Creamy Cheese Dip (Printable)
A rich, creamy cheddar dip seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika, ready in 20 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 7 oz shredded cheddar cheese
03 - ⅓ cup whole milk
→ Spices & Seasonings
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp black pepper
08 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
09 - ½ tsp salt
→ Garnish
10 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
# Step-by-step:
01 - In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the cream cheese and milk. Stir continuously until smooth and fully melted together.
02 - Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is completely smooth.
03 - Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Continue heating gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove from heat. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions if desired.
05 - Serve warm with tortilla chips, breadsticks, or fresh cut vegetables.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This dip comes together faster than delivery and tastes like you spent far more effort than ten minutes.
- The smoked paprika and cayenne give it a grown up depth that store bought jars can never touch.
02 -
- If the dip gets too thick while sitting out, stir in a splash of warm milk and it will come right back to life.
- Never let the heat climb above medium low because boiled cheese will separate into a grainy oily disappointment.
03 -
- Warm your serving bowl with hot water before adding the dip because a cold bowl will start thickening it the moment it touches.
- A tiny pinch of mustard powder stirred in at the end makes the cheese flavor taste dramatically sharper and more complex.