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If you love tacos, you’re going to love this creamy, hearty dip full of hot taco flavor, with tons of gooey cheese, spicy seasonings, and fresh crisp vegetables!
I designed this dip to be packed with hearty and fresh flavor – it’s addictive and perfect for snacking, great at parties or family taco night!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Cheesy Tex Mex Taco Dip
Hot taco dip is one of my favorite easy appetizers – its simple to whip up and packed with flavor – the hot, bubbly, creamy cheese is perfect with spicy taco seasoning and fresh, cold crispy vegetables.
The contrast in textures and temperatures is perfect – it is addictive and simple to whip up, it will become one of your favorites in no time! We like to make this dip for parties and tailgates – it is a family favorite!
You can customize this dip for your family’s tastes – add taco meat, carnitas, shredded chicken – or change up the veggies! We also love making this dip with homemade taco seasoning, even though you can use the prepackaged kind, too.
How to Make Hot Taco Dip
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Olive oil is used for sautéing the bell pepper and onion. It adds a rich and fruity flavor to the dip and helps soften the vegetables.
- Bell Pepper (1, chopped): The bell pepper provides a sweet and slightly crunchy texture to the dip, along with a colorful and vibrant appearance.
- Medium Onion (1, chopped): Chopped onion adds a savory and aromatic element to the dip, enhancing its overall flavor.
- Cream Cheese (1 8-ounce brick): Cream cheese forms the creamy and rich base of the dip. It adds a smooth and indulgent texture, balancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Strained Tomatoes (½ cup, canned): Strained tomatoes contribute a tomatoey essence to the dip, providing a tangy and slightly thickened consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese (3 tablespoons): Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall cheesiness and depth of taste in the dip.
- Taco Seasoning (1 packet): Taco seasoning is the flavor powerhouse of the dip, bringing a combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika to infuse it with that classic taco taste.
- Tex-Mex Cheese (½ cup): Tex-Mex cheese, a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack, adds a gooey and melty texture to the dip while contributing a creamy, cheesy flavor.
- Lettuce (½ cup, chopped): Chopped lettuce serves as a fresh and crunchy topping, reminiscent of taco fillings. It provides a refreshing contrast to the warm and creamy dip.
- Green Onions (1-2, chopped): Chopped green onions add a mild oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
Optional:
- Hot Sauce (any flavor): Hot sauce is optional but can be added to bring extra heat and a spicy kick to the dip, depending on personal preference.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
- In a medium pan heat up olive oil, then cook the onion and pepper for about 5 minutes on medium heat.
- Add in cream cheese, strained tomatoes, parmesan cheese, taco seasoning and mix until well combined and the cream cheese is melted (note: if using hot sauce, add it here).
- Place into a serving bowl and layer with Tex-Mex cheese, lettuce and chopped green onions (Note: you can add as much of these garnish items as you desire).
- Serve with corn chips or veggies.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Hot Taco Dip
Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients. This makes it easier to blend smoothly and eliminates any lumps in the dip.
Properly Sauté Vegetables: When sautéing the bell pepper and onion in olive oil, aim for a tender and slightly caramelized texture. This adds depth of flavor to the dip.
Season Thoughtfully: While the taco seasoning packet provides flavor, taste the dip before adding extra salt. The seasoning mix and Parmesan cheese can already contribute saltiness.
Layer Ingredients: Consider layering the ingredients in an oven-safe dish for an attractive presentation. Start with the cream cheese mixture, followed by the Tex-Mex cheese, and top it with the sautéed vegetables.
Adjust Heat: If you’re using hot sauce, start with a small amount and taste as you go. Remember that the heat can intensify as the dip bakes, so it’s easier to add more later than to make it less spicy.
Choose Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality Tex-Mex cheese for better meltability and a smoother texture. You can also experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavor profiles.
Serve Hot: Hot taco dip is best enjoyed when it’s freshly baked and hot from the oven. It’s when the cheese is gooey and the flavors are at their peak.
Garnish Fresh: Wait to add the chopped lettuce and green onions as a garnish until just before serving. This maintains their freshness and crunch.
Keep It Warm: If you’re serving the dip at a party or gathering, consider using a small slow cooker or a chafing dish to keep it warm throughout the event.
Pair with Dippers: Provide an assortment of dippers like tortilla chips, nacho chips, sliced baguette, or even fresh veggies. Different dippers can enhance the overall enjoyment of the dip.
Customize Toppings: Encourage guests to customize their individual servings with additional toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for a personalized touch.
FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it until it’s hot and bubbly. This is convenient for parties and gatherings.
Popular dippers include tortilla chips, nacho chips, sliced baguette, crackers, and fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrot. Choose your favorites or offer a variety for guests.
Absolutely! You can omit the meat components and use additional vegetables or meat alternatives like plant-based ground “beef” to make a vegetarian-friendly version of the dip.
To reduce excess grease, consider using lean ground meat or draining any excess fat after cooking it. Additionally, choosing lower-fat cheese or blotting the surface with a paper towel before serving can help.
While it’s possible to freeze hot taco dip, it may alter the texture of the dip slightly when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat leftovers, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until it’s heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can become dry.
If your dip turns out spicier than desired, you can balance the heat by adding more cream cheese or Tex-Mex cheese to mellow the spiciness. Alternatively, serve it with cooling elements like sour cream or ranch dressing.
It’s best to serve hot taco dip immediately when it’s hot. If it sits at room temperature for more than two hours, it’s advisable to refrigerate it to prevent the growth of bacteria.
What to Enjoy with Hot Taco Dip
Hot taco dip pairs wonderfully with:
Tortilla Chips: A classic choice, their crunch and saltiness complement the creaminess of the dip.
Vegetable Sticks: Such as carrot, celery, and bell pepper sticks for a healthier, crunchy option.
Cheese Quesadillas: Cut into triangles, they offer a cheesy, soft texture.
Sliced Sausages: Like chorizo or pepperoni, for a spicy and meaty addition.
Fried Plantains: For a sweet and savory contrast.
Breadsticks: Offer a nice crunch and are easy for dipping.
Try my other Tex Mex Recipes next:
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Hot Taco Dip
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 8- ounce brick of cream cheese
- ½ cup strained tomatoes, canned
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- ½ cup Tex-Mex cheese
- ½ cup lettuce, chopped
- 1-2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium pan heat up olive oil, then cook the onion and pepper for about 5 minutes on medium heat.
- Add in cream cheese, strained tomatoes, parmesan cheese, taco seasoning and mix until well combined and the cream cheese is melted (note: if using hot sauce, add it here).
- Place into a serving bowl and layer with Tex-Mex cheese, lettuce and chopped green onions (Note: you can add as much of these garnish items as you desire).
- Serve with corn chips or veggies.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
