Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

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Cream Cheese Salsa Dip is such an easy dip recipe! This creamy salsa takes about 2 minutes to make using 2 simple ingredients right in the blender or food processor! It’s the perfect appetizer or quick snack and always the first to disappear at parties or on game days! Serve it with chips and salsa, on salads, or top Mexican food with it!

Dip recipes are always a hit! Be sure to try out these other easy recipes; Refried Bean Dip with Cream Cheese, Tomatillo Salsa, and Zucchini Salsa!

A white dish with creamy salsa dip sprinkled with cilantro dip with chips on the side.

This recipe was originally published in 2018. It has been updated to include new images and step by step instruction.

You guys! I’m seriously in love with chips and salsa! I’m not kidding when I tell you that cream cheese and salsa dip is even better than salsa on its own! Cream cheese is one of those ingredients that makes everything better!

My family loves gathering around to watch football games, rodeos, or play games. A big part of the fun is enjoying finger foods!

I can get carried away and end up trying great recipes that take way too long. I have to remind myself to stick with the easiest dips! They’re usually the ones that end up on repeat around here!

I love salsa. My boys love HOT salsa. And my husband is in the “mild salsa” camp! But, we all agree that this simple recipe is the best dip! It’s creamy and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This delicious cream cheese dip is creamy and a bit spicy all at the same time! You’re going to love how the cream cheese pairs with the salsa!

It’s such an easy dip recipe and it only takes and only 2 minutes to make this dip! It’s also even better if it’s made ahead of time! Make ahead apps are a lifesaver!

This recipe only has two ingredients, yet it’s customizable by using different kinds of salsa. I love those layered cream cheese dips, but they take so many ingredients and I don’t always have them on hand! It’s easy to keep salsa and cream cheese on hand!

Ingredients

Salsa: Use your favorite salsa. Homemade or storebought are both great choices. Fresh salsa doesn’t work as well as using canned salsa. Use mild, medium, or hot salsa to adjust the spiciness of the dip. Pace Picante is a great choice.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for best results. Reduced-fat cream cheese has extra liquid added to it and will make the dip thinner. You’ll want to use a block of cream cheese, not whipped or spreadable cream cheese.

Cream cheese, salsa, and cilantro to make cream cheese salsa.

Step By Step Instructions

You guys! Making an easy appetizer can’t get any easier than this!

I love using a food processor to make this recipe. If you don’t have a one, use a blender or even a hand held mixer.

Step 1: Add room temperature cream cheese and salsa to a food processor. Pulse until blended. Pulse more for a thinner salsa and less for a chunky salsa.

Step 2: Pour salsa cream cheese dip into an airtight container. Cover. Refrigerate until it’s cold and ready to serve.

Cream cheese and salsa in a food processor.

Expert Tips & Storage

Be sure to use room-temperature cream cheese. If it’s cold it will be lumpy and won’t combine with the salsa.

Set the cream cheese on the countertop for 30 minutes to bring it to room temp.
Remove the cream cheese from the package and set it on a microwave-safe plate. Defrost in 30-second intervals, checking after each one, until you have softened cream cheese.

For a thicker dip strain the liquid from the salsa before adding it to the food processor. If it’s still too thin, add more cream cheese. It will thicken a little as it sits in the fridge.

Storage: This dip can definitely be made ahead of time.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It might separate a little bit. That’s okay. Simply stir it back together.
This dip does not freeze well. Freezing will alter the texture of the cream cheese.

A white dish filled with salsa made with cream cheese on a wooden cutting board.

Variations

It’s fun to take an easy cream cheese dip like this and customize it! There are so many fun options for different things you can add to the dip. You really can get creative with this (think about adding black beans)! Here are a few suggestions to get you started!

Level of Spice:

Adjust the spice level in this recipe by using either mild, medium, or hot salsa.
Add a fresh jalapeno to the food processor with the other ingredients. Remove the seeds and membrane for a bit milder spiciness, or leave them in for full spice! (I suggest wearing rubber gloves when handling jalapenos)
Add red pepper flakes
Add hot sauce

Varieties of Salsa:

Tomatillo salsa is a fun variation.
Sweet salsa works great
Green salsa

Additions: (Stir them in after blending)

Grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Mexican cheese blend, or pepper jack are great)
Sliced or diced black olives
Diced bell peppers
Sliced green onions

A white dish with cream cheese salsa dip topped with chopped cilantro and tortilla chips.

Serve the Salsa With (Dippers)

This dip is amazing served with so many things! Here are a few of our favorites that pair perfectly with this creamy salsa dip!

Chips are the classic go-to for serving with salsa! You really can’t beat the classic!

Tortilla chips
Corn chips
Nacho cheese-flavored chips
Pita chips

Crackers are a fun way to switch it up!

Butter crackers
Whole wheat crackers

Fresh Vegetables are great if you are looking to keep it healthy or for keto salsa dippers.

Mini sweet bell peppers (red bell pepper is my favorite)
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Sugar snap peas

The best part of Mexican main dishes is serving them with this salsa!

FAQs

What goes with salsa dip?

Tortilla chips, corn chips, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, and other fresh veggies are great for dipping in salsa dip.
Serve on casseroles, tacos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, and more.
Use it as a salad dressing, especially in taco salad.

Can you freeze cream cheese salsa dip?

You can. But the texture will be altered. I don’t recommend it. Plus, it’s easy to make just before serving, or can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving.

Other Easy Dip Recipes

Party food is my jam! I could literally live on appetizers! They have to be easy to be on repeat at my house! Here are some faves!