5-Minute Chip Dip Recipe
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The perfect chip dip is here! Made with only 3 ingredients – sour cream, cream cheese, and Ranch seasoning mix – you can enjoy the easiest, creamiest, and dreamiest dip ever that only takes 5 minutes to make. Why spend ages mixing, chopping, and prepping when you could be dipping into something delicious almost instantly?
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of dunking a salty, crispy chip into a smooth, flavorful dip – especially when that dip has all your favorite flavors! Let’s be real, sometimes the best snacks are the ones you can whip up at a moment’s notice, and this chip dip is proof.
It’s creamy, zesty, and downright addictive. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute get-together or a super bowl gathering, settling in for a movie night, or just craving something snack-worthy, this dip is here to save the day. I enjoy it in rotation with my other go-to dips, French onion dip and slow cooker spinach and artichoke dip.
This recipe is all about ease without compromise – bold flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of tang in every bite. Pair it with your favorite chips, fresh veggies, or crackers, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “pass the dip!”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Just mix, garnish, and serve. No mess, no fuss.
- Pantry-ready: Made with simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Crave-worthy: Every bite is smooth, luscious, and bursting with flavor.
- Pairs with everything: Enjoy it with chips, crackers, veggies, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
- Endlessly customizable: Spice it up, make it cheesy, or add fresh herbs – the possibilities are endless, so you’ll never get bored.
- Make-ahead friendly: Make it ahead of time, and it only gets better as the flavors meld in the fridge.
How to Make Chip Dip
What’s better than a chip dip with cream cheese? A chip dip with cream cheese and sour cream, of course! Add in a favorite like Ranch seasoning, and you have the best veggies and chips dip at your fingertips. Mix everything in one bowl and enjoy – super easy that even kids can make it!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Sour cream: Adds the perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess. It also helps the seasoning blend smoothly.
- Chive and onion cream cheese: Softened is best for easy mixing. I set it out at room temperature 30 minutes before I make the dip.
- Dry Ranch seasoning mix: I make my own blend (recipe below) for the best flavor. In a pinch, you can use a 1-ounce packet (28 g) ready-made Ranch seasoning mix.
- Fresh chives: Optional garnish. I like adding this in for freshness and for those pretty flecks of green.
DIY Ranch Seasoning Mix
The DIY seasoning mix below yields 3 ounces. You only need 1 ounce for this recipe. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months – you can use this versatile seasoning mix on so many dishes!
- Buttermilk powder
- Dried parsley
- Dried chives
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried dill
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this delicious chip dip is as easy as one, two, three. It’s a zero-fuss recipe that’s perfect for sudden cravings or for entertaining. Mix, season, and serve in just 5 minutes – it’s like magic!
Step 1: Combine the sour cream and cream cheese
In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream and softened cream cheese. Stir by hand with a spoon or use an electric mixer for an extra light and fluffy texture. You can opt to mix them with an electric mixer if you prefer a whipped texture.
Step 2: Add the seasoning
Add the Ranch seasoning mix and stir it into the mixing bowl. Combine well.
Step 3: Serve
Serve immediately with chips or vegetable sticks. Or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or longer to let the flavors meld. This is a fine choice to make ahead and serve later.
Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient – just use what you have on hand or what works for you! Check out these substitutions to keep things going:
- Sour cream: Swap with Greek yogurt or use mayonnaise for a richer dip. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based sour cream substitute.
- Chive and onion cream cheese: Can’t find this variation at the store? Regular cream cheese works just fine – just add a tablespoon of finely chopped chives and a pinch of onion powder for the same flavor.
- Dry Ranch seasoning mix: Don’t have all the ingredients for the DIY Ranch seasoning? Make a basic mix with just dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Fresh chives: Substitute with green onions, fresh parsley, fresh dill, or cilantro.
- Buttermilk Powder: Make a DIY version by mixing powdered milk with a dash of lemon juice or vinegar. You can also omit it and add fresh buttermilk when making the dip.
- Dried Parsley: Swap with fresh parsley or dried oregano.
- Dried Chives: Substitute with green onion powder or dried onion flakes.
- Dried Dill: Replace with fresh dill or dried tarragon.
Expert Tips
- Use full-fat ingredients: Full-fat sour cream and cream cheese make the dip extra creamy and rich. Low-fat versions work but may be thinner.
- Go for a smooth blend: For a lighter and fluffier dip, blend everything using an electric mixer. It’s a dreamy finish, but not necessary if you prefer to keep it simple.
- Watch the saltiness: Ranch seasoning can be salty, so start with a little and adjust to taste – you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- Add some crunch: Stir in finely chopped celery, red onion, or crispy bacon for added texture.
- Add a hint of heat: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Let it chill: This chip dip can be enjoyed immediately, but for the best flavor, refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour before serving to let the ingredients meld together.
How to Store This Recipe
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
What to Serve with Chip Dip
This crave-worthy chip dip is incredibly versatile and pairs well with just about anything crunchy and dippable! Go classic and serve it with your favorite chips (classic potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, or even pita chips) or fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers. We love it with air fryer sweet potato wedges too!
For a heartier pairing, enjoy with sausage rolls or crispy baked chicken wings. You can also use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, or drizzle it over mashed potatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
More Easy Appetizers To Try
- Homemade salsa
- Tomato bruschetta
- Cream cheese stuffed mushrooms
- Cheese and bacon cob loaf
- Sausage rolls
If you make this chip dip, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Creamy Chip Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 8 ounces chive and onion cream cheese softened
- 1 ounce dry Ranch seasoning mix or use 1 ounce of the DIY version below)
- 1 teaspoon chives minced (for garnish, optional)
DIY Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 2 ounces buttermilk powder
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream and softened cream cheese. Stir by hand with a spoon or use an electric mixer for an extra light and fluffy texture.
- Stir in the Ranch seasoning mix until well combined.
- Serve immediately with chips or fresh vegetable sticks.
