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Easy Zesty Cheese Dip

Easy Zesty Cheese Dip

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: About 2 cups (serves 6-8) 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian (can be made vegan with substitutions)

Description

Easy Zesty Cheese Dip is a quick and flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy cheese base. Perfect for snacking, parties, and casual get-togethers, this dip combines cream cheese, shredded cheddar, jalapeños, lime juice, and fresh green onions for a bold taste. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s versatile and customizable to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cheese Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Fresh Ingredients

  • 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (fresh or pickled)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Soften Your Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften, making it easier to blend with other ingredients.
  2. Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with sour cream. Whisk or stir with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  4. Incorporate Fresh Ingredients: Finely chop the jalapeños and slice the green onions. Stir these into the cheese mixture along with the lime juice, adding a zesty and spicy punch.
  5. Adjust the Heat: If desired, add chili flakes or an extra diced jalapeño for more spice. Mix gently to combine.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dip to thicken to a perfect consistency for scooping.

Notes

  • Use fresh jalapeños and fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Grate your own cheddar cheese for improved texture and meltability.
  • Add spicy ingredients gradually and taste as you go to balance heat levels.
  • Serve the dip chilled for the best flavor and texture.
  • Double the recipe to serve larger crowds or for leftovers.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/easy-zesty-cheese-dip/