Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is the no-cook appetizer we make year-round, especially for game days, potlucks, holiday gatherings and taco night. With just a few minutes of mixing, it comes together when guests are on the way.
This taco dip gets its flavor from taco seasoning blended into a base of cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Layers of salsa, shredded lettuce and cheddar cheese add the classic taco toppings.
This taco dip delivers the same bold flavors as our Mini Taco Cups and Big Mac Quesadillas.
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Ingredients
This taco dip uses a handful of fridge and pantry staples.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the dip its thick, creamy base.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Greek yogurt adds a little extra protein, while sour cream creates a slightly richer, more traditional flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds the classic taco flavor without a long list of spices. Use your favorite store-bought blend or homemade taco seasoning.
- Salsa: Any kind works here. A chunky salsa adds more texture, while a smoother salsa creates cleaner layers. I often blend mine up for the kids that "don't like tomatoes".
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds freshness and a little crunch that balances the creamy base.
- Cheddar Cheese: Finishes the top with a generous layer of classic taco flavor.
All you need is a shallow serving dish, I usually use a pie plate. A hand mixer helps smooth the cream cheese, but mixing by hand works too.
Variations
- Add Ground Beef: Browned and seasoned ground beef turns this into a heartier appetizer that feels more like a complete meal.
- Layer with Refried Beans: Spread a layer of refried beans beneath the cream cheese mixture for a classic seven-layer dip feel.
- Top with Black Olives: Sliced black olives add extra flavor and color.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, tomatoes, or green onions make great toppings.
- Make It Spicy: Use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños to the top.
How to Make Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
This dip comes together in one mixing bowl and a serving dish.
In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese by hand or with a hand mixer, mix it around to smooth it out; the softer it is the easier it is to do this by hand.
Add Greek yogurt and taco seasoning in and blend it all together until smooth.
Transfer to a serving dish, then top with a layer of salsa, shredded lettuce and cheese.
Hint: Start with softened cream cheese for the smoothest mixture without lumps.
Recipe Tips
- Chill Before Serving: About 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the flavors blend and makes the dip easier to scoop.
- Use a Shallow Dish: A wider dish helps create even layers and makes serving easier.
- Pat Lettuce Dry: Excess moisture can make the toppings soggy if the dip sits for a while.
- Add Toppings Just Before Serving: This helps keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
For a fuller party spread, serve this dip alongside our Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers.
More Appetizers
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered in an airtight container or tightly wrapped serving dish for up to 3 days (keep in mind the lettuce might get soft).
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy layer can separate once thawed.
- Make Ahead: The cream cheese mixture can be prepared a day in advance.
Serving Suggestions
- More Dips: Sausage Queso Dip and Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip.
- Mexican-Inspired: Chicken Tinga Tacos, One Pot Taco Pasta, and Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas.
- Refreshing Drinks: Watermelon Sangria, Strawberry Lemonade, or Strawberry Horchata.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese Recipe FAQs
Blend softened cream cheese with Greek yogurt and taco seasoning until smooth. Spread it in a serving dish, then top with salsa, shredded lettuce and cheddar cheese.
Cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, taco seasoning and salsa make a 4-ingredient taco dip. This recipe adds shredded lettuce and cheddar cheese on top for the classic taco layers.
Cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream and taco seasoning make up the creamy 3-ingredient taco dip. Any added toppings are personal preference.
Tortilla chips are the classic choice, and bell pepper strips, cucumber slices and celery sticks make fresh dippers. Leftover dip also works as a spread in a breakfast or sandwich wrap with protein or veggies.
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Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Equipment
- Measuring Cup
- Mixing Bowl
- Serving Dish
- Hand Mixer if desired
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 3 ounce pack taco seasoning
- 1 ¼ cup salsa any kind
- cheddar cheese shredded
- lettuce shredded
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese by hand or with a hand mixer, mix it around to smooth it out; the softer it is the easier it is to do this by hand.
- Add Greek yogurt and taco seasoning in and blend it all together until smooth.
- Transfer to a serving dish, then top with a layer of salsa, shredded lettuce and cheese.
Notes
- Chill Before Serving: About 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the flavors blend and makes the dip easier to scoop.
- Use a Shallow Dish: A wider dish helps create even layers and makes serving easier.
- Pat Lettuce Dry: Excess moisture can make the toppings soggy if the dip sits for a while.
- Add Toppings Just Before Serving: This helps keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
- Softened Cream Cheese: This creates the smoothest mixture and prevents lumps.
- Refrigerator: Store covered in an airtight container or tightly wrapped serving dish for up to 3 days (keep in mind the lettuce might get soft).
- Make Ahead: The cream cheese mixture can be prepared a day in advance. We usually wait to add the lettuce and cheese until shortly before serving.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy layer can separate once thawed.
Nutrition
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We have been making this taco dip for years. It is simple to make, and we always have these ingredients in the house!