Soft, sweet, and so versatile, cream cheese is a go-to ingredient in any kitchen. Inexpensive, easy to find and equally easy to use, it makes great base for sweet or savory dips that will keep snackers happy until dinnertime. The next time you are entertaining guests or are invited to a potluck, consider making one of these tasty and easy cream cheese dips.
Cream Cheese Dip Tools
When making any cream cheese dip, you will need a few tools at the ready. First, you'll need a large bowl, one that can hold at least 16 ounces. Next, you'll want a chef's knife and a cutting board for chopping vegetables. Although not always necessary, a food processor and an electric mixer can be handy, but a whisk and a large wooden or plastic spoon can be substituted for a mixer if you don't have one. Many dips need to be chilled, so have some plastic wrap or covers for bowls and containers. Although many cream cheese recipes do not require any cooking, some do require light use of a skillet, so have a frying pan and a spatula on hand as well.
Basic Cream Cheese Dip
Basic cream cheese dip is one of the simplest recipes you can make. And in the scope of more complex dips, this will serve as your basic template. As you progress in your culinary abilities, you can experiment with this basic recipe, and add in new ingredients to create new flavors.
Start with 8 ounces of cream cheese in your bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of sour cream and just a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Beat all the ingredients together and add salt and pepper to taste if you like.
Spicing Up Your Dip
There are many ways to spice up the basic cream cheese dip. Consider adding garlic, lemon juice and green onion for a tangy twist. You can also make a smokey version of the dip by adding cooked bacon. For a Latin flare, add taco seasoning and a twist of lime. If you want a healthier dip, use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese. For a sweet take that goes great with fruit, use honey instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
Savory cream cheese dips, such as garlic cream cheese dips, are perfect on a bagel or with cut-up carrots and celery. Spicier dips, such as those that contain taco seasoning or cayenne pepper and lime, can go well with tortilla chips. Smokey dips are great with crackers. If you make a sweet dip, consider serving with wafers and fruit, or you could even try spreading it on a cake as an easy-to-prepare icing.
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