Delicious Cheese Dips (3 Varieties | Cold or Hot)

At our local grocery store we have a Murray’s™ gourmet cheese section with a couple of creamy cheese dips that are out of this world! I mean, the kind you buy the first time out of curiosity and then mysteriously find yourself with a container in your grocery basket every time you hit the store.

The kind that you can grab some crisp crackers or some carrot sticks and dig in, where you think twice about sharing with your friends and loved ones. Yeah, that’s the stuff!

Over the holidays I was tinkering around with a Million Dollar Cheese dip recipe, the ones that are all over Pinterest and I think I might have stumbled upon what I think are the perfect copycat recipes for these decadent gourmet deli dips.

So friends who love Chads Smoked Gouda dip, Jarlsberg Jalapeño dip and regular Jarlsberg dip from the Kroger™ chain; grab some fresh veggies and crackers and whip up these delectable dips in minutes. Oh and it makes plenty, so you won’t mind sharing with those around you!

The ingredients and steps for each recipe are very similar, but deliver delightfully different flavors.

First a few prep details so you are ready to whip together your awesome cheese dips in minutes!

How to Toast Fresh Garlic

In a heavy duty skillet (I love my small Lodge Cast Iron skillet), over medium-high heat, pour about 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, toss in your finely chopped garlic (start with 2 cloves) and stir until golden, stir the entire time and don’t walk away, just takes a couple of minutes and it will burn fast!

For tips, substitutions and other ideas for toasted garlic, see recipe below.

BASIC CHEESE DIP MAKING INSTRUCTIONS

In a small mixing bowl, mix together your softened cream cheese (if using) and mayo. You may want to whisk or stir the cream cheese up prior to putting the mayo in, but either way you can get it pretty smooth whisking it well.

Stir it all about, mixing until ingredients are combined. Now, it tastes fine right away, but I like the flavors to hang out, mingle, get to know one another; place them in a covered container and refrigerate for 30 minutes or more.

HOSTESS TIP | Can be made a couple of days ahead of time; this will firm it up, but it becomes more spreadable as it sits out.

Aren’t they gorgeous, well I think they are beautiful because I’m pretty sure, at least in my food world that cheese takes the cake…so to speak.

Smoked Gouda Dip (The Fresh Cooky’s favorite)

JARLSBERG JALAPEñO DIP

Ingredients for this amazing, slightly spicy dip! Oops, my jalapeno is missing from the photo! Trust me it’s in there.

GARLIC GRUYÈRE DIP

Spoon a small amount into pretty serving bowls and if desired, place markers on them so your guests know what they are dipping in to.

MORE WAYS TO USE CHEESE DIPS!

• Want a softer, more spreadable dip? Omit the cream cheese! Reduces the overall caloric intake as well.
• Prefer a firmer dip, keep that cream cheese in there.
• If you plan on baking it, I recommend keeping the cream cheese in for a smoother, creamier hot dip.
• Also, feel free to adjust your shredded cheese up or down as different mayo’s and cream cheeses have different moisture contents.

REPURPOSING OR LEFTOVER CHEESE DIPS

• Spread a little onto your next sandwich
• Make a grilled cheese or quesadilla using the spread(s)
• Place a dollop on top of grilled, baked chicken or fish, melt and devour
• Place a scoop on top of a baked potato (nom!)
• Spread onto flour tortillas and roll into pinwheels, slice for a quick appetizer
• HEAT | Place in a shallow, oven safe dish and heat until bubbly in a 350º oven for 20-25 minutes, serve with tortilla or pita chips

CAN I FREEZE CHEESE DIPS?

You bet! I do not think they are quite as creamy and good for just dipping while cold, but if baking and using hot, or mixing into something, then yes, they are fabulous and a great way to avoid food waste!