Warm and Zesty Cream Cheese Spread
If you, like me, believe that almost everything is better with garlic and cream cheese, then YOU are in for a treat today… And just in time for Super Bowl!
This delicious dip has been in the family for years.
The warm, creamy goodness with the crunchy, toasted pecans is the perfect balance.
And, just as important, it is an absolute SNAP to make. Only two quick things to chop, stir it all together, and bake it for a few minutes before serving.
Any sturdy chips or crackers make the perfect accompaniment, but I think Triskets are my personal favorite for this. 😉
You can even make it days in advance in little crocks or pyrex and refrigerate it until party time. Just bake and serve!
Now here’s my confession: you could probably make this with all fresh ingredients… and I’m sure it would be delicious. But the good ol’ traditional family way calls for a bunch of simple alternatives: minced garlic (the refrigerated jar kind) and minced onions (the dried ones), making it a SUPER easy recipe. Any time you’re planning for a crowd, I think time – and sanity! – savers are a must! Especially since it’s baked, you retain the zesty flavors of onion and garlic without the time of chopping…
The only slightly foreign ingredient for me is the “dried beef.” It’s a little jar of thinly sliced salami-looking beef, found on the aisle with the canned tuna or chili. It sounds a little scary, but it adds some heartiness to the dip and a good, smoked flavor that is perfection.
So give it a try… I think you and your guests will love it!
Warm and Zesty Baked Cream Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/8 c milk
- 1/2 c sour cream
- 1.5 oz jar dried beef jar may say "chipped beef", chopped
- 1/4 c chopped green bell pepper
- 2 T dried minced onion
- 1/2 T jarred minced garlic refrigerated kind
- 1/4 t pepper
- 1/2 c roasted salted pecans
Instructions
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Mix all ingredients except pecans
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If you do not find roasted pecans, you can saute some in butter and salt... delicious!!
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Sprinkle top with pecans and bake at 350 for 20 min
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Serve warm with Triskets or other substantial chips or crackers
Recipe Notes
This dip will also freeze, so feel free to make a double recipe and save some for later. If you put it in a freezer and oven safe container (like pyrex), you can simply pop the top off and put it in the oven. So simple!
LOve this dip, and guess what! I served this dip at all our “newlywed” parties in the early 70s! The jar of chipped beef was the MAIN ingredient always. Everything that goes around, comes around, or so I’ve heard.
That’s so fun, Heidi!! I do love how everything works in cycles… 🙂
If you have ever seen creamed chipped beef it is the same as what you use for this dip. Here in PA Dutch country we even make dried beef sandwiches. They are a treat, too salty to have on a regular basis. Never tried this dip but I will be.
I haven’t, Anna, but it sounds delicious! Hope you enjoy!! 🙂
This sounds delicious! I’m going have to make this – I absolutely love warm dips! Pinning 🙂
Stopping by from the Inspiration Gallery party at DD&D!
I’m so glad you came by, Brynne! Hope you enjoy the dip and come back soon. 🙂