Description
This irresistible cream cheese salsa dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold, zesty flavor. Perfect for parties, game day, or last-minute gatherings, it’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser—serve it cold or warm and bubbly.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup salsa (chunky or smooth)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped green onions or chives.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips or chill for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Optional hot version: Spread the dip in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on the edges.
Notes
Customize with different cheeses like pepper jack or Mexican blend for variation.
Use hot salsa or add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Add black beans, corn, or layer over refried beans for a chunkier, heartier dip.
Top with olives, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in microwave or oven as needed.
Best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (optional 20 minutes if baking)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing (Optional Baking)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg