Blue Cheese Dip with Cream Cheese

With its rich texture and savory punch, blue cheese dip with cream cheese is a must for your next get-together. It’s a match made in heaven for blue cheese lovers, but it’s perfect for the blue cheese curious, too—an ideal blue cheese recipe for non-believers. Adding cream cheese and sour cream to the dip mellows out the pungency of blue cheese, giving the dip a gentle kiss of sharp flavor instead of a heavy punch.

Pair this cream cheese and blue cheese dip with sweet and savory crackers, tortilla or potato chips, fresh vegetables or fruit—we recommend pear or apple slices—or dried fruit for an appetizer everyone will love. It’s perfect for game days, parties or anytime snacking.

Ingredients for Blue Cheese Dip with Cream Cheese

• Cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese to incorporate it evenly and easily into the dip. There are ways to soften cream cheese quickly if you’re in a time crunch.
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds rich flavor and extra creamy texture to the dip. You can substitute plain Greek yogurt.
• White pepper: White pepper comes from black peppercorns that have had their skins removed. White pepper has a spicier and earthier flavor than black pepper. If you only have black pepper on hand, it will work just as well.
• Salt: A little salt enhances the flavor of the dip. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste.
• Crumbled blue cheese: Blue cheese is the star of the show in this dip. This flavorful cheese gets its signature blue streaks from Penicillium mold cultures, and can range in flavor from mild to extremely pungent. For a milder flavor, use Gorgonzola or Danish Blue. For the strongest flavor, use Roquefort or Maytag.
• Fresh chives: Minced chives add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to the dip.
• Pecans: Chopped toasted pecans are an optional topping that adds a crunchy texture to the dip. Toasting the nuts enhances the flavor and, while also helping them maintain their crisp texture.
• For serving: Serve this dip alongside something sweet, such as apple and pear slices, or serve up a savory profile with crostini, baguette slices, crackers and a selection of fresh vegetables.

Directions

Step 1: Make the dip

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper. Gently stir in the crumbled blue cheese and minced chives.

Editor’s Tip: A handheld or stand mixer will make the process easier, but you can also do this by hand if the cream cheese is nice and soft.

Step 2: Garnish and serve

Transfer the cream cheese and blue cheese dip to a serving bowl. If desired, sprinkle it with chopped toasted pecans. Serve the dip with apple and pear slices.

Blue Cheese Dip with Cream Cheese Variations

• Add a drizzle: To add a sweet note, add a drizzle of honey on top.
• Change the cheese: This tangy dip also works well with crumbled feta cheese used in place of blue cheese. Use a seasoned feta cheese for added flavor.
• Switch the seasonings: In addition to salt and pepper, you can also season this dip with fresh minced garlic or garlic powder. When it comes to fresh herbs, fresh chopped parsley or tarragon would also be tasty additions.

How to Store Blue Cheese Dip with Cream Cheese

Store blue cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to four days. You can prepare it ahead of time; the flavors will meld even more after a day or two.

Blue Cheese Dip with Cream Cheese Tips

What else can you serve with blue cheese dip?

Despite (or because of) its strong flavor profile, blue cheese dip with cream cheese pairs well with everything from crisp, sweet fruits to savory crackers. Some of our favorite pairings include fresh apple and pear slices, herb-flavored crackers and fresh sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, celery and carrots on a colorful crudite platter. For a heartier dipper, you can even pair it with Buffalo wings.