Go Back
A close-up overhead shot of a tortilla chip scooping a generous amount of layered cream cheese salsa dip from a bowl.

Cream Cheese Salsa Dip: The Easiest 3-Ingredient Appetizer

This Cream Cheese Salsa Dip is the ultimate easy appetizer! Made with just 3 ingredients in 5 minutes, it's a creamy, tangy, and cheesy crowd-pleaser perfect for parties, game days, or any last-minute get-together. Serve it cold or baked!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz block cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 16 oz salsa chunky-style, any heat level
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Mexican blend or sharp cheddar

Equipment

  • 1 Shallow serving dish or pie plate
  • 1 Spatula

Instructions
 

  1. Allow the block of cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
  2. Using a spatula, spread the softened cream cheese in an even layer on the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate or a similar shallow serving dish.
  3. Pour the salsa over the cream cheese, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the salsa.
  5. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, or cover and chill for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Baked Variation: Assemble in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dip, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Salsa Tip: If your salsa has a lot of excess liquid, drain some of it off before pouring it over the cream cheese to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
QR Code linking back to recipe