This Baked Cream Cheese Salsa Dip Is Spicy, Creamy, and Ultimate Crowd Pleaser. With a few ingredients, it turns into a hot, gooey, irresistible cheesy dip that is great for any event. Whether you're hosting a game night or just looking for something to munch on, this simple recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. So, grab your tortilla chips and prepare to indulge yourself in a bowl of pure comfort!
Looking for further dip recipes? Look at my Easy 2 Ingredient Smoked Cream Cheese.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make – This recipe uses a few simple ingredients with little prep time. You can assemble it in minutes, too, an ideal for spontaneous gatherings or late-night snack attacks.
- Rich and Creamy Texture – Combined cream cheese and melted cheese makes for a super smooth velvety dip. Cheesy goodness in every bite, paired with crunchy tortilla chips.
- Bold, Flavorful Kick — The salsa gives a zesty, slightly spicy kick that pings off the creaminess. You can pick your heat level, mild, medium, hot salsa for those who want it.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing — This dip is always a winner at parties, game nights and potlucks. It also pairs well with an array of dippers from crackers to veggies — or even toasted bread if they’re feeling fancy — which makes it a perfect go-to appetizer for all occasions.
Ingredients
This basic dish calls for only a few ingredients. Here are the major items you'll need:
- Cream Cheese — The creamy base that crests the dip with its smooth, rich texture and provides balance to the bold flavors.
- Sour Cream – Adds extra creaminess and a bit of tartness that cuts the richness of the cheeses.
- Salsa – A zesty, mildly spicy addition that combines tomato with onion and pepper, saturating the dip with its coulis.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Offers an intense, savory cheesiness that melts beautifully and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Adds a mild flavor with gooey and stretchy striations that keeps the dip extra creamy.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a warm, slightly sweet, savory garlic flavor to the dip.
- Onion Powder – Provides depth and a subtle sweetness that marries well with the other ingredients.
- Cumin (optional) — Adds a little mild smoky, earthy flavor to give the dip a Tex-Mex vibe.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (optional, for garnish) — Provides brightness to the dish with fresh, citrusy notes, and a pop of color.
- Tortilla Chips (for serving) — A crunchy side to scoop up the warm, gooey dip.
Variations
- Spicy Kick — For a little extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a few shakes of hot sauce. Go with a spicy salsa and pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra heat.
- Meat-Filled — Mix in sautéed and crumbled ground beef, shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits for a more hearty, protein-rich dip.
- Tex-Mex - Stir in a can of drained black beans and corn for extra texture and brightness. Serve with chopped green onions and a sprinkling of taco seasoning for a Southwest flair.
- Buffalo Ranch Twist — Substitute the salsa for buffalo sauce and top with a drizzle of ranch dressing. This version packs all the peppery, spicy, creamy flavor you want on game day.
- Veggie Lover’s Dip — Add finely diced bell peppers, onions or spinach for added color and freshness. Use sliced Kalamata olives and fresh tomatoes if you want a Mediterranean twist.
How to Make Cream Cheese Salsa Dip
- Preheat the Oven – Preheat the oven at 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Creamy Base – Combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl until well incorporated and smooth.
- Pour & Layer the Ingredients – In an oven-safe baking dish, the cream cheese mixture will act as the first layer
- Add Salsa & Seasonings – Add in salsa, garlic powder, onion powder and cumin (if using) stir to combine.
- Spread the Salsa – Pour the salsa over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out.
- Cheese it – Spread shredded cheddar cheese on the salsa layer so that it is completely covered.
- Bake Until Bubbly — Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and melted.
- Garnish & Serve – Take out of the oven, allow it to cool down a bit, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Cream Cheese Salsa Dip can be frozen up to 2 months in an air-tight container, but be warned: the texture may get a little grainy. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, stirring as you go, to restore creaminess.
Of course, salsa can be mild, medium or hot depending on your taste. And have some fun with different kinds — chunky, smooth, roasted, or fruit-based salsas will all add a different flavor note to the dip!
Store leftover Cream Cheese Salsa Dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
Salsa can accompany a wide variety of dippers, from ground zero — tortilla chips — to pita chips, crackers and breadsticks for a more substantial chomp. For a healthier choice, crunchy veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers and cucumbers work with salsa’s fresh and zesty flavors. If you’re feeling creative, go ahead and dip cheese quesadillas, grilled chicken, French fries or even scrambled eggs!
Expert Tips
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese — Full-fat cream cheese makes this a richer, creamier dip and it helps prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
- Drain Watery Salsa — If using a chunky salsa or a home-made version, pour off any excess liquid so your dip isn’t thinned out.
- Grate Your Own Cheese — Pre-grated cheese has anti-caking agents that change the way they melt; you want freshly grated cheese for smooth, creamy melting.
- Bake Until Bubbly, Not Dry — Watch the dip as it bakes to make sure the melted cheese is oozy and bubbling but not overcooked, when it becomes dry.
If you tried this Baked Cream Cheese Salsa Dip or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
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Recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Salsa Dip
INGREDIENTS
- 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup 120g sour cream
- 1 cup 240ml salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 cup 100g shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin optional
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro optional, for garnish
- Tortilla chips for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven – Preheat the oven at 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Creamy Base – Combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl until well incorporated and smooth.
- Pour & Layer the Ingredients – In an oven-safe baking dish, the cream cheese mixture will act as the first layer
- Spread the Salsa – Pour the salsa over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out.
- Cheese it – Spread shredded cheddar cheese on the salsa layer so that it is completely covered.
- Bake Until Bubbly — Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and melted.
- Garnish & Serve – Take out of the oven, allow it to cool down a bit, and garnish with fresh cilantro if you like. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Audrey Foster says
This Baked Cream Cheese Salsa Dip sounds like the ultimate party pleaser! I love how simple it is to whip up, and with just five ingredients, it’s perfect for a last-minute gathering. Can't wait to try this at our next girls' night!
Kate Wilson says
This recipe has me drooling just reading it! Dips like these are always a crowd favorite at parties. Plus, I love that you can make it your own by switching up the toppings or mix-ins. Can't wait to dive in!
Nicole Hughes says
Dips are seriously the best part of any party, and this one seems like a winner! The idea of mixing cream cheese with salsa just makes my mouth water. I’ll be adding this to my go-to appetizer list for sure!
Rose Miller says
I’m all about dips, especially ones that are cheesy and creamy! This recipe looks so easy to follow, and I appreciate the option to customize it with different salsas or cheeses. It will definitely be a hit during the game days!
Kaitlyn Butler says
I absolutely adore cream cheese dips, and your recipe sounds divine! The combination of ingredients is right up my alley. I can already imagine how good this will taste paired with some crispy tortilla chips.
Ashley Price says
'Creamy', 'cheesy', and 'tasty'—those are my three favorite food adjectives! This Baked Cream Cheese Salsa Dip is calling my name for sure. I'm excited to try out different toppings too; it's going to be so fun!
Natalie Hayes says
Wow, this dip looks incredibly delicious! I'm all for quick recipes that deliver big on flavor, and I love that you can make it ahead of time. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual hangouts with friends!
Leah Turner says
'Baked' and 'cheesy' are two words that instantly grab my attention! This dip seems so easy yet packed with flavor. I'll definitely be serving this at our next potluck—everyone loves a good cheesy dip!