Simple 5-Ingredient Cream Cheese Dip
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Looking for a quick and easy dip to serve? Look no further! This cream cheese dip recipe comes together in minutes and is sure to be a hit. It’s made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, beef, green onions, and cheddar cheese and you can make it your own with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.
Why You Will Love This Cream Cheese Dip
This easy and refreshing cream cheese dip is perfect for any occasion including your next gathering, but especially for the summer months when you’re looking for a light and flavorful appetizer. It’s also a great option for parties, potlucks, or a simple snack. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s a delicious and go anywhere that everyone will love. Serve it with your favorite crackers, veggies, or chips.
Ingredients
8 ounces of softened cream cheese – This is a soft, spreadable cheese that provides the rich and creamy base of the dip. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
2 tablespoons of mayonnaise – Adds a tangy flavor and helps create a smooth feel. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
2 ounces of thinly sliced beef, diced into small pieces – You can also substitute deli ham, turkey, chicken, or even bacon for the beef. We prefer using Budding beef.
2 green onions, thinly sliced, including half of the green stems – These add a mild onion flavor and a bit of freshness.
1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – Gives the dip a classic cheesy flavor and tasty bite. Use sharp or mild cheddar cheese, depending on your preference.
Instructions
1 – Combine Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. This creates the base for your dip.
2 – Add Beef, Green Onions, and Cheese: Stir in the diced beef, sliced green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3 – Adjust Seasonings (Optional): Taste the dip and add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper if desired. Feel free to get creative here! A touch of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce could add a little kick and give a nice depth of flavor.
4 – Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve with crackers, vegetables, or bread slices. You can serve our dip the way it is or garnish it with chives or fresh herbs to your liking! The choices are truly your own.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: For an even more developed flavor, this dip can easily be made a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
- Room Temperature for Serving: For the right thickness and easy dipping, let the dip sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Variations
This dip is endlessly adaptable! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Swap the Chipped Beef: Don’t have any chipped beef? No problem! Try it with diced ham, leftover turkey or chicken, or even crumbled bacon.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you like a thicker dip, use a little less mayonnaise. If you prefer it to be extra creamy, add a bit more! It’s your dip; have fun with it. The dip will stiffen up in the refrigerator.
- Make it a Cheese Ball: Want a fun and festive presentation? Reduce the mayonnaise to 2 teaspoons, then form the dip mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chilling it will make it firm enough to roll in chopped nuts, herbs, or more shredded cheese!
- Change Up the Dippers: While crackers and veggies are classic, you can even serve it with pita bread, pretzel sticks, pita chips, potato chips, or even bagel chips for a fun twist!
Storage
- Airtight Container: To keep this cream cheese dip fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. A simple plastic container with a lid or a glass jar works perfectly.
- Refrigerate Immediately: It’s essential to refrigerate the dip promptly after serving to prevent bacterial growth.
- Proper Refrigeration Time: According to food safety recommendations, cream cheese dips can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that, it’s best to discard any leftovers to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
Important Reminder: Always practice good food safety habits. To avoid contamination, don’t let the dip sit out at room temperature for extended periods, and serve using clean utensils.
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Serving Suggestions
This dip is super versatile, so get creative with what you serve alongside it! Here are some of my favorites:
- Crackers: You can’t go wrong with a classic. Sturdy crackers are perfect for scooping up this cheesy dip. I like buttery crackers, pita crackers, or those fun ones made with spent grain.
- Bread: Sliced baguette or another crusty bread is a fantastic dipper for this.
- Veggies: Want something fresh? Carrots, celery, bell peppers, or cucumber slices are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy it.
- Cheese Ball Time: If you decide to go the cheese ball route, you can wrap it with fresh parsley, fresh dill, nuts, or any other pairing you like after refrigeration. Once that is done, pair it with crunchy vegetables, tortilla chips, and other great dippers for a favorite appetizer!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better if made the day before, as the flavors have time to meld. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. For easier scooping, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
My Dip Is Too Thin. How Can I Thicken It?
If your dip seems too runny, try adding a bit more shredded cheese. You can also reduce the amount of mayonnaise in the future for a thicker consistency.
Can I Freeze This Dip?
Unfortunately, due to the cream cheese and mayonnaise, this dip doesn’t freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Our dip is always a hit and it’s the perfect no-fuss appetizer for any get-together, whether it’s game day, a casual potluck, or a spur-of-the-moment snack attack. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears!
MORE DIP RECIPES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
- Rotel Dip (sausage cream cheese dip with rotel tomatoes)
- Million Dollar Dip
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Olive Oil Bread Dip
- Caramel Apple Dip – we serve this one with fresh fruit for a simple finger food dessert
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Cream Cheese Dip
Equipment
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 ounces thinly sliced beef diced in small pieces
- 2 green onions thinly sliced, including half of the green stems
- ½ to 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- nuts, bacon, or other toppings optional
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise.
- Add beef, green onions, and cheddar cheese, and mix well.
- Spoon dip into a serving bowl or form into a ball (see notes). Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may vary based on exact ingredients used. For accuracy, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
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Editor: Oliver Baysinger
Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller
Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller is a food journalist, CEO of Pear Tree Kitchen, and co-creator of Food Blogger Help. She also has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a registered nurse licensed in the State of Oklahoma. When she has free time between writing, blogging, and cooking, she can be found volunteering as an RN with the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps.
