25 Cream Cheese Dip Recipes for Every Occasion (2024)

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25 Cream Cheese Dip Recipes for Every Occasion (1)Lisa Kaminski

25 Cream Cheese Dip Recipes for Every Occasion (2)Hannah PughUpdated: Jan. 11, 2024

    The secret ingredient to smooth, decadent appetizers: cream cheese. Here are our best cream cheese dip recipes.

    25 Cream Cheese Dip Recipes for Every Occasion (3)TMB Studio

    Cream cheese dip in all its forms is the perfect party starter. A brick of your favorite cream cheese can be transformed into sweet dips perfect for dunking fruit and cookies. You can also use cream cheese to make savory, addicting dips.

    Whatever route you take, you’ll never find leftovers after your shindig.

    1/24

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    For many, buffalo chicken dip is the first recipe that comes to mind when someone sayscream cheese dip. This dip is creamy, spicy and a touch salty—exactly what your guests want at your game day party.

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    2/24

    taste of home

    Fluffy Caramel Apple Dip

    After your trip to the apple orchard, stir up this caramel cream cheese dip. It’s the perfect pairing with a crisp Cortland apple or tart Granny Smith (or really any type of apple!).

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    3/24

    Taste of Home

    Pimiento and Cheese Spread

    Pimiento cheese spread is a must at southern parties, but Food Editor Rashanda Cobbins argues that everyone should give this cream cheese dip a try! It’s creamy but gets a kick from cayenne and paprika.

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    4/24

    Dill Pickle Dip

    Pickle lovers, here’s a new way to enjoy your favorite food! This cream cheese dip uses your favorite dill pickles and a splash of pickle juice for dill-icious flavor. Pair this one with extra crunchy potato chips.

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    5/24

    Dreamy Fruit Dip

    Making a fruit tray for your next party? Complete your platter with this airy fruit dip that starts with cream cheese and gets a bit of sweetness from marshmallow fluff. Next, try making these cream cheese appetizers in your kitchen.

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    6/24

    25 Cream Cheese Dip Recipes for Every Occasion (8)

    Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

    Loaded Hidden Valley Ranch Dip

    The original Hidden Valley Ranch dip is a mainstay at potlucks. But this loaded ranch dip takes things to the next level with bacon, cheddar cheese and chives.

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    7/24

    Taste of Home

    Hot Spinach Spread with Pita Chips

    Need an app that won’t leave you with leftovers at your next book club meeting? This hot spinach dip is it! Filled with plenty of spice and creamy cheeses, this one is hard to put down as you discuss the latest Kristin Hannah novel.

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    8/24

    Chocolate Chip Dip

    This cream cheese dip is a sweet addition to your appetizer spread. Combined with a bit of brown sugar and vanilla extract, this tastes like chocolate chip cookies but richer. Pair with graham crackers or wafer cookies.

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    9/24

    Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger Dip

    Break out your slow cooker for this super easy dip. Just stir in all the ingredients and let the slow cooker simmer on low. You can even prep this recipe a night in advance.

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    10/24

    Honey Fruit Dip

    Go beyond basic sweet with your fruit dip. This recipe includes cream cheese and a bit of marshmallow fluff, of course, but gets personality from fresh orange zest and cinnamon.

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    11/24

    Quick Taco Dip

    Go beyond salsa and guac at your next party and stir up a layered taco dip. With a base of cream cheese blended with taco seasoning, you can pile on all your favorite taco toppings like tomato, cheese, olives and green onion.

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    12/24

    Five-Cheese Fonduta

    If one cheese is good, five is way better! This fonduta (that’s the Italian version of fondue) includes cream cheese, fontina, cheddar, parmesan and mozzarella. Stir in your favorite Italian herbs and plenty of garlic before popping it in the oven. This is a decadent app that guests will love.

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    13/24

    Bacon Cheddar Dip

    Bacon? Cheddar? Ranch? This dip has all the flavors you crave stirred in one. Serve this one with butter crackers or potato chips.

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    14/24

    Artichoke Spread with Garlic Bread

    Filled with spinach and artichoke, this dip is an instant hit at parties. Serve it with crackers or take it to the next level and toss some garlic bread in the oven for dipping. Homemade is always best, but our Test Kitchen likes these garlic bread brands from the freezer section, too.

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    These are the states where Artichoke dip is the most popular game day dip.

    15/24

    Taste of Home

    Hot Crab Dip

    For many folks, it’s not a party without hot crab dip! Make it yourself with imitation crab. It’s so easy!

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    16/24

    Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese

    Curry powder gives this easy salmon dip extra personality. Serve this dip alongside seedy crackers or even toasted pita.

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    17/24

    Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip

    Need a sweet addition on your snack table? This strawberry cream cheese dip is perfectly sweet thanks to fresh berries and a hint of honey. Serve it with graham crackers or homemade shortbread cookies.

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    18/24

    25 Cream Cheese Dip Recipes for Every Occasion (20)

    Million Dollar Dip

    This Pioneer Woman favorite is filled with three kinds of cheese plus cream cheese! It’s loaded with flavor thanks to bacon, onion and garlic and has a nice crunch thanks to a sprinkling of almonds. Don’t forget to check out our favorite million-dollar spaghetti recipe.

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    19/24

    Hot Wing Dip

    Get all the flavors of hot wings in a single dish. Guests will want to scoop up chip after chip of this cream cheese dip. Choose your favorite hot sauce to customize the level of heat.

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    20/24

    Benedictine Spread

    Benedictine spread is a Kentucky classic. You’ll find this dip that’s swirled with cucumber, dill and cream cheese served up at many a Derby Day party. Don’t forget the mint juleps!

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    21/24

    Beer Dip

    Break out a bag of pretzels and crack open a beer! This beer cheese dip is the ideal app to serve at your Oktoberfest shindig. We recommend these Oktoberfest beers to get the party started (and to stir into this cream cheese dip!).

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    22/24

    Taste of Home

    Jalapeno Popper Spread

    Try a twist on the classic appetizer with this dip. This cream cheese dip uses all the same flavors as a classic jalapeno popper and can be served up with tortilla chips, pita crisps or even crisp veggies.

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    23/24

    Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach-Artichoke Dip

    Smoked gouda and sun-dried tomato take this spinach dip to the next level. Serve it with crackers, veggies or even toasted garlic bread.

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    24/24

    Garlic Blue Cheese Dip

    Blue cheese fanatics, there’s finally a dip for you! This recipe uses cubed and crumbled blue cheese so you get more of the flavor you love. Use any leftovers as a sandwich spread.

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    Originally Published: December 16, 2021

    25 Cream Cheese Dip Recipes for Every Occasion (27)

    Lisa Kaminski

    Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.

    25 Cream Cheese Dip Recipes for Every Occasion (28)

    Hannah Pugh

    Hannah Pugh is a former assistant editor for Taste of Home. She focused on writing affiliate content product reviews, newsletters and recipe collections. In her free time, she can be found sipping coffee at cafes, reading or rock climbing with her husband.

    25 Cream Cheese Dip Recipes for Every Occasion (2024)

    FAQs

    What's good to dip in cream cheese? ›

    Since this cream cheese dip is full flavor, it's also amazing as a dip for crackers and tortilla chips. We love using Ritz crackers, multigrain crackers, pretzels, pita chips and Kettle chips or Ruffles. You could even scoop some onto a wrap or sandwich, or spread a spoonful over a bagel!

    Can you freeze leftover cream cheese dip? ›

    Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Dip? If you'd like to prepare your cream cheese dips ahead of time or purchase ready-made dips ahead of your party, you can freeze them for up to two months. If you have leftover cream cheese dip, you can freeze it for two months in an airtight container or freezer bag.

    What can I put cream cheese on besides bagels? ›

    Leftover cream cheese recipes
    1. Omelette. Enrich a thick, grilled frittata with cream cheese. ...
    2. Cakes and bakes. While other dairy products like yogurt or buttermilk can be used within a cake batter, cream cheese is best reserved as a topping. ...
    3. The ultimate sandwich. ...
    4. Fondue. ...
    5. Frosting. ...
    6. Sauces. ...
    7. Cheat's cheesecake. ...
    8. Meatballs.

    What can I use my cream cheese for? ›

    Contents:
    1. Cream cheese frosting.
    2. Spread on a bagel or toast.
    3. Mix into scrambled eggs.
    4. Use as a dip for fruits and vegetables.
    5. Cream up your pasta sauce.
    6. Make a pumpkin holiday cheese ball.
    7. Stir into soup to add creaminess or thickness.
    8. Add herbs and spices to use as a base for a cheese spread or dip.

    What's the difference between cream cheese and cream cheese dip? ›

    Cream cheese spread has a softer and more spreadable texture, making it easier to spread on bread or crackers. Cream cheese, on the other hand, has a denser and firmer texture, which makes it suitable for use in recipes that require a thicker consistency.

    What cheese goes best with cream cheese? ›

    Sharp Cheddar

    Grated sharp cheddar cheese peppers up that cream cheese base with its nuttiness. Plus, it's hard not to like cheddar, so your resulting cheese ball is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. A coating of crispy bacon makes a nice partner.

    Why does cream cheese say "do not freeze"? ›

    Thanks to the high moisture content of cream cheese—freezing this dairy product causes the water present to expand, forming ice crystals. As a result, frozen cream cheese will likely have a crumbly, grainy, gritty and chunky texture once thawed.

    How long does cream cheese dip last in the fridge? ›

    Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temp before using. This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Serve at room temp (or remove from the fridge 20 minutes before serving).

    Why is my cream cheese crumbly after freezing? ›

    This is because ice crystals form during the freezing process. Cream cheese is approximately half water, emulsified with cheese curds. The ice crystals break down the emulsion, causing the water and cheese curds to separate, leaving a grainy, crumbly consistency once the cream cheese is thawed.

    What is a bagel with cream cheese called? ›

    You will sometimes hear it referred to as “schmear” (which is from Yiddish “schmirn”, meaning “to spread”) but “schmear” need not be cream cheese, it can be any spread. Butter, peanut butter, even smashed avocado can be a “schmear”.

    What vegetables are good with cream cheese? ›

    We love the trendy combination of red bell peppers with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning, but you can really use any non-starchy vegetable option that you enjoy! Try it with celery and carrots or slices of cucumber, zucchini or tomato.

    When not to use cream cheese? ›

    Cream cheese that has been continuously refrigerated can last for several weeks. “Cream cheese packages that haven't been opened can be used for up to two to three weeks past their best by date,” Edwards says. “Once opened, it's best to use cream cheese within ten days.

    What is healthy to eat with cream cheese? ›

    Tips for Consuming Cream Cheese

    Here are some ways to incorporate cream cheese into a healthy diet: Spread cream cheese on whole grain bread at breakfast, topped with bagel seasoning and veggies, such as sliced tomato, cucumber, red onion, and spinach.

    Is cream cheese healthy? ›

    Cream cheese is a versatile dairy spread. It's a good source of vitamin A and doesn't provide much lactose. However, it's low in protein and high in fat and calories, so it's best to use it in moderation. Notably, versions like whipped cream cheese are lower in fat and calories.

    What to eat with cream cheese as a snack? ›

    11 Bite-Size Cream Cheese Snacks That'll Curb Your 3 P.M. Hunger
    1. Avocado and Bacon on a Flatbread Cracker. ...
    2. Ham and Apple Snackers. ...
    3. Cranberry-Walnut Endive Boats. ...
    4. Brown Sugar Dream Dates. ...
    5. Berry Delicious Granola Bar. ...
    6. Strawberry Graham Cracker Bites. ...
    7. Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Banana Snack. ...
    8. Cucumber-Tomato Crunch Bites.
    Feb 26, 2016

    What snacks go well with cheese dip? ›

    Crackers: A traditional accompaniment for cheese dip is crackers. They make a strong foundation for the dip and are simple to bite-size pieces. Pretzels: Another preferred food item for dipping in cheese is pretzels. Their chewy texture and salty flavor provide the ideal counterpoint to the richness of the dip.

    What goes well with cream cheese on a sandwich? ›

    Cream Cheese + Cucumbers on Whole-Wheat Bread: A classic combination is only made better by the addition of fresh herbs, such as mint or dill. Cream Cheese + Salami on Sourdough: A twist on a ham and cheese sandwich that any kid can appreciate. Add a schmear of spicy mustard for some heat and tang, if you like.

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