Cream Cheese Dip

This creamy salsa dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in minutes. A smooth blend of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and cream creates a rich base, topped with fresh tomato, onion, jalapeño, and zesty salsa, then finished with shredded cheese. Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual gatherings, it’s best enjoyed with crunchy totopos.

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Fun Facts:

  • This dip is a no-cook appetizer, making it perfect for quick parties and last-minute gatherings.

  • The creamy base helps balance the heat from the jalapeño and salsa, so it’s flavorful without being overwhelming.

  • It’s inspired by classic layered Mexican-style dips, which became popular in the U.S. in the mid-1900s.

  • Letting the dip chill for a short time actually improves the flavor as the layers meld together.

  • You can easily customize it—swap in spicy salsa, add black olives, or mix in cooked ground beef for a heartier version.

We love this recipe:

Because it’s incredibly easy to make yet always impresses. The creamy base perfectly balances the fresh vegetables and zesty salsa, creating layers of flavor and texture in every bite. It requires no cooking, uses simple ingredients, and can be customized to suit any spice level. Best of all, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears fast at parties and gatherings.

How to make Cream Cheese Dip:

Ingredients you will need:

  • Cream cheese – Creates a rich, smooth, and creamy base for the dip.

  • Mayonnaise – Adds extra creaminess and a subtle tang.

  • Cream – Helps loosen the mixture for a smooth, spreadable texture.

  • Salsa – Brings bold flavor, acidity, and a touch of heat.

  • Tomato – Adds freshness, color, and a light, juicy crunch.

  • Onion – Provides a mild bite and savory depth.

  • Jalapeño – Adds gentle heat and a fresh pepper flavor.

  • Shredded cheese – Finishes the dip with a savory, melty topping.

  • Totopos (tortilla chips) – A crunchy, sturdy scoop for serving.

Step 1: Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Add the mayonnaise and cream, then mix using a spatula or hand mixer until smooth, creamy, and fully combined with no lumps remaining.

Step 3: Evenly scatter the diced tomato, onion, and jalapeño over the creamy base, making sure the pieces are finely chopped for the best texture in every bite.

Step 2: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of a serving dish or shallow bowl, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Step 4: Spoon the salsa (you can use your prefered salsa, I used the mexican style "Salsa Casera") gently over the vegetables and spread it evenly without mixing the layers.

Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, covering the salsa layer. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly. Serve chilled with any kind of chips or totopos (tortilla chips).

Tip:

For a comforting twist, bake the dish until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

CREAM CHEESE DIP

Party Time

Servings: 8-10 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes.

Total Time: 10 minutes (or up to 40 minutes with chilling)

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ⅔ cup cream

  • 1 can salsa

  • 1 medium tomato, diced

  • ¼ onion, finely diced

  • ½ jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)

  • Shredded cheese, to taste

  • Totopos (tortilla chips), for serving

Instructions:

  • Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Add the mayonnaise and cream, then mix using a spatula or hand mixer until smooth, creamy, and fully combined with no lumps remaining.

  • Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the bottom of a serving dish or shallow bowl, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

  • Evenly scatter the diced tomato, onion, and jalapeño over the creamy base, making sure the pieces are finely chopped for the best texture in every bite.

  • Spoon the salsa (you can use your prefered salsa, I used the mexican style "Salsa Casera") gently over the vegetables and spread it evenly without mixing the layers.

  • Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, covering the salsa layer. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly. Serve chilled with any kind of chips or totopos (tortilla chips).