Salsa Cheese Bake
Description
This Salsa Cheese Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that balances savory and sweet flavors perfectly. The base of crispy Italian sausage is topped with layers of melted Monterey Jack cheese and a unique salsa sauce infused with cinnamon, cloves, and raisins. It’s an ideal choice for game day parties, casual gatherings, or a cozy weeknight snack. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and tangy salsa creates a rich, satisfying experience that pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips.Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Heat vegetable oil in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 1 minute.
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Stir in salsa, chopped green chilies, raisins, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin.
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Heat the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
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Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
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In a 10-inch skillet, cook the bulk Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir 1 cup of the prepared salsa mixture into the cooked sausage.
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Arrange half of the Monterey Jack cheese slices in a single layer in an ungreased 1-quart shallow casserole or 9x1 1/4-inch pie plate.
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Spoon the sausage mixture evenly over the cheese slices.
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Top with the remaining cheese slices.
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Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 8 to 10 minutes.
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While the bake is in the oven, heat the remaining salsa mixture and the sliced olives in a small saucepan until hot.
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Remove the bake from the oven and immediately pour the hot salsa-olive mixture over the cheese.
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Serve warm with round tortilla chips.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 45mg15%
- Sodium 480mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
