Smoky Garlic Cream Cheese Dip
This creamy, smoky garlic dip is a delightful addition to any gathering. Blending the richness of cream cheese with the tang of sour cream and the savory notes of roasted garlic, this dip has a sophisticated flavor profile that complements an array of dippers, from crunchy vegetables to crispy crackers. Its versatility doesn't end there—try it as a luxurious topping for baked potatoes, a zesty spread on sandwiches, or a dip that pairs beautifully with seafood. Alter the lemon content to suit your taste; this recipe will be a favorite for casual snacking or elegant entertaining. Enjoy experimenting and make it your own!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
sour cream
4 ounces
roasted garlic cloves
6-8 (roughly chopped)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon
smoked paprika
1 teaspoon
lemon
1/2-1 (zest and juice)
salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
milk
if needed
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine cream cheese, sour cream, roasted garlic cloves, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and the zest and juice of half a lemon.
2
Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
3
Taste the dip and adjust the lemon juice for brightness, adding the other half if desired.
4
If a thinner consistency is preferred, gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, blending until you reach the desired texture.
5
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and enjoy with raw vegetables, seafood, or as a spread in your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Garlic Cream Cheese Dip?
It is a creamy and savory dip that blends cream cheese, sour cream, and roasted garlic with smoky notes from paprika.
What are the primary ingredients for this dip?
The main ingredients include 4 ounces of cream cheese, 4 ounces of sour cream, roasted garlic cloves, dried thyme, smoked paprika, lemon, salt, and milk.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much sour cream should I use?
Use 4 ounces of sour cream for this recipe.
How many roasted garlic cloves are required?
You will need 6 to 8 roasted garlic cloves, roughly chopped.
What gives the dip its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from the addition of one teaspoon of smoked paprika.
How much dried thyme is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I use the lemon in this recipe?
You should use the zest and juice of half to one full lemon, depending on your taste preference.
How much salt should be added?
Add between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or adjust to your personal taste.
When should I use milk in this dip?
Milk should be added one tablespoon at a time if a thinner consistency is preferred.
What kitchen equipment is required?
A food processor is needed to blend the ingredients into a smooth mixture.
How long does it take to blend the ingredients?
Blend the mixture on high for approximately 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.
How should the cream cheese be prepared before mixing?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth blending process.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be roasted and then roughly chopped before being added to the processor.
Can I adjust the brightness of the dip?
Yes, you can adjust the lemon juice to your liking to increase the brightness of the flavor.
What are some suggested dippers for this recipe?
This dip pairs well with raw vegetables, crispy crackers, and seafood.
Can I use this dip as a spread?
Yes, it works as a zesty spread for sandwiches or a topping for baked potatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as party food and is great for elegant entertaining or casual gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total in this recipe.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick and easy recipe.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, thyme, paprika, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a food processor.
How do I reach the desired texture for the dip?
Gradually add milk one tablespoon at a time while blending until you reach your preferred consistency.
Can I serve this dip with seafood?
Yes, one of the suggested uses is to pair it with various types of seafood.
Is the dip vegetarian?
Based on the ingredients list, this dip is vegetarian-friendly.
What flavor profile does the roasted garlic provide?
The roasted garlic provides savory notes and a sophisticated flavor profile.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
While not explicitly stated, as a cream cheese-based dip, it is generally suitable for preparation before an event.
What kind of paprika is best?
The recipe specifically requires smoked paprika to achieve the signature smoky taste.
Does the recipe use lemon zest?
Yes, the recipe uses both the zest and the juice of the lemon.
How many servings does this make?
The exact serving count is not specified, but it uses 8 ounces of base dairy (cream cheese and sour cream).
What is the overall texture of the dip?
The dip is described as creamy, smooth, and well-combined.