Let me be honest: I wasn’t expecting this humble little cheese dip to become the thing I’m known for. But here we are. Every party, every game day, every casual get-together—people ask if I’m bringing that dip. And they mean this one.
It’s melty, creamy, perfectly cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make. A handful of ingredients, a few minutes of prep, and suddenly you’ve got the most talked-about snack on the table. What I love most about it? It’s flexible. You can spice it up, dress it down, or throw it together in your sleep and still get rave reviews.
Here’s how I make the cheese dip that will make you famous—and how you can make it your own.
Why This Dip Is So Irresistible
- Cream cheese makes it rich and velvety
- Grated cheddar melts into gooey perfection
- Mayonnaise keeps it smooth and spoonable—not greasy or heavy
- Baked until golden and bubbly
- Pairs with just about any dipper you can think of
- Takes minimal effort and feeds a crowd
This is one of those “dump, bake, and devour” recipes that never lets me down. It’s dangerously snackable—and honestly, better than any store-bought queso or party dip I’ve tried.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves a party | Prep Time: 5 mins | Bake Time: 20 mins)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
(Use jalapeño jack or pepper jack if you want heat) - 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 small red onion, diced
(Or use sliced green onions for a milder flavor—or skip altogether if you’re not an onion fan)
How I Make It (Step-by-Step)
1. Combine the Ingredients
In a shallow baking dish (a 9-inch square pan, quiche dish, or even a pie plate works), I add:
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar
- Mayonnaise
- Diced red onion
At this point, I pop the dish into the microwave for 2 minutes on high—just enough to soften the cream cheese and get things ready to mix.
2. Stir It All Together
I use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything until it’s smooth and evenly blended. The cheddar won’t melt yet, but it’ll soften up once it hits the oven.
Pro tip: Want to level it up? Add a pinch of garlic powder, a dash of hot sauce, or even a handful of cooked bacon bits right here.
3. Bake Until Bubbly
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until it’s hot, melty, and lightly golden on top.
The edges will get a little browned, and that’s where the magic happens—crispy, cheesy goodness you’ll fight over.
4. Serve It Hot
Straight from the oven, I serve it up with:
- Wheat Thins (perfectly salty and sturdy)
- Fritos Scoops (for max dip action)
- Pita chips, tortilla chips, or baguette slices
- Sliced bell peppers or cucumbers if you want to balance the richness
I usually garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits right before serving for that extra wow factor.
How to Make It Your Own
This dip is basically a blank canvas for cheesy creativity. Here are a few variations I’ve tried (and loved):
- Spicy twist: Use pepper jack and add minced jalapeños
- Tex-Mex style: Stir in canned green chiles, taco seasoning, or a handful of black beans
- Meaty version: Add cooked, crumbled sausage or bacon right into the mix
- Herby and fresh: Add chopped chives or parsley just before serving for a pop of color and brightness
- Baked Brie vibes: Sub in brie or goat cheese for part of the cheddar for a fancier take
FAQs From My Snack-Loving Kitchen
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Mix all the ingredients, store covered in the fridge, and just bake when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Does it reheat well?
A: Yes! Just microwave or reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. It’s still delicious the next day.
Q: Can I make it without mayonnaise?
A: You can swap in sour cream or plain Greek yogurt if you prefer. It’ll change the texture slightly, but it still works great.
Q: What if I want a smoother dip?
A: Blend all ingredients in a food processor before baking for a whipped, almost mousse-like texture.
Final Thoughts
This famous cheese dip is warm, comforting, just the right amount of indulgent, and guaranteed to make you the snack MVP at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting, bringing a dish to share, or just want something cozy to eat with your favorite show, this dip delivers.
Simple ingredients, easy prep, and that perfect cheesy pull—it’s the kind of recipe you keep on standby because it neverdisappoints.
Make it once, and don’t be surprised when you start hearing: “Are you bringing that dip again?”
Spoiler: You’ll want to.
Bubbly, Creamy, and Utterly Addictive Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 1/4 cup diced pimentos
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chips or veggies for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, pimentos, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the dip to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with chips or veggies.
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