Ingredients
Scale
For the Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2-3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Additional everything bagel seasoning for topping
For Serving:
- Bagel chips, crackers, or sliced bagels
- Fresh vegetables (cucumber slices, bell peppers, carrots, celery)
- Pita chips or pretzel crisps
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature—this is crucial for smooth mixing. If cold, microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften (but don’t melt).
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer or sturdy spatula until smooth, fluffy, and lump-free. This takes about 1-2 minutes and creates the perfect creamy base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add sour cream, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Beat until completely smooth and well combined.
- Add Seasonings: Add everything bagel seasoning, chopped chives, garlic powder (if using), and black pepper. Stir or beat until evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dip and adjust seasonings. Add more everything bagel seasoning for stronger flavor, more lemon juice for brightness, or more chives for freshness. Remember that everything bagel seasoning is salty, so go easy on additional salt.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): Transfer to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days. This allows flavors to meld and makes the dip easier to scoop. The dip tastes even better the next day!
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, let dip sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for best spreading consistency. Garnish with additional everything bagel seasoning sprinkled on top and extra chopped chives. Serve with bagel chips, crackers, vegetables, or sliced bagels.
Notes
- Room temperature cream cheese is essential for smooth, lump-free dip.
- Adjust everything bagel seasoning to taste—start with 2 tablespoons, add more if desired.
- For best flavor, make ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- Different brands of everything bagel seasoning vary in saltiness—taste before adding extra salt.
- Fresh chives are important for bright flavor—dried doesn’t provide the same quality.
- Keeps refrigerated for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling, optional)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ¼ cup
- Calories: 128
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 285mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg