You will be game day ready with this amazing Salsa Cream Cheese Dip!
With just 5 ingredients, including cream cheese, cottage cheese, salsa, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese, this is one of the easiest dips you'll ever make!
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I've been making this recipe for years, but without the cottage cheese as part of the base.
Now with the addition of cottage cheese it's even better. It's much creamier and can be served straight out of the refrigerator. Before if the cream cheese wasn't softened, it would cause the chips to break, plus I don't like too much cream cheese in one bite.
If you're not sure about cottage cheese, please give this recipe a try. You'll never know it's in the recipe, but you'll love the texture it creates.
Why I love this recipe
Simple Ingredients - With only five ingredients you can easily pick up at the grocery store, this creamy salsa dip is a great addition to your appetizer rotation! I almost always have all the ingredients on hand at my house.
Super Quick - This easy cream cheese dip is ready in a matter of minutes, making it the perfect last minute dip that can be thrown together in less than 10 minutes!
Delicious - This dip is sure to please the whole family! It's great for everything from Taco Tuesday, tailgating, and even a casual New Year's Eve party.
Homemade Salsa - It's a great excuse to use the homemade salsa I canned during the summer months.
Salsa dip ingredients
Below are the ingredients for this delicious salsa cream cheese dip.
Cream Cheese - This is one of the keys to making this dip deliciously creamy.
Cottage Cheese - Adds creaminess while keeping it healthier. You could also use Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Salsa - You can use any type you want! Because the other ingredients have a moderate flavor, you can change this dip with a fruity, mild, spicy, or chunky salsa. Here's a quick and easy homemade salsa recipe I think you will love!
Cheddar Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese -These two together are my preference for this dip, but you can use your favorite cheeses. A Mexican blend cheese would be a great alternative to try.
How to make cream cheese salsa dip recipe
Step 1: Blend cottage cheese and softened cream cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Spread mixture evenly over the bottom of a pie pan or serving plate.
Step 2: Spread salsa over the top of the cream cheese mixture in an even layer.
Step 3: Top the salsa with both cheddar and Monterey jack cheese.
Step 4: Serve immediately with tortilla chips or chill until ready to serve.
How to store salsa dip
This delicious cream cheese dip can be easily stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container and pull it out when you are ready to enjoy! It's great for a quick snack!
How to make salsa cream cheese dip ahead of time
This is the perfect appetizer to make ahead of time! Prepare it and store it in the fridge. You can make it up to a day or so ahead of time and let the dip chill. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or cover with wrap.
Recipe variations
This is one of those easy recipes that is fun to dress up! Here are some ideas:
- Top with green onion or black olives
- Mix taco seasoning into the cream cheese mixture.
- Make more of a layered nacho dip by layering the cream cheese base, shredded cheese, vegetables, and black beans.
- Instead of layering, mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and create pinwheels by using tortillas.
- Use individual servings by filling tortilla chips that are scoops. Use a piping bag for the cream cheese mixture and then top with a little bit of salsa and a mixture of the cheese.
FAQ
Vegetables are a great healthy alternative to chips. Carrots or celery sticks are some great options. Pita chips or bagel chips would be delicious. You could also spread this easy dip recipe on tortillas for pinwheels or serve alongside eggs.
Yes, you can bake this dip and serve it hot. I brought my dip to a friend's house, and she baked it, not knowing I usually served it cold. It was amazing! You can serve it either way!
Yes! To prepare it beforehand, store it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator! The flavors will get a chance to blend.
Choose a salsa with your preferred spice level! If you prefer a hot dip, use a hot salsa. If you want it more mild, pick a mild salsa! You could even use a fruity or chunky salsa. Pick your favorite salsa and enjoy!
Tips for making creamy salsa dip
- It's best to start with softened cream cheese.
- I prefer an equal mix of cream cheese and cottage cheese, but you can use all cream cheese if you like. In this case, I recommend spreading the ingredients out over a pizza pan so that the cream cheese is not too strong. Add extra salsa as needed.
- I love using homemade salsa, but your favorite store bought brand will be great.
- Serve tortilla chips, bagel chips, Fritos or vegetables with the dip.
- If you plan to bake the dip, be sure to grate the cheese instead of buying prepacked cheese. You'll get a much better melt!
More easy appetizers
Salsa Cream Cheese Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese Softened
- 4 ounces Cottage Cheese
- 1 cup Salsa
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Blend cottage cheese and softened cream cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth. Spread evenly over the bottom of a pan or serving plate.4 ounces Cream Cheese, 4 ounces Cottage Cheese
- Spread salsa evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.1 cup Salsa
- Spread salsa evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Notes
- It's best to start with softened cream cheese.
- I prefer an equal mix of cream cheese and cottage cheese, but you can use all cream cheese if you like. In this case, I recommend spreading the ingredients out over a pizza pan so that the cream cheese is not too strong. Add extra salsa as needed.
- I love using homemade salsa, but your favorite store bought brand will be great.
- Serve tortilla chips, bagel chips, Fritos or vegetables with the dip.
- If you plan to bake the dip, be sure to grate the cheese instead of buying prepacked cheese. You'll get a much better melt!
Judith Mckarnin
Looks really good and easy! Can’t wait to try it
Anonymous
Fantastic!!
Michael Kelly
When ever I can add black beans to a dip....awesome. Thanks Jill
Randi
So easy to make and so good. I baked mine until cheese melted.
Jill Machovsky
Thanks Randi! I agree it's great hot.
Tom Kelly
Reminds of beer commercial "taste great" "less filling" very good.