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This creamy, tangy cream cheese dip is loaded with sharp cheddar and comes together in just 10 minutes. It’s the kind of easy appetizer you can whip up for parties, game day, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing snack without the fuss.
If you love easy dips, try this BLT Dip or Jalapeno Popper Dip. Find more favorites in our dip recipes collection.
3 Tips That Will Make or Break This Recipe
A few simple steps will set you up for the smoothest, creamiest dip every time.
- Soften your cream cheese first. Room temperature cream cheese is the key to a smooth, lump-free dip. Set it out on the counter for about 30 minutes before mixing, or use the quick-soften method below.
- Bring the sour cream to room temperature too. This helps everything blend together more easily and gives you that perfectly creamy consistency.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts and mixes much more smoothly
RECIPE WALK-THROUGH
How to Make This Cream Cheese Dip
See the recipe card below for full, detailed instructions
This dip takes just a few minutes of hands-on time and doesn’t require any cooking or chilling.
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream
Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. This takes about 1 to 2 minutes.
If you notice any lumps, keep mixing until they disappear.
- Quick Soften Tip: Forgot to set out your cream cheese? Remove it from the foil wrapper, place it on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave in 5-second bursts on low power. You want it soft but not melted.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar, ground mustard, garlic powder, and minced chives. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined.
The dip should be thick, creamy, and speckled with cheese and chives throughout.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Give it a quick taste and add a pinch more garlic powder or a few extra chives if you’d like. The flavors will meld a bit as it sits.
Step 3: Transfer and Serve
Scoop the dip into a serving bowl, sprinkle with extra chives if you’d like, and set out with your favorite dippers.
No chilling required, though you can make it ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Easy Flavor Variations
This base recipe is delicious on its own, but it’s also a great starting point for different flavor directions.
- Bacon Cheddar Dip: Fold in 3 to 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add 2 tablespoons of diced pickled jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Ranch Style: Stir in 1 tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning mix instead of (or in addition to) the ground mustard and garlic powder.
- Everything Bagel Dip: Swap the chives and spices for 1 to 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half or all of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier dip with less fat.
- Different Cheese: Try pepper jack instead of sharp cheddar for a little heat, or use a smoked gouda for deeper flavor.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Dip
This dip pairs well with just about anything you’d use for scooping. Here are some favorites:
- Chips: Crinkle-cut potato chips, tortilla chips, or Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- Crackers: Buttery crackers, wheat thins, or Air Fryer Wonton Chips
- Bread: Toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or Pretzel Bites
- Veggies: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber rounds. A simple veggie tray is always a hit.
For a party spread, set this dip out alongside a few other easy appetizers like Loaded Cream Cheese Dip or Spinach Artichoke Dip.
Storage Tips
Storage and Make Ahead
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dip will firm up as it chills, so let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving again so it softens and becomes easy to scoop.
This dip is also great for making ahead. Prepare it a day or two before your party and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you soften cream cheese quickly?
Remove the cream cheese from its foil wrapper and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave in 5-second increments on low power, checking after each burst. You want it soft enough to mix easily but not melted or runny.
Why is my cream cheese dip lumpy?
Lumps usually happen when the cream cheese isn’t fully softened before mixing. If your dip turns out lumpy, keep beating it with a hand mixer until smooth. For the best results, always start with room temperature cream cheese.
How long does cream cheese dip last in the fridge?
This dip will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving so it softens back up.
More Easy Dip Recipes
- Whipped Feta Cheese Dip
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Hot Mexican Corn Dip
- Cheesy Baked Garlic Dip
- 3 Ingredient Rotel Dip
- Whipped Ricotta with Honey
Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream at room temperature
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoons minced chives plus more for garnish
- Crinkle cut potato chips, crackers, or pretzels for dipping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream with a hand mixer until smooth and slightly fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, ground mustard, garlic powder, and chives. Mix on low speed until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, garnish with extra chives if desired, and serve with chips, crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese first: Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth, lump-free dip. Set it out 30 minutes before mixing, or microwave in 5-second bursts on low power.
- Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar blends more smoothly than pre-shredded, which is coated with anti-caking agents.
- Lighter version: Substitute half or all of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier dip with less fat.
- Add-in ideas: Fold in crumbled bacon, diced jalapenos, sliced green onions, or swap in dry ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Different cheese: Try pepper jack for heat or smoked gouda for deeper flavor.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften.
- Make ahead: This dip can be prepared 1 to 2 days ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
