This Cheesy Salsa Verde Dip is everything you want in a snack! With creamy cheese and zesty salsa verde, it’s perfect for dipping your favorite tortilla chips.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salsa Verde: This is the star of the dip! You can use store-bought for convenience, or make your own if you have fresh tomatillos on hand. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can switch to regular salsa.
Cream Cheese: This is essential for a creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese. For a vegan option, cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese makes a great alternative!
Cheeses: Monterey Jack and mozzarella are my favorites for a lovely melt. You can substitute with cheddar or pepper jack if you want some extra kick. A mix of your favorite cheeses would work nicely too!
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang. If you want a dairy-free option, consider using coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative. Greek yogurt is also a healthier choice!
How Do I Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted?
Getting that gooey, bubbly cheese is key to a great cheesy salsa verde dip. Here’s how:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing; this ensures a smooth blend.
- Mix the cheeses in while they’re cold to make folding easier, but baking them until melted is crucial—this usually takes 20-25 minutes.
- Watch closely in the last few minutes to avoid burning; you want a nice golden top but not too dark. Bubbles are a good sign!
Let it cool for a few minutes after baking; it makes for easier dipping. Enjoy with chips!
Cheesy Salsa Verde Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy delight takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to bake it for around 20-25 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 35-40 minutes before you can dig into this amazing dip!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure your dip cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden top!
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a fork or a hand mixer to blend them together until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the creamy base of your dip!
3. Add the Flavor:
Now stir in the salsa verde, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Mix everything well until the ingredients are well combined and it’s beautifully creamy.
4. Cheese it Up:
Fold in half of the shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheese into the mixture. This adds a wonderful cheesy flavor to the dip!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the creamy mixture into a baking dish or an oven-safe serving dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
6. Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheese over the top. This will give you a lovely cheesy layer that melts and bubbles in the oven!
7. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want to see the dip bubbling and the cheese on top nice and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips for dipping!
Enjoy this creamy, tangy, and cheesy salsa verde dip that’s perfect for parties or just a cozy night in! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the fridge without baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as instructed.
What Should I Do If the Dip Is Too Thick?
If your dip turns out thicker than expected, you can stir in a splash of milk or heavy cream to loosen it up before baking. Start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some black beans, corn, cooked chicken, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful that more ingredients might affect the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it as it cooks!
