Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Special equipment needed:
- 8-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the smoked cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt.
3. Mix the ingredients together with an electric mixer or hand mixer until well combined and smooth.
4. Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch baking dish.
5. Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 267
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Smoked cheddar cheese can be substituted with regular cheddar cheese or any other type of smoked cheese.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Dried herbs can be substituted with fresh herbs.
Variations:
- Add chopped cooked bacon or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Substitute the smoked cheddar cheese with smoked gouda or smoked mozzarella for a different flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Serve the dip with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the dip in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dip in a small cast iron skillet or a decorative baking dish.
- Garnish the dip with fresh herbs or chopped green onions.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary
- Chopped green onions
Pairings:
- Crackers
- Bread
- Vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dip is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the dip is too thin, add more shredded cheese or cream cheese to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Keep the dip refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Serve the dip immediately after baking and do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Cheese dips have been a popular appetizer in the United States since the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Smoky
- Cheesy
- Herby
- Garlicky
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the dip warm with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
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