Spicy Taco Dip
This spicy taco dip with cream cheese is an easy party dip everyone loves. Seasoned cream cheese layer is topped with fresh veggies, perfect for dipping your tortilla chips into!
When I was in college and a bunch of friends were getting together for a party, it was never a matter of if and simply a matter of who would be in charge of bringing the taco dip.
I've enjoyed countless servings of this party classic in my life and it never gets old.
Each version of this Mexican layer dip is just a little bit different depending on the hostess's personal spin on assembly and ingredients.
My take on this taco dip recipe is an old fashioned classic with one tiny upgrade. I think you'll find it makes the best-tasting taco dip you've ever tried.
Why This is the Best Recipe
I love make ahead cold dips for parties, but I'm pretty sure this is the best taco dip recipe because:
- Smooth and Creamy Base: Instead of taco seasoning, I use taco sauce for the creamiest layer ever.
- Classic Recipe: There's nothing especially fancy here, this is just a good old fashioned party dip with budget-friendly ingredients!
- Easy to Prep: Your friends will think you spent a lot of time on this recipe, but really it is so easy to just toss together.
My taco dip doesn't have any beans in it, it is just a simple seasoned creamy dip with fresh veggies. If you prefer beans, you'll want to check out this seven layer dip.
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Ingredients
This easy taco dip recipe only needs a handful of things:
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. However, a lighter cream cheese can be used if you prefer. Just know that the texture will be thinner.
- Sour Cream: I almost always use Light sour cream, but a full-fat sour cream will make the dip extra creamy.
- Taco Sauce: Traditionally a packet of taco seasoning is used to flavor the creamy base. I use taco sauce to avoid that gritty texture a powdered seasoning can sometimes leave behind. Buy the spiciest bottle of taco sauce your family will eat--it will be cooled down significantly in the dip, so you need the extra kick!
- Shredded Mexican Cheese
- Shredded Lettuce
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Frozen Corn
- Fresh Green Onions
- Tortilla Chips for Serving
- OPTIONAL: A fresh jalapeno pepper. You could mince this and add it to the cream cheese base for a little crunch.
Make the Cream Cheese Base
Add the softened cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and use a hand mixer to really whip it smooth. Be sure to break up any of the chunks of cream cheese so it is easier to dip your chips.
Pour in the taco sauce and blend it in.
Add just half of the shredded cheese to the creamy base and fold it in with a spatula.
This helps to ensure there is a bit of cheese in every single bite of the dip even after the toppings begin to shift around as people eat it at the party.
Spread the creamy layer into the bottom of your serving dish.
If you're making this in advance, cover and chill this layer for up to 24 hours.
Assemble the Fresh Veggie Layers
Just before you plan to serve the dish, layer the fresh veggies on top.
Start with the shredded lettuce and then top it with chopped up fresh tomatoes. I used cherry tomatoes because they are so sweet.
Sprinkle the thawed frozen corn over the top.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top and finish with a sprinkle of the green onions.
Variations
You can make this taco dip as mild or as spicy as your family enjoys.
Select your favorite taco seasoning instead of the taco sauce. Consider adding a fresh jalapeno for extra kick.
You could also top it with chopped bell peppers, chopped red onion, or use fresh cilantro in the mix.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the creamy base layer up to 24 hours in advance. Store it separately from the vegetables and only assemble it before serving so everything remains crisp and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This easy taco dip is always a hit at a party. Serve it with a big bowl of your favorite tortilla chips or Frito corn chips.
We love the extra flavor the "hint of lime" chips offer, that's always our favorite pick.
📖 Recipe
Spicy Taco Dip with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) brick of cream cheese softened
- 1 (16 oz) container of sour cream
- 1 (8 oz) bottle of SPICY taco sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese divided
- 1 bag of shredded lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed
- 1 bunch of green onions chopped
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer, whip the cream cheese until smooth in a large mixing bowl.
- Blend the whipped cream cheese with the container of sour cream until light and fluffy.
- Pour in the entire bottle of taco sauce and beat it in until smooth.
- Stir in just 1 cup of shredded cheese with a spatula. Reserve the other cup of cheese for the top later.
- Spread the seasoned cream cheese base into your serving dish.
- Top the taco dip base with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, corn, the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. Chill until serving.
- NOTE: If you plan to make this dip in advance, you can prepare the seasoned base up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. Be sure to store the fresh vegetables separately, they will begin to wilt within an hour or so of adding them to the dip. Just assemble the layers before serving so everything remains crisp.
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This looks super tasty!! I can’t wait to give it a try! It’s all delicious ingredients 🙂