#3372 - Hot Sausage Dip

(by Shirley McNevich)

1lb. hot sausage
1 - 10oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 - 8oz. Philadelphia cream cheese (softened)
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
tortilla chips OR crackers

If hot sausage is in casings, remove the casings and crumble the sausage. In a skillet over medium heat add the crumbled sausage--cook/stir over medium heat until sausage is browned, then drain off the grease. Drain the can of diced tomatoes/green chiles but reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid. In a bowl add drained sausage pieces, diced tomatoes/green chiles, the 1/4 cup reserved juice and the softened cream cheese--stir until well mixed. Spread the mixture into a small baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until bubbling hot. Serve with tortilla chips or good quality crackers.