Taco Dip – a pretty mess

This easy taco dip is basically next door to what my sister-in-law calls a “love dip.” So, for me, this is the kind of dip to make a backyard barbecue or gather before a day’s boat ride on the lake.

Taco Dip is made with three basic ingredients (cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning), but then it’s dressed up with any and all toppings you might put on a taco.

You can keep it simple, or you can get fancy. I will share some tips and differences for both. This taco dip recipe is also the kind of thing that Elsie and I have called “Pinterest mom food” because it’s simple (basic?) but 100% crowd-pleasing.

It’s exactly the kind of thing you’d find on the table at a family birthday party at my grandmother’s house, right next door Rutile cheese sauce in a crock pot.

Related: Looking for more delicious dip recipes? Verify Appetizer Archive.

ingredients

• cream cheese
• sour cream
• Taco seasoning – buy a box or make your own
• Cheese – cheddar or pepper jack
• lettuce
• tomatoes
• black olive

How does Taco Dip work?

Prepare the ingredients for the garnish by chopping the cheese (if it isn’t already), chopping the tomatoes and olives, and chopping the lettuce.

In a mixing bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning together. If you are using any other seasonings, add those now as well.

Spread this mixture in a pie pan or an 8×8 square baking dish. Other serving dishes can also work, but the amount this recipe fits nicely into these generously sized dishes, so keep that in mind.

Put in the cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and any other ingredients you might be using. Serve chilled with chips.

Taco dip can be kept in the refrigerator, covered, for a day or two. But the lettuce will start to wilt and the ingredient mixture can get mushy, so this dip is best served the day it’s made.

Additions and alternatives

• I will sometimes add more seasoning besides taco seasoning to the cream cheese/sour cream in this dip. Ideas include: chili, hot sauce, pepper, salsa, or lemonade.
• If you want to make a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese (or non-dairy cream cheese) and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Sometimes I add or change some toppings to this dip. Ideas include: different types of cheese (crumbled cotija, smoked cheddar, etc.), jalapeño slices, black beans, Mexican rice, avocado, or even some cooked and marinated beef.

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