Creamy Sausage Bean Dip

This creamy sausage bean dip is one of my favorite appetizers to bring to parties and game day gatherings. It comes together with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand: sausage, cream cheese, pinto beans, and plenty of cheese. Everything starts on the stovetop.

The sausage, onion, and bell pepper cook together until the sausage is browned, then the cream cheese melts right into the pan for a rich, creamy base.

Once the pinto beans and cheddar cheese are stirred in, the whole mixture goes into the oven to bake until it is golden and bubbling around the edges. That last step is what gives this sausage bean dip its warm, scoopable texture.

I love serving this dip warm with tortilla chips, but it is just as good with toasted gluten free bread or fresh vegetables. It is easy to prep ahead of time too, so you can have it ready to bake the moment guests arrive.

If you are looking for more bean recipes you might also enjoy my Gluten Free Cowboy Baked Beans, this Black Beans and Corn Salad, my Gluten Free Cheesy Pinto Beans, this Gluten Free Instant Pot Italian Style Pasta and Bean Soup, my Instant Pot Beef and Bean Burrito Casserole or this Instant Pot Vegetarian Navy Bean Soup recipes.

You can find all of my snack recipes here: Gluten Free Snack Recipes

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 35 minutes, start to finish
• Made with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand
• Easy to prep ahead and bake right before guests arrive
• Freezer friendly, so you can make a batch to have on hand for last minute gatherings
• Bakes up warm, creamy, and bubbling with melted cheddar and parmesan on top
• A hearty, filling appetizer that works for game day, potlucks, or any casual get together

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

This recipe is easy to adjust based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers.

• Sausage: Italian style turkey sausage keeps this dip a little lighter, but regular pork sausage, chicken sausage, or ground beef will all work in its place.
• Beans: Pinto beans give this dip its classic flavor, but black beans or great northern beans are good substitutes.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully here, but Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese would add a different flavor if you want more heat.
• Spice: If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onion and pepper.

Can I Make This Ahead or Freeze It?

Yes, this sausage bean dip is easy to prep ahead of time. Cook the sausage mixture and stir in the beans and cheese as directed, then cover and refrigerate in the baking dish for up to 2 days before baking.

When you are ready to serve, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it is going into the oven cold.

To freeze, assemble the dip through the bean and cheese step, then cool completely before covering tightly and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before topping with parmesan and baking.

What to Serve with Sausage Bean Dip

• Tortilla chips or corn chips for classic dipping
• Toasted gluten free bread or crostini
• Sliced bell peppers, celery, or carrots for a lighter option
• Alongside other appetizers like Gluten Free Caramelized Onion Dip or Gluten Free Homemade Ranch Dip for a full party spread

Storage

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat add a damp paper towel over the container and microwave in 30 second intervals until the dip is warm and ready to serve.

Sausage Bean Dip Ingredients

• Italian Style Turkey Sausage
• Sweet Onion
• Red Bell Pepper
• Minced Garlic
• Sea Salt
• Dried Thyme
• White Vinegar
• Cream Cheese
• Pinto Beans
• Cheddar Cheese
• Parmesan Cheese
• Tortilla Chips

Instructions

In a frying pan over medium heat cook the sausage, onion, pepper and garlic about 8-10 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is translucent.

Add the salt, thyme and vinegar. Stir to combine.

Add the cream cheese in chunks. Cook while stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted and mixed in.

Add the pinto beans and cheddar cheese. Stir to combine and remove pan from heat.

Pour the bean mixture into an 8x8 baking dish or 2 quart baking dish. Top with the finely grated parmesan cheese.

Bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Serve warm with tortilla chips or toasted gluten free bread.