Easy Taco Dip

Taco Dip

A crowd-pleasing, layered dip packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Creamy, cheesy, and full of fresh toppings, this taco dip is perfect for parties, game days, or casual snacking with tortilla chips.

Ingredients

For the Base Layer:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning

For the Layers:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded lettuce

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

• 1 can (4 oz / 113 g) sliced jalapeños (optional)

• Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Base Layer:
   In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.

2. Layer the Dip:
   Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a serving dish or pie plate. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

3. Add Fresh Toppings:
   Layer lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and cilantro evenly over the cheese. Add sliced jalapeños if desired.

4. Chill:
   Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve:
   Serve chilled with tortilla chips on the side.

Equipment

• Mixing bowl

• Spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Serving dish (pie plate or shallow bowl)

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Serving Size
Serves 6–8 as an appetizer

Taco Dip

A crowd pleasing, layered dip packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Creamy, cheesy, and full of fresh toppings, this taco dip is perfect for parties, game days, or casual snacking with tortilla chips.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Total Time:45 minutes mins

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving dish (pie plate or shallow bowl)

Ingredients

• For the Base Layer:
• 8 oz 225 g cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet 1 oz / 28 g taco seasoning
• For the Layers:
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro optional
• 1 can 4 oz / 113 g sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

• Prepare Base Layer:
• In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
• Layer the Dip:
• Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a serving dish or pie plate. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
• Add Fresh Toppings:
• Layer lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and cilantro evenly over the cheese. Add sliced jalapeños if desired.
• Chill:
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
• Serve:
• Serve chilled with tortilla chips on the side.

Servings: 8 servings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the base layer and layers up to 24 hours in advance. Add fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes just before serving to keep them crisp.

Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Add more jalapeños, use spicy taco seasoning, or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the cream cheese mixture.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
For vegetarian, ensure taco seasoning doesn’t contain meat-based ingredients. For vegan, use plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a fresher flavor.

Can I bake this dip?
Yes. Remove fresh toppings and bake the base layer with cheese at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. Add fresh toppings after baking.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Greek yogurt works well as a tangy substitute for sour cream.

How long will it stay fresh?
Best served within 1–2 days if refrigerated properly.

Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing is not recommended as fresh toppings and cream cheese may separate and become watery.

Can I add other toppings?
Yes. Corn, black beans, avocado, or diced bell peppers are all excellent additions.

Can I serve it with something other than tortilla chips?
Yes. Serve with crackers, veggie sticks, or pita chips for a different twist.

How To Store Taco Dip

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps for up to 2 days. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro just before serving.

Freezer:
Not recommended, as cream cheese and sour cream may separate and fresh toppings will not retain texture.

Serving Tip:
For best flavor and texture, keep chilled until ready to serve and add any delicate fresh toppings at the last minute.