Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

This no-cook recipe is always a favorite when we serve it.

I love how easy and quickly it comes together and that it’s such a versatile dip – you can easily switch up the toppings based on what you have on hand, what spice level you prefer, or how many people you’re feeding.

The base layer is made with a simple combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning and then is topped with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and shredded cheese.

💛 Why you’ll love this recipe

• Ready to enjoy in only 15 minutes.
• Can easily be doubled to feed a crowd, making it an excellent option for parties.
• Low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly.
• Requires only straightforward ingredients.

⏲ How to make taco dip with cream cheese

This is an overview of the recipe’s instructions. The full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Mix Together The Base Layer: Mix together cream cheese and sour cream. Add in your taco seasoning (either store-bought or homemade will work!) and then mix again.
• Transfer To A Pan And Add Toppings: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish then top with romaine, tomatoes, olives, and shredded cheese.
• Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite vegetables, crackers, or chips. (Or, if you have time, cover the pan with a lid or foil, transfer it to the refrigerator, and chill for 30 minutes – 1 hour before serving.)

👉 Ingredient substitution suggestions

• Cream Cheese: Dairy-free cream cheese (like almond milk cream cheese) can be subbed in at a 1:1 ratio.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream.
• Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought (I use this taco seasoning from Amazon), or you can make your own by combining 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
• Lettuce: I like to use romaine or iceberg lettuce because it’s crisp and holds up well in dips, but you can use any type of lettuce you prefer.
• Roma Tomatoes: You can use your favorite type of tomato in place of Roma tomatoes. Canned diced tomatoes are always an option as well. If using canned, be sure to drain them before adding them to the dip.
• Black Olives: Green olives can be used instead of black olives, or you can omit them entirely.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese: Any shredded cheese will work here (Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, cheddar cheese, etc). You can also use dairy-free cheese.

✨ Variations

• Kick up the heat and add roughly chopped or sliced jalapeños (either pickled or raw will work!).
• Mix some salsa into the base layer before adding your toppings.
• Sprinkle on some finely chopped green onions or chives for another level of flavor.
• Add some dollops of guacamole to the top of the prepared dish.
• Top with savory proteins like these plant-based sofritas.
• Serve the dip with some sliced avocado on top or on the side.

〰️ What to serve with the dip

• Serve with vegetables: celery sticks, baby carrots, cucumber slices, and sliced bell peppers are our favorites.
• Serve with low-carb crackers or use a topping for this cauliflower pizza crust without cheese.
• Serve with tortilla chips or corn chips if carb content is not a concern of yours.

💬 FAQs

📚 More 30-minute appetizer recipes

• Cucumber Tomato Bites
• Buffalo Deviled Eggs
• Low-Carb Broccoli Parmesan Fritters
• Everything Bagel Cucumber Boats
• Bacon Egg And Cheese Breakfast Sliders