5-Minute Sour Cream Dip
Primal Edge Health participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs and therefore, may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
This sour cream dip is smooth, creamy, and totally scoop-worthy! Made with just 3 ingredients in 5 minutes, it’s a must-have at home for snacking or for entertaining. This healthy dip is perfect for all your favorite dippables, including chips, crackers, and veggie sticks. Why spend time mixing, chopping, and prepping when you can have a delicious dip ready in no time?
My kids don’t mind that their lunch boxes contain vegetable sticks every day, as long as the veggies come with a delicious dip. The usuals include ranch dip, feta dip, and cold crack dip, but their newest favorite and most requested is my homemade sour cream dip. I’m not complaining, because I can whip it up literally in a few minutes.
Seriously – by the time I’ve chopped up some fresh veggies or opened a bag of chips, the dip is done. It’s a lifesaver for last-minute get-togethers, midnight cravings, or those moments when you just need something delicious without the effort. Sour cream dip is downright delicious yet guilt-free – make it once and your snack game just leveled up!
Table of Contents (click to view)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple: Make it in 5 minutes – just mix, garnish, and serve. Perfect for busy weeknights, sudden cravings, or last-minute get-togethers.
- Minimal ingredients: You only need 3 ingredients – sour cream, cream cheese, and Ranch seasoning mix – to make this crave-worthy dip.
- Homemade goodness: Unlike store-bought dips, this homemade version is free of preservatives and artificial flavors.
- Keto and low-carb diet friendly: Sour cream is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making this dip a great choice for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
- Endlessly customizable: Adjust the seasonings to your liking, or mix in fresh herbs, spices, or citrus zest for a fun twist.
- Make-ahead friendly: This dip tastes even better when made in advance, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully as it chills in the fridge.
How to Make Sour Cream Dip
Say goodbye to store-bought dips and hello to effortless, homemade goodness with this sour cream dip. This 5-minute recipe is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated steps to create an appetizer that steals the show. Mix everything in one bowl and enjoy – super easy that even kids can make it!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Sour cream: For that perfect balance of creamy and tangy. It also helps the seasoning blend smoothly.
- Chive and onion cream cheese: Softens best at room temperature for easy mixing. I let it sit out for about 30 minutes before making the dip to ensure a smooth texture.
- Dry Ranch seasoning mix: I prefer making my own blend (recipe below) for a fresher, more flavorful dip. But if you’re short on time, a 1-ounce (28g) packet of store-bought Ranch seasoning works just fine.
- Fresh chives: Optional garnish. I love adding them for a pop of freshness and a touch of vibrant green.
DIY Ranch Seasoning Mix
DIY Ranch seasoning mix lets you control the salt and avoid preservatives, perfect for a cleaner, healthier dip. This homemade mix makes about 3 ounces – you’ll only need 1 ounce for this recipe. Store the rest in an airtight container for up to 3 months – you can use this versatile seasoning mix on so many dishes!
- Buttermilk powder
- Dried parsley
- Dried chives
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried dill
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Instructions
Need a healthy and delicious dip quick? Impress with this easy sour cream dip! Just whisk everything together and it’s ready to enjoy. For better flavor, chill in the fridge before serving so you can enjoy it at its creamiest and most flavorful!
Step 1: Combine the sour cream and cream cheese
In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream and softened cream cheese. Stir by hand with a spoon or use an electric mixer for an extra light and fluffy texture. You can opt to mix them with an electric mixer if you prefer a whipped texture.
Step 2: Add the seasoning
Add the Ranch seasoning mix and stir it into the mixing bowl. Combine well.
Step 3: Serve
Serve immediately with chips or vegetable sticks. Or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or longer to let the flavors meld. This is a fine choice to make ahead and serve later.
Substitutions
This recipe requires minimal ingredients, but if you don’t have them on hand, no worries – there are plenty of alternatives to achieve the recipe without compromising taste or texture.Try these easy substitutions:
- Sour cream: Substitute with Greek yogurt. Use mayonnaise for a richer dip or a plant-based sour cream substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
- Chive and onion cream cheese: If you can’t find this flavor, regular cream cheese works just as well – just mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped chives and a pinch of onion powder to recreate the taste.
- Dry Ranch seasoning mix: Missing a few ingredients for the DIY Ranch seasoning? A simple version can be made with dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Fresh chives: Swap them for green onions, fresh parsley, fresh dill, or cilantro.
- Buttermilk Powder: If you don’t have this on hand, mix powdered milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for a quick alternative. You can also skip it entirely and add fresh buttermilk when making the dip.
- Dried Parsley: Fresh parsley works great, or for a slightly different flavor, try dried oregano.
- Dried Chives: Green onion powder or dried onion flakes make great substitutes.
- Dried Dill: Fresh dill gives a brighter flavor, but dried tarragon can also work as an alternative.
Expert Tips
- Stick with full-fat: Full-fat sour cream and cream cheese create the creamiest, most indulgent dip. Low-fat versions work too, but the texture might be a bit thinner.
- Blend it smooth: For an ultra-light and airy dip, use an electric mixer to whip everything together. It’s not a must, but it gives the dip a dreamy, fluffy texture.
- Make it gut-friendly: Use probiotic-rich yogurt, a natural probiotic food, instead of sour cream to make the dip even better for digestion.
- Add a little crunch: Stir in finely diced celery, red onion, or crispy bacon bits for extra texture and a delicious contrast to the creaminess.
- Turn up the heat: If you like a little spice, mix in a pinch of cayenne, a splash of hot sauce, or some finely chopped jalapeños.
- Let it chill: While you can dig in right away, refrigerating the dip for at least an hour lets the flavors fully develop for an even better taste.
How to Store This Recipe
Place made-ahead or leftover sour cream dip in an airtight container or clear glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy the dip cold or at room temperature.
What to Serve with Sour Cream Dip
Sour cream dip goes with just about anything crunchy! Scoop it up with classic potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, or pita chips, or keep it fresh with veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers.
For something heartier, pair it with parmesan chicken wings or blackened chicken tenders. You can even spread it on sandwiches or wraps, or drizzle it over mashed potatoes for a flavorful twist!
More Easy Appetizers To Try
- Spinach and artichoke dip
- Salsa ranchera
- Cheese ball
- Keto chicken liver pate
- Classic beef liver pate
3-Ingredient Sour Cream Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 8 ounces chive and onion cream cheese softened
- 1 (1-ounce) packet dry Ranch seasoning mix or use 1 ounce of the DIY version below
- 1 teaspoon chives minced (for garnish, optional)
DIY Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 2 ounces buttermilk powder
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream and softened cream cheese. Stir by hand with a spoon or use an electric mixer for an extra light and fluffy texture.
- Stir in the Ranch seasoning mix until well combined.
- Serve immediately with chips or fresh vegetable sticks.
Notes
- Full-fat sour cream and cream cheese create the creamiest, most indulgent dip. Low-fat versions work too, but the texture might be a bit thinner.
- For an ultra-light and airy dip, use an electric mixer to whip everything together. It’s not a must, but it gives the dip a dreamy, fluffy texture.
- If you like a little spice, mix in a pinch of cayenne, a splash of hot sauce, or some finely chopped jalapeños.
- While you can dig in right away, refrigerating the dip for at least an hour lets the flavors fully develop for an even better taste.
Nutrition & Macros
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
