Grab your potato chips, because you are going to want to dig in to this Chili Crisp Dip! This super simple but highly addicting spicy dip is my new favorite indulgence.
It’s creamy, a little tangy, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more. Best of all, this Chili Crisp Dip needs only a a few ingredients and takes only 5 minutes to make!
The Story Behind the Recipe
I dreamed up this spicy dip recipe when I was whipping up a batch of caramelized onion chip dip. I had caramelized the onions and whipped them into the cream cheese base, but I felt like something was missing. So I popped my head in the fridge and pondered the potential ingredients in front of me.
Soy sauce? Maybe. Worcestershire? Hmm. Chili crisp? That would be an interesting twist!
Ultimately, I didn’t want anything with heat, so I added a bit of soy sauce, and it was exactly what the dip needed (I should probably share that recipe soon, too!) But I couldn’t get the idea of a chili crisp version of this dip out of my mind. So I started experimenting.
I realized pretty early on that with the strong flavors that chili crisp brings … chili oil, chili peppers, onion, garlic, and peppercorns … that there was really not much need for anything else to deliver the flavor in this chili crisp dip. So I pared it down to the creamy base ingredients + a bit of garlic powder + chili crisp. And when I say this dip has been a huge hit in my house, I’m not exaggerating. New fave for sure.
Why You’ll Love Chili Crisp Dip
This is just about the easiest way to get a homemade chip dip on the table! It’s reminiscent of French onion dip, but without having to chop or caramelize the onions. We’re talking 5 minutes effort!
Aside from the addicting flavor, the heat in this spicy chip dip is the main draw, I think. Spicy chili crisp in a cooling cream cheese base balances the heat just enough to make this chili crisp dip supremely edible … but with just enough heat to keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese – You’ll want one block, softened so that it blends well with the other ingredients.
- Sour cream – You can sub in plain Greek yogurt if you prefer.
- Mayo – Adds more flavor and contributes to the creamy texture.
- Chili crisp – Grab your favorite brand! I like Trader Joe’s version, but recently I picked up a giant jar of chili crisp at Costco and it was great (and super affordable). You’ll want 3-4 tablespoons, plus more to drizzle on top.
- Garlic powder – For just a bit of extra garlic flavor. You can grate in a small clove of fresh garlic instead, if you prefer.
- Salt – To highlight and enhance all of the flavors. Not a lot, though. If you use ruffled potato chips for dipping like I do, they bring a good amount of salt too.
Adaptation/Variation
- Vegan Chili Crisp Dip: Sub in vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, and vegan mayo.
How to Make Chili Crisp Dip
- Add the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, garlic powder, and salt to a medium bowl.
- Use a hand mixer to mix it all up until smooth. You can mix it by hand, too, but it might not end up being perfectly smooth. Still tastes great!
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of chili crisp and give it a taste. Want more heat/flavor? Add the last tablespoon of chili crisp! Stir until completely combined.
- Scoop the chili crisp dip into your serving bowl and drizzle more chili crisp on the top. Serve with ruffled potato chips (because YUM).
Tips for Success
- Chili Crisp was originally a condiment served at Chinese restaurants. It can be found in the Asian section of most well-stocked grocery stores.
- For even better flavor, refrigerate your chili crisp dip for 2 hours, or up to 48 hours, before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together for even more deliciousness.
I hope this Chili Crisp Dip finds its way onto the table of your next party or game-day spread! This spicy dip is super easy, a total crowd-pleaser, and is just utterly delicious all around.
More Easy Dip Recipes
- 4-Ingredient Guacamole
- Fruit Dip (with Marshmallow Creme)
- Loaded Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Simple & Easy Hummus
- Cauliflower Queso
Spicy Chili Crisp Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block, softened)
- 2/3 cup sour cream (can sub plain Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3-4 tablespoons chili crisp (plus more for drizzling on top)
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, garlic powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Using a hand mixer, combine the ingredients tighter until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed, 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of chili crisp. Taste and add the additional tablespoon of chili crisp if you'd like more flavor and/or heat.
- Drizzle with extra chili crisp and serve immediately (ruffled potato chips are my fave for dipping!), or chill for up to 2 days (1-2 hours of chill time helps to intensify the flavors, so I recommend that if possible).
Hi! I’m Karen – I’m a real person with real recipes. No A.I. here! Since 2009, every recipe on Kitchen Treaty is thoroughly tested and loved before I hit “publish.” I’m a home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m a vegetarian married to a carnivore, and my goal is to coexist deliciously.
