This easy taco dip recipe comes together in a flash and can be made ahead of time for your next party or potluck. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the typical queso dip or layered dip with refried beans, guacamole and salsa. Cream cheese dips pair well with tortilla chips for dipping, and that works especially well for this recipe where cream cheese and sour cream are blended with taco seasoning. And because this dip is served cold, you don’t have to find an outlet to plug in your slow cooker!
We’ll show you how to make this taco dip in two easy steps. First, prepare the creamy dip base. Whipping the cream cheese by hand takes a lot of elbow grease, so use a hand mixer if you have one. Then, layer the dip, spreading the base into a pie plate and topping it with shredded cheese and delightful toppings. That’s it: It really is that easy!
Taco Dip Ingredients
- Cream cheese and sour cream: These ingredients combine to create a rich, creamy dip base. Before you get started, soften the cream cheese so it’s easier to work with.
- Taco seasoning: Use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning. We add extra cayenne pepper to kick up the heat, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Lime juice: Acidic lime juice adds depth and balances the rich flavor of the cream cheese.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar cheese is our go-to option, but you could use a Mexican cheese blend. For a fun twist, try crumbled Cotija cheese.
- Toppings: You can use any of your favorite taco toppings. We like the combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes and briny olives, but the sky’s the limit! Just make sure to drain the tomatoes and any canned toppings to avoid watering down the dip.
- Optional additions: For an added flavor boost, finish the taco dip with cooked ground beef, sliced green onions or crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips.
Directions
Step 1: Make the creamy dip base
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, cayenne and lime juice until smooth.
Step 2: Spread the creamy dip base
Spread the base into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate or shallow serving dish.
Step 3: Finish the taco dip
Top the base with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and olives. If desired, add ground beef, green onions and crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips.
Recipe Variations
- Make it heartier: Add black beans, Mexican rice or cooked ground meat like turkey or chorizo.
- Spice it up: Blend hot sauce or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the creamy dip base. Or add diced green chiles or sliced jalapenos as a vegetable topping.
Can you make taco dip ahead of time?
This easy taco dip recipe will last up to four days in the refrigerator, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Spread the creamy dip base into the pie plate as directed. Wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The vegetable toppings will wilt in the fridge, so leave them for later.
When you’re ready to eat the taco dip, put it on the counter for about 30 minutes to let the cream cheese soften. Then, prep and add the toppings just before serving.
Taco Dip Tips
How do you prep tomatoes for taco dip?
Tomatoes add juicy flavor to taco dip, but remove the seeds from the tomatoes before chopping them to avoid adding excess liquid to the dip. Check out our other top tips for using fresh tomatoes.
How do you adjust the consistency of taco dip?
If the taco dip is runny or watery, chill it in the refrigerator. Colder temperatures will help the cream cheese firm up and set. Conversely, if the dip is too thick, beat the creamy dip base with a bit of water to thin it out.
What do you serve with taco dip?
Serve this easy taco dip recipe with tortilla chips or another sturdy chip, like pita chips or crackers. You can even use vegetables like carrots, celery sticks, sliced bell peppers or radishes to create a colorful crudites platter.
