I can’t get enough of this Dairy-Free Rotel Dip. It’s so good and easy to make that I think even if you don’t need to be dairy-free, you’ll want to make this popular dip this way. It’s delicious and healthy, and that’s a win-win! Be sure to try my Chili Cream Cheese Dip for another warm and tasty dairy-free dip.

Want to save this recipe?
This creamy Dairy-Free Rotel Cheese Dip recipe is great with tortilla chips, crackers, and veggies; it’s perfect for parties, game days, or just because!
This recipe is included in my Game Day Snacks roundup. Check it out for more gluten-free, dairy-free yumminess.
Jump to:
What is Rotel Dip and How to Make it Dairy-Free
Rotel Dip is usually made with a block of Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and sausage. This recipe is made with my dairy-free (vegan) nacho cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and gluten-free sausage.
The dairy-free nacho cheese can be made 1-2 days ahead for even quicker prep.
Ingredients for Dairy-Free Cheese Rotel Dip
- Dairy-Free Vegan Nacho Cheese – This can be made 1-2 days ahead for even quicker prep.
- Sausage – gluten-free and preferably one with no msg. I like Swaggerty’s All Natural Sausage. Or you can use 1 lb of ground beef or my Homemade Breakfast Beef Sausage recipe.
- Rotel – Rotel’s tomatoes & green chilis are gluten-free. They aren’t labeled gluten-free, but their website states that they are free of the top 8 allergens. If you want something labeled gluten-free, I believe Red Gold and Hatch tomatoes with green chilis are labeled gluten-free. Or you can use a 4 oz can of green chilis and a 14 oz can of petite diced tomatoes. Just remember to check the labels and ingredients to be sure it’s gluten-free. You can also use 1 1/2 cups of your favorite salsa.
Instructions

Brown sausage in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the vegan nacho cheese and Rotel tomatoes. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat until heated through.
Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.

Can this dip be made in advance?
Yes! This dip can easily be made a day or two before you need it. Let it cool and then store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and then reheat it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add 2-4 tablespoons of water to the dip if it is too thick.
The vegan nacho cheese can also be made ahead. Then, all you would need to do is brown the sausage, combine the ingredients, and heat up.
What can I add to this dip for more spice?
If you want to add more heat to this dip, you can top it with sliced canned or fresh jalapenos. Or stir in diced fresh or canned jalapenos.

More dairy-free recipes to enjoy
Dairy-Free Rotel Dip (Easy & Delicious)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stove Top
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Dairy-Free Rotel Cheese Dip that’s just as good as the real thing, with all the flavor you would expect.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups homemade vegan nacho cheese
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes or 1 ½ cups of gluten-free salsa
- 1 lb gluten-free ground sausage or ground beef
Instructions
- Brown sausage in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the vegan nacho cheese and Rotel tomatoes. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat until heated through.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.
Notes
My Homemade Breakfast Beef Sausage also works really well in this recipe.
The homemade vegan nacho cheese can be made ahead of time for an even quicker prep time.










Natasha
Made this for my family and everyone loved it. So tasty.
Mallory
This was tasty. I’ll be making it again!
Anonymous
Liz
I was skeptical but this was really good! I will say that the vegan nacho cheese sauce on its own is a bit lacking. But once you add the sausage and rotel, it hits pretty close to the real deal. My husband, who is the dairy-free one in our house, loved it, and I kept sampling it as well. Will make again!
MamaShire
So glad that you enjoyed!