This Cream Cheese Salsa Dip is a layered taco dip that comes together in minutes for the perfect game day appetizer. It's so easy to make with just 4 ingredients for the base, then add all of your favorite taco toppings!
This Layered Salsa Cream Cheese Dip is my go to appetizer when I don't have a lot of time or just don't feel like running to the store for a million ingredients.
The base starts with cream cheese and taco seasoning and is topped with salsa, then cheddar cheese, followed by whatever toppings you like. I love a crisp lettuce like iceberg or romaine hearts to bring in a nice, fresh taste and crunch.
Serve this taco dip with tortilla "scoop" chips, so you can load them with dip, without the chip breaking. Scoops seems to be made a little stronger versus other tortilla chips.
For more last minute appetizers, try these Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls, Crockpot Rotel Dip with Sausage, Chunky Guacamole, and Turkey Cheese Roll Ups.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Quick. This game day appetizer is ready to eat in under 15 minutes.
- Easy. Super simple to make with just a bit of mixing and chopping. No Baking required!
- Minimal Ingredients. The base of the recipe only requires 4 ingredients, then add whatever toppings you want or have on hand.
- Big on Taste. The flavors in this dip are so delicious and even my kids love it!
For more popular game day appetizers, try these Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef Sliders, Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, and Bacon Wrapped Sweet Peppers.
Ingredients:
Taco Seasoning and Cream Cheese: Combine to form the bottom layer of this dip. I highly recommend sitting the cream cheese on the counter for 1-2 hours to bring it closer to room temperature before starting the recipe. It will be much easier to work with and clump less.
Salsa: Thick and chunky salsa works best in this recipe. A restaurant style salsa is going to end up a runny mess. I used the Chi-Chis brand thick and chunky mild salsa and it worked great!
Tortilla Chips: The Scoops are best for pairing with this recipe because they hold a lot of dip and seem stronger than other chips. I recommend Tostito Scoops or Late July Sea Salt Dippers.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations:
Want more spice? Use a spicy taco seasoning or add in a few dashes of hot sauce into the cream cheese mixture. You could also double or triple the jalapeño topping.
For an extra layer of protein, add a layer of refried beans between the cream cheese layer and salsa.
Big on toppings? Add diced bell pepper, diced Roma tomatoes, minced cilantro, or avocado. Make sure to add the avocado right before serving, so it doesn't brown.
The cheddar cheese can be swapped out for Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack, etc. I like to shred it myself for the best taste, but it's okay to buy a bagged cheese to save time for this recipe.
Want this dip hot? Bake at 350 degrees covered in foil after adding the cheese. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before adding the lettuce and toppings, so it doesn't wilt immediately from the heat.
Equipment Substitution: If you don't have a stand mixer, a hand mixer can be used or just a bowl and spoon.
For more easy to make dip recipes, try this Hot Cocoa Dip, Fried Pickle Ranch Dip, and Mexican Street Corn Dip.
How to Make Cream Cheese Salsa Dip:
Step 1: In a stand mixer or large bowl with hand mixer, whip together the cream cheese and taco seasoning for 2 minutes on medium speed until nice and combined.
Step 2: Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of an 8x10 or 8x8 pan or casserole dish.
Step 3: Pour the salsa over the cream cheese layer and spread with the bottom of a spoon or a frosting spatula to completely cover.
Step 4: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the salsa layer.
Step 5: Top the cheese layer with lettuce. Then, sprinkle on onion and jalapeño, and any other toppings you choose.
Step 6: Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!
Expert Tips:
- Use thick and chunky salsa for the best results.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature, so it doesn't clump and is easier to work with.
- Remove as much water as possible from the lettuce, or any other toppings, before adding over the cheese layer.
Big on Mexican Flavors? Try these Birria Slow Cooker Tacos, Pineapple Pico de Gallo, and Vegetarian Nachos.
Recipe FAQs 📝:
Absolutely! Prep up to 24 hours ahead, but I would wait to add the toppings until before serving, so it doesn't get watered down.
I like to enjoy this dip cold, but you can certainly make it hot too. Bake at 350 degrees covered with foil after adding the cheese. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before adding the lettuce and toppings, so it doesn't wilt immediately from the heat.
To keep the layers intact, cover the casserole dish or 8x8 pan with plastic wrap, then refrigerate. Eat within 2-3 days.
More Easy Appetizers To Make:
If you tried this Cream Cheese Salsa Dip Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
PrintRecipe
Cream Cheese Salsa Dip
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8x8 dish 1x
Description
This Cream Cheese Salsa Dip is a layered taco dip that comes together in minutes for the perfect game day appetizer. It's so easy to make with just 4 ingredients for the base, then add all your favorite taco toppings!
Ingredients
- (2) 8 ounces packages of Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 15 ounce jar Thick and Chunky Salsa
- 1 and ½ cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 and ½ cups romaine hearts or iceberg lettuce, chopped fine, rinsed and dried well
- 1 jalapeno, seeds and stems removed and minced
- ½ cup red onion, diced small
- 10 ounce bag of tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a stand mixer or large bowl with hand mixer, whip together the cream cheese and taco seasoning for 2 minutes on medium speed until nice and combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of an 8x10 or 8x8 pan or casserole dish.
- Pour the salsa over the cream cheese layer and spread with the bottom of a spoon or a frosting spatula to completely cover.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the salsa layer.
- Top the cheese layer with lettuce. Then, sprinkle on onion and jalapeño, and any other toppings you choose.
- Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!
Notes
- Use thick and chunky salsa for the best results.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature, so it doesn't clump and is easier to work with.
- Remove as much water as possible from the lettuce, or any other toppings, before adding over the cheese layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: Mexican
Robert says
So good and so easy! Can’t wait to make it again for the Super Bowl.
Tara Smithson says
Yay! The perfect game day recipe!