The Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe is a crowd-pleasing classic that brings together creamy textures, savory bites of smoked ham, and the irresistible melt of sharp cheddar cheese. This dip is perfect for any gathering, effortlessly combining a few simple ingredients into a warm, comforting appetizer that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving something indulgent and cozy, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe so delicious. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of creaminess, smokiness, and a little kick from the green chiles that make every bite satisfying and memorable.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, softened): The creamy base that gives the dip its rich, velvety texture.
- Sour cream (8 ounces/1 cup): Adds a tangy freshness that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded): Provides sharp, melty goodness that’s essential to the dip’s flavor.
- Diced green chiles (4 ounces, fire-roasted preferred): Gives the dip a gentle smoky heat that wakes up the palate.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste): Enhances the overall flavor profile with just the right bit of spice.
- Smoked ham (1 cup, chopped into bite-sized pieces): The star protein, bringing smoky, meaty bursts in every mouthful.
- Extra cheddar cheese (1/2 cup shredded): For a golden, bubbly topping that seals in all the tasty goodness.
- Green onions (chopped): A fresh, crisp garnish to brighten the finished dish.
- Ritz crackers or toasted baguette slices: Perfect for scooping up every spoonful of this luscious dip.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cream Cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when your dip is ready. While it heats, give the softened cream cheese a good beating in a mixing bowl for about 1 to 2 minutes. This fluffing up is key to achieving that ultra-smooth, creamy base that will meld beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Incorporate Sour Cream
Next, add the sour cream to the whipped cream cheese and continue beating the mixture. The sour cream not only lightens the texture but also infuses a subtle tang that lifts the whole flavor of the dip, keeping it from feeling too heavy or dense.
Step 3: Mix in Cheddar, Green Chiles, and Spices
Now it’s time to add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chiles (don’t drain them!), smoked paprika, and fresh black pepper. This combination brings together creamy sharpness, smoky warmth, and a little heat that punches up the flavor without overwhelming it. Beat everything again so it’s well combined and luscious.
Step 4: Fold in the Smoked Ham
Use a spatula to gently fold the bite-sized chunks of smoked ham into the mixture. You want every spoonful to have those smoky, meaty bits well distributed, creating a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy dip base.
Step 5: Transfer and Top with Cheese
Scrape the entire mixture into a 1-quart pie plate or a similar-sized baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create that irresistible golden crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’re aiming for the top to just start browning and bubbling, signaling that the cheese is melted perfectly and the dip is heated through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve your warm, cheesy Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe with Ritz crackers or toasted baguette slices for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the classic choice for garnishing this dip, adding a mild, onion-y crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior. You can also try a sprinkle of extra smoked paprika or even a few finely diced red peppers to brighten the whole presentation and add more color.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs wonderfully with light, crunchy sides such as crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices if you want to include some veggies. It’s also fantastic alongside classic game day munchies like pretzels or pita chips to add variety to the spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe inside a hollowed-out bread bowl or individual mini bread ramekins for easy, mess-free portions. You could even spoon it over baked potatoes or use it as a filling for stuffed mushrooms to impress your guests with versatility.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover dip, store it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy those rich flavors again without waste.
Freezing
While you can freeze the dip, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the cream cheese base. If you do freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and use it within 2 months for best results. Thaw it slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts stirring frequently. This keeps the dip creamy and prevents it from drying out, ensuring every bite tastes just as good as the first.
FAQs
Can I make the dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dip mixture, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. This makes hosting so much easier without sacrificing any flavor.
What cheese works best for this dip?
Sharp cheddar is the perfect choice because it melts beautifully and offers a bold flavor that complements the smoky ham. However, feel free to experiment with a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyere for a twist.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of green chiles?
Yes, fresh jalapeños can be substituted if you like more heat. Just be sure to remove the seeds if you want a milder kick, and chop them finely so they distribute evenly throughout the dip.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but be mindful of what you serve it with. Traditional Ritz crackers contain gluten, so opt for gluten-free crackers or sliced veggies if you’re accommodating gluten-free guests.
How long does the dip last after baking?
After baking, it’s best enjoyed warm but can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Just reheat portions as needed to keep that creamy texture and fresh flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe is a surefire way to impress any crowd with its unbeatable combination of smoky ham, creamy cheese, and a little bit of spicy charm. It’s simple enough for a weeknight snack but special enough to bring out for celebrations. Give it a try and watch it disappear in no time — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 19 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 49 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Ham and Cheese Dip combines smooth cream cheese, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, and smoky ham with a hint of spice from green chiles and smoked paprika. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with melted cheddar and fresh green onions, it makes an irresistible appetizer perfect for gatherings, parties, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Dip Base
- 2 packages cream cheese (softened)
- 8 ounces sour cream (1 cup)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 ounces diced green chiles (fire-roasted preferred, do not drain)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup smoked ham (chopped into bite-size pieces)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, for topping)
- Green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Ritz crackers or toasted baguette slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the dip.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for 1 to 2 minutes until fluffy and smooth. Then add the sour cream and continue beating to combine.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chiles (including their juices), smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Beat again to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
- Fold in Ham: Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped smoked ham to ensure even distribution throughout the dip without overmixing.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Scrape the creamy mixture into a 1-quart pie plate or similar sized baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top just begins to brown and the dip is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for added freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the dip hot alongside Ritz crackers or toasted baguette slices for scooping and enjoying.
Notes
- You can substitute the smoked ham with any cooked smoked meat or turkey if preferred.
- For extra spice, add a small pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps when mixing.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Use fire-roasted green chiles for a smoky depth, but regular diced green chiles work well too.
