Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

This Cream Cheese Salsa Dip is an easy-to-make appetizer with the perfect amount of heat and flavor to keep you coming back for more. **We thank El Yucateco for their collaboration on this recipe. It is with their help (in part) that we can continue to bring you all the amazing recipes you find here for free.

As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, there’s no better time to gather your friends and family for a cozy autumn get-together.

Whether it’s a casual game day gathering, a fall-themed dinner party, or simply a weekend gathering with loved ones, the allure of comfort food and hearty appetizers is undeniable.

One dish that never fails to bring smiles and satisfy taste buds is the creamy, zesty, and utterly irresistible Cream Cheese Salsa Dip.

This delectable dip is a timeless favorite that effortlessly bridges the gap between the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

With its rich, velvety cream cheese base harmonizing with the vibrant flavors of salsa, it’s the ideal appetizer to usher in the season of gatherings, laughter, and cherished moments with friends and family.

I know you’ll love this quick and easy appetizer that is perfect for bringing warmth and flavor to your gatherings this fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cream cheese salsa dip in advance?

Yes, you can make cream cheese salsa dip in advance. It actually benefits from some time in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few days.

Why You’ll Love This Dip

• It is the perfect appetizer for game days or Taco Tuesday and can be made in a matter of minutes. It’s the best dip that the whole family will love.
• It is one of those easy recipes that can be customized with simple ingredients such as cheddar cheese, chunky salsa, mild salsa, spicy salsa, green onion, homemade salsa, black olives, or Greek yogurt.
• Add pita chips, bagel chips, bell pepper slices, corn chips, or celery sticks for more crunch when serving this creamy salsa dip.
• Instead of a serving bowl, try this easy cream cheese dip in a bread bowl at your next party.
• For best results, you can mix by hand or use an electric hand mixer and a large bowl or stand mixer to make this quick appetizer. You can also use a food processor.
• The salsa can be mixed into the entire dip instead of garnished on top if desired.
• Adjust the spice level by changing out your choice of hot sauce. El Yucateco has so many options to choose from.

Storage

Refrigeration: This should always be stored in the refrigerator when not being served. Place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Avoid Freezing: The dip is not suitable for freezing. The texture of cream cheese may change when frozen and thawed, resulting in a less desirable dip.

Ingredients

• cream cheese – SOFT – room temperature
• sour cream
• diced green chiles
• El Yucateco Habanero & Chiltepin hot sauce

Topping

• salsa
• diced green chiles

Oil

• olive oil
• crushed red pepper flakes
• El Yucateco Habanero & Chiltepin hot sauce

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro

Why Choose El Yucateco?

• Trust: El Yucateco was founded in 1968 by Mr. Priamo J. Gamboa O. in Yucatan, Mexico. That means they are an established brand we have known and trusted for decades.
• Flavor: We absolutely LOVE El Yucateco because, while the sauces do contain habanero peppers, they are ALL about the flavor – not heat. They are definitely KING of flavor.
• Variety: El Yucateco has so many options to choose from. In 2023 they released 6 new sauces including Grilled Pineapple and Habanero Hot Sauce, Ghost Habanero Hot Sauce, Coffee Habanero Hot Sauce, Red Marisquera Hot Sauce, Black Marisquera Hot Sauce, and Chiltepin Habanero Hot Sauce. This is in addition to the 7 classic flavors – Jalapeño, Chipotle, Caribbean Habanero, Red Habanero, Green Habanero, Black Label Reserve, and XXXtra Hot Habanero Sauce.
• Popularity: El Yucateco is the #1 habanero sauce in the US and they are in the top 10 of all hot sauces sold in the US.
• Versatility: They are for EVERYONE. This isn’t just a Mexican Hot Sauce. They can be used on anything and everything and every cuisine. We add it to so many different dishes. PLUS – the Marisquera sauces may say “seafood” on the label, but that too is great on so much more.
• Heat: You’ll find that the Grilled Pineapple and Habanero Hot Sauce is the mildest of the choices, while the Ghost Habanero Hot Sauce is the hottest variety.

How to Make Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

1. Combine the soft cream cheese, sour cream, diced green chiles, and El Yucateco Habanero & Chiltepin hot sauce in a mixing bowl and work the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer to your serving bowl and then top with the salsa and remaining chiles.
3. Then whisk together the oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
4. Drizzle the oil over the top of the dip before serving.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Hand Mixer or Stiff Spatula
• Serving Dish

Tips

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. This makes it easier to blend and results in a smoother texture.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality salsa, as it will significantly impact the flavor of the dip. You can use store-bought salsa or make your own for a more personalized touch.
• Layering for Presentation: If you want to make the dip visually appealing, consider layering it in a clear glass dish. Start with a layer of cream cheese, followed by salsa, shredded cheese, and toppings like chopped green onions or diced tomatoes.
• Spice Control: Control the level of spiciness by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa. You can also customize the heat by adding extra hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
• Add Some Freshness: Garnish the dip with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
• Texture Variations: Experiment with the texture by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, black beans, or corn kernels for extra crunch and flavor.
• Taste as You Go: While mixing the ingredients, taste the dip and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
• Presentation: Serve the cream cheese salsa dip in an attractive serving dish. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch.
• Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate the dip for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

What to Serve With Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

Cream cheese salsa dip pairs well with a variety of dippers that provide different textures and flavors. Here are some popular options to serve:

• Tortilla Chips
• Vegetable Sticks
• Crackers
• Pita Bread
• Tortilla Scoops
• Breadsticks
• Pretzel Crisps
• Bread or Baguette Slices
• Potato Chips
• Bread Bowls
• Mini Bagels
• Crostini

Feel free to mix and match these dippers based on your personal preferences and the preferences of your guests. Offering a variety of options ensures that everyone can find something they enjoy dipping into your cream cheese salsa dip.

Why You Should Make This Dip

There are several compelling reasons why you should consider making cream cheese salsa dip for your next gathering or event:

• Delicious Flavor: Cream cheese salsa dip combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the tangy and spicy flavors of salsa, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: This is incredibly easy to make. It typically requires minimal effort and can be prepared in just a few minutes, making it a convenient choice for parties and gatherings.
• Versatile: This dip is highly versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It is a universally enjoyed appetizer. It’s a safe bet for parties because most people love it, regardless of age or dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your event.
• Affordable: This dip is budget-friendly. The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for parties and gatherings.
• Visual Appeal: You can make cream cheese salsa dip visually appealing by layering it with colorful ingredients like salsa, shredded cheese, and fresh toppings. It adds an attractive element to your party spread.
• Leftover Options: If you have leftovers, you can repurpose them into other dishes, such as using the dip as a sandwich spread or a filling for quesadillas or stuffed peppers.

Variations and Add-Ins

Cream cheese salsa dip is highly versatile, and there are numerous variations and add-ins you can use to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. Here are some popular variations and add-ins for cream cheese salsa dip:

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese work well. Mix it into the dip or use it as a topping.
• Guacamole Layer: This adds a rich, avocado flavor to your dip.
• Black Beans: Add drained and rinsed black beans for a protein boost and a nice textural contrast.
• Corn: Add sweet corn kernels (canned or frozen) for a burst of sweetness and a pleasing texture.
• Diced Bell Peppers: Colorful diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) can add crunch and a fresh flavor to your dip.
• Red Onion: Add finely diced red onion for a mild onion flavor and a touch of crunch.
• Seasonings: Experiment with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, or onion powder.
• Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten up the dip with a zesty citrusy flavor.
• Sliced Olives: Black or green sliced olives can add a briny and savory element to your dip.
• Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle smoked paprika on top for a smoky flavor and a touch of color.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Dice roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky addition to your dip.
• Pico de Gallo: Incorporate homemade or store-bought pico de gallo for a fresh and chunky texture.

Feel free to mix and match these variations and add-ins to create your own signature cream cheese salsa dip. Remember to taste as you go to ensure the dip aligns with your flavor preferences.

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Be sure to head over, shop, and connect with El Yucateco for more recipes and inspiration!