Delicious Creamy Ham Dip Appetizer
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This easy Cheesy Ham Dip is a creamy and savory dip that is a classic, and I mean classic, favorite for parties, holidays, and game day gatherings. It’s budget-friendly, and this delicious appetizer dip is super easy to make and customize, and everyone always loves it!
My mother always used to make this Classic Ham and Cream Cheese Dip whenever we had family or guests over. This cheesy ham dip is a delicious and creamy blend of cheese, savory and salty ham, and flavorful seasonings, making it the ultimate party appetizer.
I think she got her recipe one time when it was on the back of the Buddig ham package, and it was the most used card in her recipe box. With good reason: A) Because it is so easy to make and B) because it’s so delicious. Perfect for dipping crackers, bread, or veggies, it’s a rich and satisfying snack for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Dip Recipe
- Delicious and Easy Recipe – This savory and flavorful ham dip recipe is super easy to put together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients, and you can prepare it ahead of time.
- Budget Friendly – This is an inexpensive appetizer idea, especially when ham is on sale or you have leftover ham.
- Versatile and Easy to Customize – Not only can you easily spice this dip up for but it also doubles as a delicious sandwich spread.
Ham and Cream Cheese Dip Ingredients
This classic dip recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients you might even already have!
- Cream Cheese – softened for easy mixing
- Sour Cream – regular or low fat will work
- Garlic Powder
- Smoked Ham Lunch Meat – other varieties of deli meat or even bacon also work great
- Cheddar Cheese – finely shredded
- Green Onion – also known as scallions or spring onions
Equipment Needed To Make
- Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Substitutions & Alterations
- Swap the deli ham for cooked, chopped bacon or smoked turkey. Other deli meats like salami or capicola ham will also work.
- Make it spicy by adding chopped or diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or swap the cheddar for shredded pepper jack cheese.
- You can also add chopped pickles, green olives, or dehydrated vegetable flakes to the cream cheese dip for extra flavor and texture.
- Lighten it up with plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
How to Make Cream Cheese Ham Dip
Step by Step Instructions overview – Full recipe in recipe card below.
Step 1 – Chop the ham and green onion, reserving a few pieces to top the dip.
Step 2 – In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, sour cream and garlic powder and stir until well combined.
Step 3 – Stir in the ham pieces, shredded cheese, and green onion.
Step 4 – Transfer mixture into a serving dish, then sprinkle a few green onion pieces on top.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with crackers, bread, or any of the delicious options below.
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Time Saving Tips to Make the Best Ham Dip
- Use pre-diced ham, deli ham cubes or packaged diced ham to save chopping time.
- Use softened cream cheese to make combining the ingredients easier.
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save grating time.
- Make it ahead – prepare the dip a day in advance and chill; stir before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve with Ritz or Club crackers, pretzels, tortilla chips, toasted crostini, or pita bread.
- You can also serve it with fresh veggies like celery, carrots, or bell peppers.
- This dip also makes a great spread for sandwiches or lunch roll-ups.
- Store any leftover ham dip in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.
More Delicious Classic Dip Recipes
Knorr Vegetable Dip – A classic among classics. Creamy, delicious, and always a welcome sight at the appetizer table.This cream cheese and ham dip is one of those easy appetizer recipes that turns simple ingredients into a snack everyone wants more of. Whether you’re looking for something to bring to game day, prepping a quick bite during the holidays, or using up leftover ham, this creamy cheese dip checks all the boxes.
Poolside Creamy Jalapeno Dip – A yummy veggie dip packed with delicious flavor and just the right amount of heat to keep your taste buds tingling.
Neiman Marcus Dip – This famous and tasty dip is made with sour cream, sharp cheddar, bacon bits, cream cheese, almonds, and green onions.
Beau Monde Dip – Beau Monde is a spice blend containing garlic, clove, bay leaf, nutmeg, and allspice. It is a wonderful, exotic flavor combination that makes this dip as memorable as it is delicious.
It only takes about 10 minutes to mix up, and the chill time gives the flavors a chance to settle in before serving time
FAQs about this recipe
Yes. Make it the night before and store the bowl in the fridge covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap or move it to an airtight container. Let it sit out for a few minutes before serving if it’s too firm from the fridge.
It’s not ideal. Creamy dips tend to change texture once thawed.
With tortilla chips, crackers, or stuffed in a bread bowl. You can also spoon it into mini bell peppers or serve it alongside raw vegetables.
Greek yogurt is a great substitute.
Absolutely. Just use a large bowl and double everything. It scales easily.
Cream Cheese Ham Dip
Equipment
- small bowl
- knife
- chopping board
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 8 thin slices of smoked ham lunch meat
- ⅓ cup cheddar cheese finely shredded
- 1 green onion
Instructions
- Chop the ham into tiny pieces, then slice the green onion, reserving a few pieces to top the dip.
- Add the cream cheese, sour cream and garlic powder to a bowl, and stir until well combined.
- Then stir in the ham pieces, shredded cheese, and green onion.
- Spoon the mixture into a serving dish, then sprinkle a few green onion pieces on top.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours, then serve with crackers.
Notes
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