Garlic cheddar cheese dip is quick to make and easy to serve. You can enjoy it with crackers, celery, baguette slices or spread it over toasted bread.
Made with cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic and chives, this cold dip comes together in minutes and needs no cooking, which makes it especially handy when you need something quick.
If you'd like another dip idea, have a look at my loaded baked potato dip too.
How to make garlic cheddar cheese dip
In a bowl, combine shredded or grated cheddar, mayonnaise, pressed garlic and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything well.
When ready, stir in finely chopped chives and you are ready to serve!
Note: I usually make this with 2 large garlic cloves, but that can be a bit strong for some people. Start with 1 clove, then taste and add more if needed. A garlic press works best here because the garlic blends into the dip more evenly than chopped garlic. I don't add salt to this dip because the cheddar brings enough on its own.
Tips and serving ideas
- This cheese dip can also be spread over crostini, crackers or toasted baguette slices. It is a nice way to serve it when you want things to be less messy. If you are making 16 canapes, it will take about 10 minutes to put them together.
- Celery works really well here too and balances the rich, garlicky flavor.
- If you don't have fresh chives, leave them out.
- Walnuts are optional and mostly add texture on top.
FAQs
Yes. This recipe works well as both a dip and a spread. You can serve it in a bowl with crackers or celery or spread it over toasted bread or baguette slices.
Crackers, celery, toasted bread and baguette slices are all good options. I also like serving it as a spread because it is less messy.
Yes. You can make it ahead and keep it chilled until ready to serve. It is a handy option when you want to get one thing done in advance.
Yes. Start with 1 clove, then add more if needed. I often use 2 large cloves, but the flavor can be too strong for some.
More easy appetizer recipes
- Honey Pistacchio Goat Cheese Log: this is another quick recipe using cheese so if you are stuck for time, this is the way to go.
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings: who doesn't love them, right? I have included a recipe for deep-fried wings as well.
- Roasted Garlic Jalapeno Dip: a delicious dip made with roasted garlic. Great when you want another easy dip to put on the table.
- Garlic Shrimp: easy to make seafood appetizer.
Garlic Cheddar Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 ounces cheddar cheese (grated)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove (pressed, see note 1)
- black pepper (a pinch)
- fresh chives (finely chopped, see note 2)
- 5 walnuts (roughly chopped, optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, stir together 5 ounces cheddar cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise, pressed 1 garlic clove and a pinch of black pepper until combined. Stir in finely chopped fresh chives.
- Serve as a dip or spread over crackers, toasted bread or baguette slices.
- Optional: Top each canape with roughly chopped walnuts or sprinkle over the dip.
Notes
- I usually use 2 garlic cloves, but 1 may be enough if you prefer a lighter garlic flavor. Start with 1 and add more, if needed.
- I used about 1 tablespoon of chopped chives, but you can use more or less to your liking. You can also leave them out if you don't have any.
- You can serve this as a dip, or spread it over canapes, toasted bread or crackers. This recipe makes about 16 canapes or about ¾ cup as a dip.
- If serving it on canapes, add about 10 minutes for assembly.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates calculated from available data and may vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Natalie says
I love homemade cheese dips! Looks so delicious and perfect for dinner parties ♥
Julia says
Thanks Natalie!
Lisa Bryan says
Oh yum! This sounds like the perfect creamy, cheesy dip....and the more garlic the better!
Julia says
Right? 🙂
Anita says
Wow, I love the flavor profile and the dip is so easy to prepare. When a recipe calls for a garlic press, I usually grab my microplane grater and grate away. I'm cheap and avoid buying single use tool, LOL. If you are like me, you may want to use the same trick. 🙂
Julia says
That's a great tip, Anita! Thanks!
Neha says
Looks like a delicious dip! My mouth is watering just by looking at it! Saving it for trying tomorrow!
Julia says
Yay!
Cathy says
Wow all the ingredients in this appetizer are perfect together, all favorites for sure! I bet this dip would also be perfect on baked potatoes too!
Julia says
Oh, definitely! 🙂