well incorporated. The dip should be smooth and homogeneous, with the chorizo evenly distributed throughout.
5. Top with pickled jalapenos, chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and place lime slices on the side for squeezing over individual portions. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly with your favorite tortilla chips, pita chips, or vegetable dippers. The dip will start to thicken as it cools, so it’s best enjoyed right away.

Smart Swaps

• Use turkey chorizo instead of pork chorizo for a lighter option with 40% less fat
• Substitute Neufchâtel cheese for cream cheese to reduce fat content by 1/3 without sacrificing creaminess
• Try pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick of spice
• Replace hot sauce with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for a milder, kid-friendly version

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce fat content by 30% while maintaining creaminess
• Substitute cauliflower florets for half the chips as dippers (saves approximately 15g carbs per serving)
• Opt for no-sugar-added Rotel to eliminate hidden sugars (saves 2g carbs per serving)
• Serve in ¼ cup portions (approximately 8g net carbs per serving) alongside protein-rich snacks to slow glucose absorption
• Add 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the dip for added fiber that helps moderate blood sugar spikes

Pro Tips

• Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties (which contain anti-caking agents) for the smoothest, meltiest texture
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for easier incorporation
• For make-ahead convenience, cook the chorizo and store it separately up to 2 days ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving
• The cast iron skillet maintains heat beautifully, keeping your dip warm throughout serving time (just be sure to use a trivet to protect your table!)