I’m that person who always chooses queso or spinach dip when I go out to my favorite restaurants. Dips are my absolute favorite appetizer and they’re perfect for sharing at parties and family gatherings. This 4-ingredient Taco Dip is creamy, super easy to make, and has the perfect amount of spice. Toppings are optional but I love adding some tomatoes, jalapeños and sliced green onions on top of mine. And you don’t have to wait until the next big event to make this taco dip recipe…treat yourself this weekend to some chips & dip, you deserve it!😉
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Ingredients
When I say this dip recipe is super easy, I really mean it. It’s one of those recipes you can memorize after making it one time, and it uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened! Otherwise, it’ll be too thick to mix with the other ingredients. I love the rich, creamy texture it adds and how it balances out the tangy sour cream and taco spices.
- Sour Cream: Adds a delicious tanginess to this dip and pairs perfectly with the cream cheese. It also helps smooth out the texture and makes it easier to dip into.
- Salsa: This is where you can get creative and choose your favorite type of salsa. From mild to spicy, chunky or smooth—it’s up to you!
- Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought or make your own taco seasoning using a blend of spices such as chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.
Can You Make this without Cream Cheese?
I’ve only ever made this recipe using cream cheese and sour cream, as they’re the classic base for most taco dip recipes. But if you don’t love cream cheese or want a thinner texture, I get it! You could try halving the amount of cream cheese used and add 1/2 cup more sour cream. This will make the texture thinner and not as creamy, but I’m sure it’ll still taste delicious!
You can also try omitting the cream cheese altogether and doubling the sour cream, but the taste will be different (the creamy cream cheese really helps to balance the other flavors), and it’ll be much thinner. However, I’m sure it’ll be great with some tortilla chips! Feel free to play around and find what works for you.
Can I Add Meat?
Oftentimes you may see taco dip made similar to our 7 layer dip recipe with ground beef added and layered with lots of veggies. I opted for a simpler version that can be made quickly with fewer ingredients, but still packs in lots of those Mexican-inspired flavors that I love. With that being said, you can definitely add some seasoned taco meat if you want to make this dip more filling. I suggest adding ½ lb. of seasoned ground beef on top of the cream cheese layer, then finish with your favorite toppings.
Topping Ideas
I love adding my favorite nacho-style toppings to this creamy dip. You can keep things simple like we did with a few tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and sliced green onions or have fun adding any of these toppings listed below:
- Pico de gallo
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cilantro
- Diced radishes
- Black olives
- Pickled jalapeños
- Chunky salsa
Making It Ahead & Storing Leftovers
You can easily make this taco dip ahead of time and just wait to add on any extra toppings. Follow the recipe listed below then cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Taco Dip
Servings 10 (about 1/4 cup each)Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened* ($1.85)
- 1 cup sour cream ($1.12)
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning** ($0.59)
- 1/4 cup salsa ($0.42)
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and salsa.
- Using a hand mixer blend all the ingredients together until completely smooth and the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
- Add the taco dip to a serving dish and top with your favorite toppings. I topped mine with some grape tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, and sliced green onions. Enjoy!
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Equipment
- Hand Mixer
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!How to Make Taco Dip – Step by Step Photos
In a large bowl combine 8 oz. softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp taco seasoning, and 1/4 cup salsa. I like using chunky mild salsa.
Using a hand mixer blend all the ingredients together until completely smooth and the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
Transfer the taco dip to a serving dish or bowl and top with your favorite toppings. I topped mine with some grape tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, and sliced green onions.
Now just grab a bag or tortilla chips and enjoy by yourself or with your family and friends!
This is the only recipe from this site that I didn’t like. Every other budget bytes recipe I’ve made over the years has been a home run; but, I ended up throwing this away (&I hate to waste food!)
It’s hard to say why I didn’t like this. Not sure the cream cheese was really needed, and if I made something like this again, I’d either half the cream cheese or leave it out completely.
How about heating this up – Too much?
I think I’d keep this one chilled!
Really good and filling! We added beef chorizo on top and a little bit more salsa to thin it out.
Yes mine was definitely too thick when I followed the recipe