Ultimate Portions Four Cheese Dip Recipe

Prepare Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Finely mince the yellow onion and garlic. Grate the cheddar and Monterey Jack if not pre-grated, and finely grate the Parmesan. Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for 30–60 minutes (or microwave in 10–15 second bursts until pliable). If using bacon, cook, drain and crumble; if using roasted red pepper, dice into small pieces.

In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon neutral oil (or butter) and sauté the minced onion until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. (This step softens raw onion/garlic flavor; you may skip if you prefer raw sharpness.)

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Beat with a hand mixer or sturdy spatula until smooth and lump-free, about 1–2 minutes.

Add the half-and-half and Dijon mustard to the bowl and mix until incorporated. The half-and-half controls dip consistency; add up to 2 tablespoons more if you want a looser dip.

Fold in the grated cheddar, grated Monterey Jack and grated Parmesan a handful at a time, stirring until evenly distributed. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the cheddar and 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan to sprinkle on top before baking (optional).

Add the sautéed onion and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), kosher salt, black pepper and smoked paprika. Stir thoroughly and taste; adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper or hot sauce as desired.

If using mix-ins (bacon, roasted red pepper, green onions), fold them in now, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.

Transfer the cheese mixture to a 1.5–2 quart oven-safe baking dish (an 8-inch round or similar). Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar and Parmesan evenly over the surface.

Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until the dip is bubbly and the top is lightly golden, 20–25 minutes. For a browned top, broil on high for 1–2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped chives (and any reserved mix-ins) over the top. Serve warm with chips, toasted baguette slices, crackers or vegetable sticks.