Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bagel Dip is simple, nostalgic, and satisfying. It takes minutes to mix up and can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining. With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, it’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it with any type of bagel, chips, crackers, or crudité. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable based on what you have in your pantry or fridge.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese, softened
- Dried beef, finely chopped (or substitute with deli meat or bacon bits)
- Dill weed (dried)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder or minced onion
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)
- Bagels or bagel chips, for serving
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped dried beef, dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired.
- Serve with torn pieces of soft bagels, bagel chips, or sliced vegetables.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8–10 servings as an appetizer.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- No Meat: Omit dried beef for a vegetarian version, or substitute with chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Greek-Inspired: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and add cucumber and dill for a tzatziki-style twist.
- Bacon Ranch Style: Add ranch seasoning and crumbled bacon for a smoky, tangy version.
- Everything Bagel Dip: Mix in everything bagel seasoning for a trendy, flavorful variation.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store Bagel Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Do not freeze, as the texture may become watery upon thawing.
Reheating isn’t necessary—this dip is best served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
What is bagel dip made of?
Bagel dip typically includes a base of sour cream and cream cheese, seasoned with herbs, garlic, and onion, and often mixed with dried beef or deli meats.
Can I make bagel dip ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors develop.
Is bagel dip served hot or cold?
Bagel dip is traditionally served cold or at room temperature.
What can I use instead of dried beef?
You can use diced ham, turkey, bacon bits, or keep it vegetarian with extra herbs or chopped veggies.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great alternative and adds a slight tang while being higher in protein.
How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave in 10-second intervals until soft but not melted.
What kind of bagels work best?
Plain, onion, everything, or sesame bagels all work well. You can also use bagel chips for extra crunch.
Can I make this dip without cream cheese?
You can, but it will be less thick. Substitute with extra sour cream or a mixture of sour cream and shredded cheese.
How long does bagel dip last in the fridge?
It lasts up to 4 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I add cheese to this dip?
Yes, shredded cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack can be stirred in for extra flavor and richness.
Conclusion
Bagel Dip is a quick, creamy, and nostalgic appetizer that never goes out of style. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs perfectly with soft bagels, crunchy chips, or fresh veggies. It’s an easy win for parties, potlucks, or casual snacking—comforting, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.
PrintBagel Dip
Bagel Dip is a creamy, retro-inspired appetizer made with sour cream, cream cheese, and savory seasonings. It’s perfect for scooping with torn bagels, chips, or veggies and makes a great addition to parties and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup dried beef, finely chopped (or substitute with deli meat or bacon bits)
- 1 tsp dried dill weed
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder or 1 tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)
- Bagels or bagel chips, for serving
Instructions
In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Stir in chopped dried beef, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with green onions or chives, if desired, before serving.
- Serve with torn bagels, bagel chips, or fresh veggies.
Notes
- Chill for at least 1 hour for best flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier and higher-protein dip.
- To make vegetarian, omit meat and use olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Great served with everything bagels or bagel chips for added flavor.
- Do not freeze—dip is best fresh or refrigerated up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg