Salsa Cheese Bake

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.

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling, Stewing

Cuisine: American

Courses: Sauces & Condiments

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 4

Calories: 220

Dietary: Vegan

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

1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Heat vegetable oil in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 1 minute.
3
Stir in salsa, chopped green chilies, raisins, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin.
4
Heat the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
5
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
6
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.
7
Stir 1 cup of the prepared salsa mixture into the cooked sausage.
8
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.
9
Spoon the sausage mixture evenly over the cheese slices.
10
Top with the remaining cheese slices.
11
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 8 to 10 minutes.
12
While the bake is in the oven, heat the remaining salsa mixture and the sliced olives in a small saucepan until hot.
13
Remove the bake from the oven and immediately pour the hot salsa-olive mixture over the cheese.
14
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.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/salsa-cheese-bake/