This Tex-Mex fave takes no time to make and will be a surefire hit at your next party!
Is it even a party without taco dip? My 90s childhood would say otherwise. This Tex-Mex staple has been in my life (and mouth) as far back as I can remember. From birthday parties to backyard barbecues, there always seemed to be a big plate of taco dip at the center of the table. Now, as an adult, I finally see why—it’s so flippin’ easy to make. I’m proud to say that this colorful, cheesy concoction is a delicious centerpiece to many of my gatherings now, too. I hope you’re proud, ma.
One bite, and you’re hooked. At least, I am! The tangy cream cheese and yogurt juxtapose quite well with the homemade Taco Seasoning, providing the perfect base for the sharp cheddar and fresh veggies. Pick your favorite Tortilla Chips and start dipping. Because really, this recipe won’t take you too long. And not to brag, but this appetizer sure is pretty—just look at those pics, people!
Is Taco Dip Healthy?
Well, I will say that I’ve certainly enjoyed more decadent taco dips than this recipe. Also, I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, so that definitely adds to the probiotic and protein content. But there’s no denying that you’ll find plenty of saturated fat here. The good news is that you can easily modify the calorie count by using reduced-fat cream cheese. I’d still keep the cheddar full-fat because I think low-fat cheese just won’t produce good results. Instead, use less: ¾ cup. That way, the flavor won’t be too compromised.
Homemade Taco seasoning… The Key Ingredient!
There’s no denying that dairy is at the center of most taco dips. However, it’s not the key ingredient. That credit goes to the humble taco seasoning. And you’ll note that the recipe calls for homemade taco seasoning. While store-bought taco seasoning works in a pinch, I recommend making your own. I’ve found when I blend the spices myself, there’s more flavor. Besides, the store-bought stuff usually contains food additives and anti-caking agents that inevitably mess with the flavor. Plus, taco seasoning is super simple. Basically, it’s a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Chances are, you have most of these spices in your cupboards already!
How To Make Ahead And Store
You could probably get away with making this ahead of time, minus the tortilla chips, up to 3 days in advance. But from personal experience, I’d say that the chopped-up veggies won’t taste as fresh. I recommend only making the dip portion in advance and adding the veggies when you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This is a dip, so you’ll need something to dip with, right? Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips are a solid pick, though I’m a bit partial to these surprisingly addicting Keto Tortilla Chips, and I’m not even low-carb! And for something healthier, Blanched Broccoli or carrots would be a lighter choice for this rich dip.
If you plan on serving the taco dip at your next party, why not bring some other dips to the table? After all, you’ll probably have at least a half cup of Greek yogurt left from the taco recipe, so you might as well make a Greek Yogurt Spinach Dip! I’d also recommend this Buffalo Cauliflower Dip. It’s creamy, spicy, and so yummy.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1 large tomato diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup black olives sliced
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and taco seasoning until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into a 9-inch pie plate or shallow serving dish.
- Layer the shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced black olives on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Serve the taco dip with tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until serving.
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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