Cream Cheese Salsa Dip – 2-Ingredient Party Favorite in Minutes
This Cream Cheese Salsa Dip is the ultimate last-minute appetizer—creamy, tangy, and irresistibly scoopable. With just two ingredients—smooth cream cheese and your favorite salsa—you can whip up a bold, flavorful dip in minutes. Serve it warm or cold with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for parties, game day, or movie nights. Customize it with shredded cheese, jalapeños, or fresh herbs for extra flair. Quick, easy, and always a hit!
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or spatula
- Baking dish (for hot version)
- Serving bowl or platter
- Optional: shallow dish for layered presentation
- Bold Tip: Use a shallow dish for layered versions—it shows off the colors and makes scooping easier.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or colby jack)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped jalapeños
- ¼ cup black beans or corn
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
- ½ avocado, diced
- 1 tbsp pineapple tidbits or a drizzle of honey
Instructions
Cold Version:
- 1.Soften Cream Cheese: Spread evenly in a shallow dish.2.Layer: Spoon salsa over cream cheese, then sprinkle shredded cheese.3.Top: Add jalapeños, green onions, or other toppings.4.Chill: Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving.5.Serve: Pair with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks.
- Hot Version:
- 1.Mix: Combine softened cream cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin in a bowl.2.Transfer: Spread into a baking dish.3.Top: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly.4.Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.5.Garnish & Serve: Add fresh toppings and serve warm.
- Bold Tip: Don’t overbake—just melt the cheese and warm the dip through to preserve its creamy texture.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble cold version up to 24 hours in advance.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or oven.
- Flavor Boost: Taste salsa before mixing—it sets the tone for the whole dip.
- Creative Uses: Stir leftovers into scrambled eggs, quesadillas, or wraps for a second life.
- Dietary Swaps: Use light cream cheese or plant-based alternatives for low-fat or vegan versions.