No fuss, all raves. A ten-minute prep party dip to save the day!
My mother is a social butterfly, and when I was a kid, I got dragged to numerous block parties, birthdays, and luncheons. My mother’s potato salad is legendary, her meatloaf is requested as a gift, and her cheese-stuffed pumpkins at Thanksgiving have been referred to as her “Martha Stewart moment.” However, these showstopper dishes have her toiling away until all hours of the night and early morning.
On one particularly stressful night, she didn’t have enough time to make ten pounds of potato salad before the Oscar Party. After that fiasco, my mother brainstormed and realized cream cheese was her salvation. Want something spicy and creamy? Mix tasty salsa into a block of cream cheese and serve with tortilla chips. Craving that coveted salty/sweet combination? Pour a jar of pepper jelly over the cream cheese and serve with Triscuits. Sweet treat? Fold brown sugar and cinnamon into the cream cheese and serve with ginger snaps and apple slices. Easy! Pretty soon, our fridge was stocked with eight to ten blocks of cream cheese at a time. My mother was now armed with the main ingredient necessary to dazzle a crowd at any event.
Cream cheese has a rich texture and can take on an herb or spice’s flavor profile quite easily. The simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic in this recipe lends a subtle background, while the finely chopped chives provide a delicate taste of onion. This is a classic party dip that is sure to delight your guests.
Is Cream Cheese Dip Healthy?
A cream cheese dip will never top the list of the world’s healthiest foods. It’s high in fat and doesn’t really have much nutritional value. Therefore, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. That said, if you pair it with a platter of crisp, fresh veggies, you’ll be adding a nutritious element to balance out the indulgence. You can replace the dairy with vegan versions, but bear in mind that results may vary depending on which brands you use.
Who Invented Cream Cheese?
American cream cheese is said to have been invented in 1872 when dairyman William A. Lawrence decided to add more cream to the Neufchâtel cheese he had been making. (Neufchâtel is a mold-ripened, slightly crumbly, Brie-like cheese and one of the oldest cheeses in France.) The extra cream did the trick, and the delectably rich, smooth cream cheese we love today came into existence. Contrary to popular belief, Lawrence did not concoct this in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or Philadelphia, New York, but in Chester, New York. Philadelphia would just become the brand’s name.
How to make ahead and store
This spread can be made up to 4 days in advance and will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can also be made and immediately served, but the flavors will meld better if it sits for at least 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with potato chips, tortilla chips, crackers, vegetables, a good crusty baguette, you name it. This spread would be delicious on a bagel or a piece of toast, or even mixed in with scrambled eggs. You’ve got a versatile winner here.
For those who can’t get enough of cream cheese, try this deliciously sweet Strawberry Cream Cheese. Other party dips that won’t disappoint include our Onion Dip, Buffalo Ranch Chicken Dip, and Greek Yogurt Spinach Dip.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Mix in chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors. Serve chilled with your choice of crackers or vegetables.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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