Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced jalapeños, drained (or 2 fresh jalapeños, finely minced)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium oven-safe skillet or an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, diced green chilies, drained diced jalapeños, red onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Spoon the dip mixture into the prepared skillet or baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and lightly golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite fresh vegetable sticks.
Notes
Make it meaty: For a heartier dip, brown 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey, drain any excess fat, and stir it into the dip mixture before baking. Spice it up: Add an extra jalapeño, a dash more cayenne, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for more fiery flavor. Make-ahead: Prepare the dip mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg