A creamy, savory dip featuring rich Parmesan cheese blended with classic seasonings—ideal for parties, game nights, or simply enjoying with veggies and bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra‑creamy texture with bold, tangy Parmesan flavor
- Versatile—pairs beautifully with chips, veggies, breadsticks, or crackers
- Made in minutes with simple ingredients
- Easy to customize—add herbs, bacon, or spices for extra flair
- Crowd‑favorite that’s great for gatherings or snacking
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic (minced) or garlic powder
- Fresh lemon juice or vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh herbs (like chives, parsley, dill) or spices (paprika, chili flakes)
Directions
- Soften base: In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sour cream (or yogurt) until smooth.
- Add flavors: Stir in grated Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Blend until creamy and well combined.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor.
- Garnish & serve: Top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika. Serve chilled with dippers.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 1½–2 cups of dip (serves 8–10 as appetizer)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
- Total time: ~35 minutes
Variations
- Herbed Parmesan: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil.
- Spicy Jalapeño: Add finely diced jalapeño and a dash of hot sauce.
- Bacon & Chive: Fold in crisp bacon bits and chopped chives.
- Roasted Garlic: Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a milder, caramelized flavor.
- Italian‑Style: Add sun‑dried tomatoes and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before serving again. This dip is best enjoyed chilled—no reheating needed. If it thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a little milk or sour cream to loosen.
FAQs
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess, or replace with an equal amount of mayonnaise (though flavor will be slightly richer).
Can I make this dip ahead?
Yes—make it a day ahead. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes—as long as dippers are gluten-free, the dip itself is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use pre‑grated Parmesan?
Yes—but freshly grated has better texture and flavor. Pre‑grated may pack in harder.
How long will it last?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 5 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing isn’t recommended—it may separate when thawed.
How do I make it thinner?
Stir in a little milk, cream, or extra sour cream to reach desired consistency.
Can I add other cheeses?
Absolutely—stir in cheddar, smoked Gouda, or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
What dippers go best with it?
Try vegetables (carrots, celery, cucumber), breadsticks, pita chips, crackers, or sturdy chips like kettle-cooked varieties.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes—use vegan cream cheese and vegan Parmesan-style cheese, then follow the same method.
Conclusion
This Parmesan Dip is a quick and flavorful option for any occasion. With its creamy consistency and savory, cheesy punch, it’s perfect for dipping and sharing. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit your taste preferences—add a twist or keep it classic, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing dip at your next gathering.
Print
Parmesan Dip
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: —
- Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: About 1½ cups 1x
- Category: Dip / Appetizer
- Method: No-cook / Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, savory Parmesan cheese dip perfect for pairing with bread, veggies, or crackers—rich, cheesy, and easy to whip up.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and grated Parmesan.
- Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper; stir until smooth and well blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lemon for zing or black pepper for kick.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Before serving, give it a final stir and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Can be made a day ahead—cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Great with breadsticks, tortilla chips, carrot sticks, or crostini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg