Garlic Cream Cheese & Chive Dip
A simple cream cheese and chive dip made with just five ingredients - fresh chives, garlic powder, toasted sliced almonds, and your choice of block or whipped cream cheese. Serve with crackers, spread on toasted baguette slices, use in place of mayo on a deli sandwich, or dollop onto a warm bowl of soup. One recipe, endless ways to use it all season long.
Equipment
- small skillet
- mixing bowl
- stirring spoon or spatula
- serving bowl or platter
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, block or whipped (softened to room temperature)
- 2 Tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
- 2 Tbsp toasted sliced almonds
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp chive blossoms, pulled into individual petals (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Spread the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir often for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool completely before adding to the dip.
- If using block cream cheese, let it sit at room temperature until soft and easy to stir. Whipped cream cheese is already soft and does not need this step.
- In a bowl, stir together the cream cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, and cooled toasted almonds until evenly combined.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or use as directed in any of the four serving variations. If garnishing, pull chive blossom clusters gently apart into individual petals and scatter over the top before serving.
Notes
Make ahead:
- Make the dip up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered.
- Flavors meld and improve with a little time in the refrigerator.
- Pull out 15 minutes before serving for a softer, more spreadable consistency.
- Add chive blossom garnish just before serving, not ahead of time.
How to store:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Stir before serving if it has been refrigerated (the texture firms up when cold).
- Do not store with the chive blossom garnish. Add fresh when serving.
Freezing:
- Not recommended.
Nutritional information provided is an estimate only, calculated using online calculators and do not include suggested or optional ingredients. Variations can occur due to ingredient freshness, brands, and measuring techniques.