Crispy Sausage Queso Dip Cups Recipe for Easy Super Bowl Game Day

Name: Crispy Sausage Queso Dip Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 24 wonton wrappers; Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil (for brushing muffin tin and wrappers); 8 oz breakfast sausage or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed; 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced (optional); 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika); 1/2 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz Velveeta or processed cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained; 2 green onions, sliced thin (optional topping); Fresh cilantro leaves (optional topping); Diced tomatoes (optional topping); Pickled jalapeños (optional topping); Sour cream (optional topping)

Written by

kate

Posted on December 26, 2025

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Appetizer Recipes

December 26, 2025

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Let me tell you, the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling sausage and creamy queso bubbling away is almost enough to make you fumble the remote—seriously, it’s that good. Picture this: you pull a tray of golden, crispy sausage queso dip cups from the oven, steam curling up while the cheese melts perfectly around the edges. The first time I whipped up these beauties for a Super Bowl party, I was instantly hooked—it was that kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’ve hit the jackpot of game day snacks.

These crispy sausage queso dip cups have a bit of a legend in my family. I first stumbled upon the idea when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, watching my uncle layer cheese and spicy sausage between tortilla chips for his famous “nacho tower.” Years later, craving that same cheesy, meaty comfort but wanting something a little more hand-held (and way less messy), I started playing around with wonton wrappers and my favorite queso dip. Now, these are a staple at our Super Bowl parties, March Madness gatherings, and honestly, any time we need a little comfort food hug.

You know what? These are dangerously easy to make and even easier to devour. The best part? My family couldn’t stop sneaking them off the cooling rack (I can’t blame them). Friends always ask for the recipe and even my pickiest eater gives a thumbs up. They’re perfect for potlucks, tailgate parties, or just brightening up your Pinterest game day board.

I’ve tested these crispy sausage queso dip cups more times than I’d like to admit (all in the name of research, of course). They always come out crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. If you’re looking for a new crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug and brings everyone running to the snack table, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ve spent years perfecting my game day snacks, and these crispy sausage queso dip cups truly check all the boxes. They’re the little black dress of Super Bowl appetizers—always a hit, never go out of style, and suit just about any crowd. Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with them, just like we did:

Quick & Easy: You can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those last-minute guests or when you realize kickoff is in ten minutes and you haven’t even started cooking.
Simple Ingredients: No wild goose chases to specialty stores—everything you need is probably already in your fridge or pantry.
Perfect for Game Day: Bite-sized and mess-free, meaning you can cheer, high five, and snack at the same time without a cheese-covered shirt.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve served these to crowds of all ages—from kids to football-obsessed uncles—and everyone comes back for seconds (or thirds).
Unbelievably Delicious: The combo of crispy wonton cups, spicy sausage, creamy queso, and melty cheese is comfort food at its best. Seriously, you might catch yourself eating the filling with a spoon.

What makes these crispy sausage queso dip cups stand out is the layering technique. Instead of just dumping queso over chips, you get a perfect ratio of sausage, cheese, and crunch in every single bite. I use a little trick—mixing the sausage directly into the queso—so you never get a dry or bland cup. And the use of wonton wrappers is a game changer—they crisp up beautifully and hold their shape, unlike tortilla chips that sometimes get soggy under the cheese.

This isn’t just another sausage dip recipe. It’s my best version: easy to prep, hard to mess up, and totally customizable. Whether you’re making them for a big Super Bowl bash or a cozy family movie night, these cups bring a punch of flavor and a whole lot of fun to the table.

Most of all, these crispy sausage queso dip cups are the kind of food you close your eyes and savor, just for a moment, before reaching for another. They take the classic queso dip experience and make it portable, neat, and (dare I say) a bit more Pinterest-worthy. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them for every occasion.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This crispy sausage queso dip cups recipe is all about bold flavors and simple ingredients that come together for a winning appetizer. Chances are, you’ve got most of these in your kitchen already, and I’ll toss in some tips for swapping things out if you need.

For the Cups:
- 24 wonton wrappers (found in the refrigerated section—crisp up better than tortillas!)
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil (for brushing the muffin tin and wrappers, helps get that golden crunch)
Sausage Queso Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) breakfast sausage or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup (80g) yellow onion, finely diced (adds a little sweetness and depth)
- 1/2 cup (75g) red bell pepper, finely diced (optional, but adds color and sweetness)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (for a touch of heat—leave out if you want mild cups)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for that irresistible aroma)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika; brings a nice smoky note)
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Sauce:
- 8 oz (225g) Velveeta or processed cheese, cubed (classic queso texture—feel free to use your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or half-and-half (for a creamy, pourable sauce; use dairy-free milk if needed)
- 1/2 cup (56g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (adds extra flavor and gooeyness)
- 1 (10 oz/285g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (like Rotel; adds tang and just the right kick)
Toppings (Optional, but highly recommended):
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Diced tomatoes
- Pickled jalapeños
- A dollop of sour cream

Ingredient Tips & Swaps: If you want a lighter version, swap pork sausage for turkey or chicken. For gluten-free, use gluten-free wonton wrappers (if you can find them) or line muffin tins with small corn tortillas. No Velveeta? Use all shredded cheese and add a splash more milk. You can sneak in extra veggies or use pepper jack cheese for a little more heat.

I like to use Johnsonville sausage for the best flavor, and Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies always give the queso that signature Tex-Mex taste. If you’re shopping in summer, fresh jalapeños and tomatoes make a nice topping swap.

Equipment Needed

12-cup standard muffin tin (or two, if you have them): This is key for making perfectly shaped cups. If you only have one, just bake in batches.
Nonstick cooking spray or pastry brush and oil: A must for getting the wonton wrappers crispy and golden. Olive oil works in a pinch.
Medium skillet: For browning sausage and veggies. Stainless steel or nonstick both work great.
Mixing bowl: For combining the sausage and queso mixture.
Small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl): To melt the cheese and milk together. I’ve found a heavy-bottomed pan stops the cheese from scorching.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing and scraping every last bit of queso goodness.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision keeps the filling just right.
Sharp knife and cutting board: For dicing onion, peppers, and jalapeños. If you have a food chopper, it speeds things up!

If you’re short on muffin tins, mini muffin pans work for bite-sized cups—just reduce baking time a bit. No spray? Lightly brush with oil instead. And honestly, I’ve made these with old, scratched-up pans (just line with parchment strips for easy removal). Wash everything soon after use—cheese can get stubborn if left to dry!

How to Make Crispy Sausage Queso Dip Cups

Prep the Oven and Muffin Tins (5 minutes):
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or brush lightly with oil. This will keep the wonton wrappers from sticking and help them crisp up perfectly.
Brown the Sausage and Veggies (8 minutes):
Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. After 3 minutes, toss in the diced onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño. Cook until the sausage is browned and the veggies are tender (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic, paprika, and chili powder for the last minute—your kitchen should smell amazing! Drain off excess fat, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Make the Queso Sauce (5-7 minutes):
In a small saucepan, combine the Velveeta, milk, shredded cheddar, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Heat over medium-low, stirring often, until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If using the microwave, combine in a large bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted. Stir the cooked sausage mixture into the queso. (If the queso seems too thick, add a splash more milk.)
Assemble the Cups (5 minutes):
Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, gently pleating the sides to fit. Lightly spray or brush the wrappers with oil. Spoon about 2 tablespoons (30g) of the sausage queso mixture into each cup—don’t overfill or they may bubble over.
Bake Until Crispy and Golden (10-12 minutes):
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on them for the last few minutes—every oven is a little different. If you like extra-crispy edges, bake an additional 2 minutes.
Top and Serve (2 minutes):
Let the cups cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes (they’ll be hot!). Use a spoon to gently lift them out. Sprinkle with green onions, cilantro, fresh diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream if you like.

Notes & Troubleshooting: If your wonton wrappers aren’t browning, give them a light extra spray of oil. Filling bubbling over? Try filling a little less next time. For super crispy bottoms, you can bake the empty wonton cups for 4 minutes before filling, but honestly, I usually skip that step and they turn out great!

Personal Tip: If you’re prepping for a crowd, you can brown sausage and make the filling up to 2 days in advance. Just refrigerate and assemble/bake right before serving.

Cooking Tips & Techniques for Perfect Sausage Queso Cups

Get the Right Crisp: I’ve found that brushing (or spraying) each wonton wrapper lightly with oil is the secret to getting that shatteringly crisp texture. Don’t skip the corners!
Don’t Overfill: The temptation is real, but keep the filling just below the rim so the cups don’t bubble over. Less is more for tidy, hand-held bites.
Pre-Bake for Extra Crunch: For ultra-crispy cups, bake empty wonton wrappers for 3-4 minutes, then add filling and finish baking. I’ve done both ways—depends on how crunchy you want them.
Mix Filling Well: Be sure sausage, queso, and veggies are thoroughly combined. This way, every bite is packed with flavor and you don’t get dry spots.
Keep an Eye on the Oven: Wonton wrappers can go from golden to burnt in a flash. Set a timer and check around the 8-minute mark, just in case.
Make Ahead Strategy: Prep the filling up to 2 days ahead. Fill and bake on game day. If you want to bake ahead, reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 6-8 minutes to revive the crispiness.
Personal Failures & Fixes: Once, I tried to use flour tortillas cut into circles—sadly, they got chewy, not crispy. Wonton wrappers are my go-to now. And when I forgot to drain my sausage, the cups turned out greasy. Lesson learned: always drain!
Consistency Counts: Dice veggies small and keep filling amounts even in each cup. It helps them all bake at the same rate and look Pinterest-perfect.

Honestly, after a few tries, you’ll have these down to a science—and they’ll disappear faster than you can say “touchdown.”

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about crispy sausage queso dip cups is how easily you can switch things up, depending on your mood, pantry, or dietary needs. Here are some tried-and-true variations:

Vegetarian Version: Swap out the sausage for cooked black beans, crumbled tofu, or even a plant-based sausage. Add extra bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for more texture and flavor.
Low-Carb/Keto Adaptation: Use mini bell pepper halves instead of wonton wrappers as your “cups.” Bake filled pepper cups until tender and cheese is bubbly. You can also use almond flour tortillas cut to size.
Spicy Tex-Mex: Use chorizo instead of breakfast sausage and add a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese for more heat. Top with pickled jalapeños and a squeeze of lime juice.
Different Cooking Methods: You can air fry these—just place filled cups in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes. They crisp up fast and evenly.
Flavor Swaps: Play with different cheeses (Monterey Jack, Colby, or even smoked gouda). Add a spoonful of salsa or hot sauce to the filling for a tangy twist.
Allergy-Friendly: For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and a plant-based milk. For gluten-free, choose gluten-free wonton wrappers or use mini bell pepper cups as noted above.

A family favorite at our house is the “breakfast-for-dinner” version: swap in maple breakfast sausage and top with a scrambled egg and a sprinkle of cheddar. It’s a little unconventional, but honestly, it’s a winner!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these crispy sausage queso dip cups piping hot, straight from the oven. They look stunning on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter—perfect for snapping a quick Pinterest pic before your friends devour them.

Serving Temperature: Best hot and fresh, but they’re still delicious at room temp (great for long game days).
Presentation: Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve with lime wedges for a bright finish.
Pairings: I love these with cold beer, sparkling water, or a tangy margarita. They also pair well with a fresh salsa, guacamole, or a crunchy veggie platter.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up. The microwave works in a pinch, but the wrappers lose their crunch.
Freezer Friendly: Bake and cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. They’re still crispy and cheesy—almost as good as fresh.
Flavor Over Time: These cups taste just as good the next day (if you have any left). The flavors meld and deepen, making them even more irresistible as a midnight snack.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition for one crispy sausage queso dip cup (based on the standard recipe):

Calories: ~110
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 1g

Health Highlights: The sausage brings in protein and iron, while the peppers and tomatoes add vitamin C and a little fiber. You can lighten them up by using turkey sausage and low-fat cheese, or boost nutrition with extra veggies.

Dietary Info: Gluten-free and dairy-free options are easy (see variations above). Note: Contains wheat (from wonton wrappers), dairy, and may contain soy (depending on cheese).

From a wellness standpoint, I love that each cup is portion-controlled—you get all the cheesy, meaty flavor without overdoing it. Plus, they’re so satisfying you won’t be reaching for chips every five minutes.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for the ultimate game day snack, these crispy sausage queso dip cups are a must-try. They’re easy, fast, and bursting with that classic queso dip flavor—just in a fun, hand-held form that’s perfect for sharing (or hoarding, no judgment here).

Feel free to make them your own—add more heat, sneak in veggies, or swap out the sausage. That’s half the fun! Every time I serve these, they disappear in minutes, and honestly, there’s nothing better than the sound of happy, crunchy snacking during the big game.

So, what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch, pin this recipe to your favorite board, and let me know how they turn out! Share your best game day twists in the comments—I can’t wait to see what you create. Here’s to crispy, cheesy, sausage-packed happiness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make crispy sausage queso dip cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage queso filling up to two days ahead. Store it in the fridge, then assemble and bake the cups fresh for the best crunch. If you must bake ahead, reheat in the oven to bring back the crispiness.

Can I freeze these sausage queso dip cups?

Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Once cooled, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy.

What’s the best way to keep the wonton wrappers crispy?

Brush or spray the wrappers lightly with oil and don’t overfill. If you want extra crunch, pre-bake the wrappers for a few minutes before adding the filling, then finish baking with the filling.

Can I use something other than sausage?

Definitely! Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a vegetarian option like black beans or crumbled tofu. Just be sure to add your favorite seasonings for flavor.

What if I can’t find wonton wrappers?

You can use mini flour or corn tortillas cut to fit the muffin tin, or try mini bell pepper halves for a low-carb twist. The texture will be a little different, but still tasty!

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