Creamy Taco Dip
Dive into a bowl of this taco dip at your next party! Creamy, cheesy, and with a kick of spice, it’s always a hit.
Whenever I need a quick and easy — yet totally delicious — dip for a party, I turn to this simple no-cook taco dip. I’ve been enjoying it for 30 years, and it’s not hard to see why it’s a classic!
Made with cream cheese, your favorite taco seasoning, and a handful of other ingredients, this dip is a staple across the Midwest.
Sometimes it’s served as a layered taco dip, but I love it just as it is! Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies, and you’ve got an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party.
Ingredients for taco dip
Full list of ingredients including quantities is located in the recipe card.
You’ll need:
- Cream cheese – Make sure the cream cheese is softened ahead of making this recipe, otherwise it won’t blend with the sour cream.
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Taco seasoning – Make your own taco seasoning or use a store-bought blend. If using a packet, you’ll need 1 standard size packet.
- Paprika
- Ground cayenne pepper
- Green onions (scallions)
Note that salt is not added to this dip due to the salt content in the taco seasoning. You can add salt to taste if you like, but keep in mind the tortilla chips or crackers you serve this with will also be salted!
How to make this recipe
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, taco seasoning, paprika, and cayenne, and beat until evenly combined.
Fold in the shredded cheese and green onions.
Transfer to a clean bowl or container, cover, and chill until ready to serve. This chill time will help the flavors meld together.
The dip will firm up somewhat in the refrigerator, but will soften as it sits at room temperature.
Recipe suggestions
I like to use sharp cheddar cheese for this taco dip, but you can use mild, medium, extra sharp, or a blend. Monterey jack or pepper jack are also good cheese choices here.
If you want to take the flavors up a notch, add drained and chopped pickled jalapeños. They’ll add a tangy kick to the dip!
You can make this a layer dip by spreading the finished dip in a shallow bowl or baking dish. Layer it with your favorite taco toppings: extra shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and diced black olives.
This easy taco dip is a great addition to any party. Make it this weekend!
Creamy Taco Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, taco seasoning, paprika, and cayenne, and mix until evenly combined. Fold in cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a clean bowl or container, cover, and chill until ready to serve. Let dip come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate based on online calculators and provided as a courtesy. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guideline only.
