Why You'll Love It
- Only 5 simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Comes together in under 35 minutes with minimal effort.
- Perfectly warm, cheesy, and savory - a true crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy the game stress-free.
"My husband said it's the best dip he's ever had. We finished the whole bowl before halftime!"
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the best creamy, rich texture. Let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Turkey Ham: Diced small. Adds a savory, salty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cheese. It's the 'meatiness' that makes this dip feel substantial.
- Sour Cream: This lightens the dip and adds a pleasant tang. Don't skip it, it balances the richness of the cheese.
- Green Chiles: Use the canned, diced kind. They provide a mild, building heat and a bit of moisture. Not too spicy, just enough to keep things interesting.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend like cheddar and Monterey Jack works wonderfully. It creates that irresistible, gooey pull and a golden-brown top when baked.
Complete Cooking Process
-
Ingredient Readiness:
This is the most important part, honestly. Take the cream cheese out ahead of time. If it's too cold, you'll end up with lumps, and nobody wants that. I learned that the hard way one rushed Thanksgiving. Dicing the turkey ham into small, even pieces ensures every scoop gets a bit of that savory flavor.
-
Flavor Development:
The magic happens when you mix everything together. The cream cheese and sour cream create the base, and as you fold in the green chiles and turkey ham, the flavors start to marry. It seems simple, but yeah, that's where the personality of the dip is born.
-
Texture Control:
Baking this dip is key. You're not just warming it; you're melting the cheeses into one cohesive, bubbly mass and giving the top a slight crust. That contrast between the creamy interior and the slightly firmer top is what makes it perfect for dipping.
-
Finishing Touches:
Let it sit for just five minutes after it comes out of the oven. It firms up a touch, making it easier to scoop without being a molten lava situation. It's a small step, but it makes a big difference for serving.
-
Serving Timing:
This dip is best served warm. Honestly, it's meant for a gathering, so have it ready just as guests arrive or right before kickoff. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen.
- Soften the cream cheese completely to avoid a lumpy dip.
- Use a hand mixer for a super smooth and fluffy consistency.
- Don't overbake – you just want it hot and bubbly, not dried out.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking for the perfect scoopable texture.
Pro Tips
I remember one time I was in a real hurry and didn't let the cream cheese soften enough. Ugh. I had little white chunks all through the dip. It still tasted fine, but it wasn't the smooth, elegant spread I was hoping for. So now I'm religious about that first step. Another thing – this dip is wonderfully adaptable. It's a great base recipe. If you're looking for other simple, clever snack ideas, this one is a fantastic place to start. You can almost think of it as a cousin to those easy, handheld bites.
The essence of the dish:
A fun fact or historical angle:
Flavor or sensory focus:
You Must Know
- Room-temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable for a smooth texture.
- The dip will be very hot right out of the oven – let it cool slightly.
- It can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix all the ingredients together, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, just pop it in the oven, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
→ What can I use instead of turkey ham?
Diced cooked chicken breast or even well-drained canned tuna would work well. You just want something savory to give the dip a bit of heartiness.
→ Can I make it spicier?
For sure. Add a few tablespoons of pickled jalapeños along with the green chiles, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the mix. Adjust to your taste.
→ What are the best things to dip in it?
Tortilla chips are the classic choice – sturdy enough to scoop up the thick dip. But sturdy crackers, sliced baguette, or even veggie sticks like celery and carrots work great too.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through.
→ Is this dip freezer-friendly?
I don't recommend freezing this one. The dairy-based mixture can become grainy and separate upon thawing, losing its smooth, creamy texture.
Chef's Tips
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.,For a smoother dip, use a hand mixer to combine the cream cheese and sour cream.,Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
285
Calories
11g
Protein
5g
Carbs
24g
Fat
Taste Profile
Savory, creamy, and cheesy with a subtle kick.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
Will add a tangier flavor and more protein.
A simple swap that works perfectly.
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Buffalo Style
Stir in 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce and use shredded chicken instead of turkey ham for a tangy, spicy twist.
Jalapeño Popper
Add 1/4 cup of finely diced pickled jalapeños and swap the turkey ham for 4 slices of cooked, crumbled beef sausage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Using cold cream cheese, resulting in a lumpy dip.
- Overbaking, which can cause the dip to dry out and oil to separate.
- Skipping the rest time, making the dip too runny to scoop neatly.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the dip completely, cover the baking dish, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it goes into the oven cold.
Leftover Ideas
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Prep: Soften cream cheese, dice turkey ham, preheat oven.
Mix all ingredients together until smooth and combined.
Bake until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.
5-Ingredient Football Dip Recipe Ready In 35 Minutes
This quick 5-ingredient football dip is perfect for game day gatherings and comes together in just 35 minutes.
Timing
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 01 2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 02 1 cup sour cream
- 03 1 ½ cups shredded cheese blend (like cheddar/Monterey Jack)
- 04 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
- 05 1 cup diced turkey ham
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish. This is one of those recipes where you can mix it right in the dish you bake it in to save on cleanup.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. This is the base of your dip, so you want it nice and creamy.
Switch to a spatula and stir in the shredded cheese, the can of diced green chiles (with their juices), and the diced turkey ham. Mix everything until it's evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
Transfer the mixture to your baking dish if you haven't already, and spread it out into an even layer. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot all the way through, bubbly around the edges, and the top is lightly golden.
Carefully remove the dip from the oven. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting time allows it to set up just enough to be perfect for scooping. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.
Notes & Tips
- 1 Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
- 2 For a smoother dip, use a hand mixer to combine the cream cheese and sour cream.
- 3 Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
Tools You'll Need
-
8x8 inch baking dish
-
Mixing bowls
-
Hand mixer or sturdy spatula
-
Measuring cups
Must-Know Tips
- Let cream cheese come to room temperature for a perfectly smooth dip.
- Don't overbake – you just want it hot and bubbly.
- Allow the dip to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
Professional Secrets
- Room temperature ingredients blend seamlessly, preventing a grainy texture.
- A brief rest after baking allows the dip to set for the ideal scooping consistency.
- A hand mixer incorporates air, creating a lighter, fluffier dip.
Recipe by
Oliver Brooks“Every great meal begins with the perfect bite. My passion is crafting irresistible starters that wow.” 🧀🍢
Get Delicious Recipes Weekly
Join 25,000+ home cooks getting our best recipes straight to their inbox.
Free forever • No spam • Unsubscribe anytime