Description
A festive and flavorful cream cheese dip packed with colorful vegetables and herbs, perfect for holiday parties, game day, or any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped black olives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pimentos, drained
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Assorted crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, use a sturdy spoon or spatula, ensuring all lumps are gone.
- Add the Festive Flavors: Add the finely chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, black olives, and pimentos to the cream cheese mixture. Then, add the finely chopped fresh parsley and chives. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Mixing and Chilling: Gently fold all the ingredients into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or container. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Serving and Enjoying: Before serving, remove the dip from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Serve with assorted crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley or paprika, if desired.
Notes
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Add some cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
- Make it Italian: Add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Use different olives: Try green olives or Kalamata olives instead of black olives.
- Add some nuts: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Make it a log: Shape the cream cheese mixture into a log and roll it in chopped nuts, herbs, or bacon bits.
- Use flavored cream cheese: Experiment with different flavors of cream cheese, such as garden vegetable or chive and onion.
- Make it lighter: Use light cream cheese, light mayonnaise, and fat-free sour cream to reduce the calories and fat.
- Make Ahead: Prepare 2-3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes