Texas Christmas Dip is a delightful blend of creamy and cheesy goodness with a hint of spice, making it the perfect appetizer for the holiday season. This dip combines cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar with the festive colors of red bell peppers and green chilies. It’s a crowd-pleaser served with tortilla chips or veggie sticks.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced green chilies (canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or veggie sticks for serving
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chilies, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions to the bowl.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with tortilla chips or veggie sticks for a festive and delicious snack that’s perfect for sharing.
Variation
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Incorporate fresh diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Substitute pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
Cooking Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Make sure to drain the green chilies thoroughly.
- You can prepare this dip a day in advance for more intense flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a platter of fresh vegetable sticks.
- Pair with homemade tortilla chips for a personal touch.
- Use as a filling for mini tortilla rolls.
Tips
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Mix the ingredients gently to maintain texture.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 390mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, making it a day ahead enhances the flavors as they have more time to meld. - Can I freeze the dip?
Answer: Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which may separate when thawed. - What can I use instead of green chilies?
Answer: You can use diced jalapeños for more heat, or skip altogether for a milder flavor. - Can I serve this dip warm?
Answer: While traditionally served chilled, you can warm it slightly before serving if preferred.
Conclusion
This Texas Christmas Dip brings together festive colors and bold flavors, making it a go-to holiday appetizer. Its creamy base and savory spices pair perfectly with crisp vegetables or crunchy tortilla chips. Whether prepared ahead of time or mixed just before serving, it’s a versatile recipe that fits seamlessly into any holiday gathering. Enjoy the taste of Texas with every delicious bite.
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Texas Christmas Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Texas Christmas Dip is a delightful blend of creamy and cheesy goodness with a hint of spice, making it the perfect appetizer for the holiday season. This dip combines cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar with the festive colors of red bell peppers and green chilies. It’s a crowd-pleaser served with tortilla chips or veggie sticks.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced green chilies (canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or veggie sticks for serving
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chilies, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions to the bowl.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve with tortilla chips or veggie sticks for a festive and delicious snack that’s perfect for sharing.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is well-softened for easy mixing.
- Allowing the dip to chill helps the flavors to develop.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more or less spice as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dip
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Christmas, Dip, Cheesy, Holiday, Snack
