Irresistible Mexican Three Cheese Dip for Game Days
45
min
360
Calories
25g
Fats
15g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Delight your guests with this creamy and flavorful Mexican Three Cheese Dip, perfect for game day. Its rich blend of cheeses and a touch of spice make it a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
Step 1: Prepare Yogurt Cheese
To start, let's ensure our dip has the perfect base - making the yogurt cheese. This step requires a bit of foresight, so before you tuck yourself into bed, line a fine sieve with a coffee filter or cheesecloth, place it over a deep bowl, and pour in 2 cups of plain yogurt. Cover this setup with a plate or plastic wrap and let it rest in your refrigerator. This overnight rest allows the liquid whey to drain away, leaving behind a thick, creamy cheese that will add a luxuriously smooth texture to our dip.
Pro Tip: For an even thicker consistency, let the yogurt strain for up to 24 hours.
Step 2: Cream Cheese Mixture
Now, take your cream cheese - make sure it's at room temperature so it blends smoothly - and whip it together with your homemade yogurt cheese. To this mix, add a tablespoon of minced garlic, a teaspoon each of ground cumin and smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Whipping these together until evenly distributed creates a flavorful, creamy base that carries the spices beautifully, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last. This base will serve as the first layer of our dip, setting the stage for the other flavors we're about to introduce.
Pro Tip: Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily, resulting in a smoother mixture.
Step 3: Salsa Layer
Next is our salsa layer, which you can either make fresh or use your favorite store-bought version to save on prep time. If you find your salsa is too liquidy, don't fret, a quick strain through a fine sieve can remove excess moisture, ensuring our dip layers remain distinct and don't turn soggy. This salsa layer not only adds a vibrant contrast to the creamy cheese layer but introduces a juicy, tangy twist that's sure to invigorate your taste buds.
Pro Tip: Preparing the salsa a day ahead enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious.
Step 4: Avocado Paste
The silky-smooth avocado paste is up next. Simply process a large ripe avocado in a food processor until it achieves a creamy consistency. Add lime juice to adjust the thickness to your liking and to add a bright, citrusy note which compliments the rich, creamy layers perfectly. This green layer not only adds a beautiful color contrast but brings a fresh, buttery smoothness that makes the dip irresistibly moreish.
Pro Tip: Adding lime juice not only adjusts the consistency but also prevents the avocado from browning.
Step 5: Layering and Garnishing
Assembling this dip is where the magic happens. Start with an even layer of the cream cheese mixture at the base of a clear serving bowl - this allows your guests to see the beautiful layers you've crafted. Gently spread the avocado paste over it, taking care not to mix the layers. Then add your strained salsa, reserving about a tablespoon for the garnish. The final touch is a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by a dollop of the reserved salsa and a sprinkle of chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness. The contrasting layers not only make for a beautiful presentation but ensure each scoop is packed with flavor.
Pro Tip: Layering in a clear bowl showcases the beautiful colors and makes serving more fun!
Step 6: Serving
This Mexican Three Cheese Dip is best served at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to really shine through. Accompany it with a mix of tortilla chips, flatbreads, and corn chips for dipping. The variety of textures from the dippers adds another layer of enjoyment to this already delightful dish. As you gather around with friends and family, watch as this dip becomes the center of attention, making any game day, gathering, or simple afternoon snack a memorable one.
Pro Tip: Offering a variety of dippers caters to different tastes and makes for a more engaging snack.
