Mexi-Cali Dip

I picked up a copy of Race Day Grub at the antique mall the other day. The book is full of great recipes from the racing circuit. Its written by Angela Skinner, the wife of NASCAR driver Mike Skinner, . Everything from appetizers to mains, from drivers and their wives and crews. The book is absolutely full of great food and was well worth the two or three dollars I paid for it! The first thing we made was this outstanding Mexi-Cali dip from the Harvicks.

Mexi-Cali Dip

Happy Harvick Dip?

Kevin “Happy” Harvick has been a favorite driver of mine for years. Now, this dip is a favorite of mine! Look at all that ooey-gooey cheese! This dip tastes of taco, and cheese, and olives and beans. I tell ya, it’d be great scooped onto a hot dog too!

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Mexi-Cali Dip
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5 from 1 vote

Mexi-Cali Dip

This dip is a favorite of mine! Look at all that ooey-gooey cheese! This dip tastes of taco, and cheese, and olives and beans. I tell ya, it’d be great scooped onto a hot dog too!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dip, southwestern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 -10
Calories 153kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Spray a 8″ x 8″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Combine the cream cheese, green chilies, jalapeno (if using) and taco seasoning in a medium bowl.
  • Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread out evenly using a spatula.
  • Top with the beans, olives, and the cheese.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly hot.
  • Serve with thick chips, such as Frito’s Scoops.

Notes

Stir in some hot sauce before serving for a kicked up version!

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 405IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 272mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Jose’s Party Cheese Dip

Looking for a seriously big batch of rich, creamy, a-bit-spicy-but-not-too-spicy cheese dip for the big game? Well, this is it. Courtesy of my old favorite margarita spot in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jose’s Restaurant. Jose’s party cheese dip satisfies any crowd. The flavor is fantastic. And although it might seem like there’s a good number of ingredients, it’s pretty easy to make.

Joses Party Cheese Dip

Perfectly Spicy

This makes a really big batch of Jose’s party cheese dip. It’s not a super thick dip like the usual cheese dips you find (you could cut back on the cream and milk if you want a thicker dip, but I find this dip is perfect as it is). It’s very tasty, which just the right combination of spices. Perfect with warmed tortilla chips (I also thick this dip makes a great sauce for nachos, hot dogs, and just about anything).

Also try my chicken nacho dip.

Jose's Party Cheese Dip
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5 from 1 vote

Jose’s Party Cheese Dip

Looking for a seriously big batch of rich, creamy, a-bit-spicy-but-not-too-spicy cheese dip for the big game? Well, this is it.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, dip, southwestern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 396kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Jose’s Restaurant

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter plus 2 teaspoons
  • ¼ cup white onion diced
  • 2 tablespoons garlic minced, plus 2 teaspoons
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 3 ¼ cup milk
  • 2 ½ pounds white cheese grated (you can substitute yellow shredded cheddar)
  • 1 4 ounce jalapeno peppers chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder hot is better!
  • Tortilla chips warmed, for serving

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large pot.
  • Add onion and saute until starting to soften.
  • Add garlic and cook another 1 minute.
  • Add flour, stir and cook another 1 minute.
  • Add cream and milk. Bring to a low boil.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • Slowly add cheese, a small bit at a time, stirring constantly until melted. Do not add the cheese too quickly or the mixture will separate.
  • Add the remaining ingredients except chips and warm.
  • Serve with fresh hot tortilla chips.

Notes

You can transfer the dip to a crockpot set on low for serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 792mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 882IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Hot Country Ham Dip

This hot country ham dip is another great recipe from the book, Race Day Grub that I picked up the other day. The first recipe we made, the Harvick’s Mexi-Cali dip, was perfect for race watching. This dip is savory, making for a great contrast to the heat of the first dip. It’s not like any other dip that I normally serve. And that’s a good thing.

Hot Country Ham Dip

From A Racing Legend

This recipe for hot country ham dip comes from Bobby Hamilton, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago. His son continues to be involved in racing as of the writing of this post. It’s good to see multiple generations of families in involved in NASCAR and other racing leagues.

Also try my Louisiana red bean dip.

Hot Country Ham Dip
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Hot Country Ham Dip

This dip is savory, making for a great contrast to the heat of the first dip.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword dip
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 255kcal
Author From

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Spray an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, ham, onion and garlic powder in medium bowl.
  • Pour mixture into baking dish and spread out evenly using a spatula.
  • Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium high heat.
  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and add the pecans.
  • Cook, stirring often, for 3-5 minutes or until the nuts start to brown.
  • Spoon the nuts over the cheese mixture.
  • Bake 20 minutes or until bubbly hot.
  • Serve with crackers.

Notes

You can substitute Canadian bacon for the ham.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 318mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 259IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Hot Broccoli Dip

This hot broccoli dip fit into my plans perfectly. I needed a dip for a family get-together, and I needed a big batch of it to boot. I figured if I was going to have leftovers I had better make a dip that I could use for other than a dip. This dip is more than a dip. It’s also absolutely fantastic (maybe, just maybe, more fantastic than when used as a dip) on baked potatoes.

Hot Broccoli Dip

Great As A Dip. Great On Baked Taters, Too!

This hot broccoli dip was a big hit at our get-together. I’d make it again, and make a little extra for baked potatoes. If you’re serving it as a dip, serve with celery, carrots, crackers or thick chips, such as Fritos Scoops. Wimpy chips need not apply!

Also try my pizza dip.

Hot Broccoli Dip
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Hot Broccoli Dip

This hot broccoli dip fit into my plans perfectly. I needed a dip for a family get-together, and I needed a big batch of it to boot.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, dip
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 419kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 head broccoli
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 8 ounce cream cheese softened
  • 1 ounce Ranch dressing mix
  • 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 16 ounces sour cream

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Crumble or chop fine.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cut the broccoli florets off the head.
  • Add to the boiling water and let boil for 1 1/2 minutes.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Chop into small pieces.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Spray a 9" x 9" baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Add the dip mixture and spread out evenly.
  • Cover and bake for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly,

Notes

You can use bacon bits instead of the bacon if you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 602mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1530IU | Vitamin C: 136mg | Calcium: 481mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip

I made a big batch of this creamy bacon cheese dip for a family get-together. It disappeared fast. It’s highly addicting. I mean, really what’s not to like about it. Tons and tons of cheese. And lots and lots of bacon. And a bit of onion for contrast. Heck, this is not only a great dip, it’s a great topping for a baked potato!

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip

Make Extra, You’ll Need It!

You can’t go wrong with something that has bacon in it. And cheese. Make a double batch of this creamy bacon cheese dip. It’s great for dipping but it also makes a great topping for hamburgers too! And baked potatoes will never be the same after you put a few good dollops of it on top.

Also try my hot country ham dip.

This recipe is based on a recipe from You Made That?

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip

You can’t go wrong with something that has bacon in it. And cheese. Make a double batch of this creamy bacon cheese dip and keep some on hand for topping just about anything
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, cheese, dip
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 24
Calories 110kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon
  • 2 16 ounce sour cream
  • 2 8 ounce cream cheese softened
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups green onions chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F.
  • Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain well and chop into small pieces.
  • Spray a 9″ x 9″ glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Combine all ingredients and pour into the dish, spreading out evenly.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • Serve with crackers or chips (Frito’s Scoops are great with this dip!).

Notes

Also great made with pepper jack cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 167mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 276IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Bubba Gump Far Out Dip

This is not your usual spinach dip. Not even close. Not by a mile. This copycat Bubba Gump Far Out dip is flat-out amazing. So many great flavors, all in each and every bite. Ooey-gooey cheese. Crispy vegetables. This dip doesn’t weigh you down. Even though this dip is not thin, it’s still light and very delicious. You’ll want more and more. So, make a double batch or more, specially if you’re taking it to a get-together.

Copycat Bubba Gump Far Out Dip

Drain Those Artichokes!

Make sure you drain your artichokes well before making this copycat Bubba Gump Far Out dip. This dip is on the thick side and it needs to stay that way. If you don’t drain the artichokes the dip will end up runny. Served hot, each bite of this dip delivers on taste and creaminess. We’ve eaten at several Bubba Gump restaurants. If we’re in the mood for an appetizer, this is eat. Well, ok, some times I get a shrimp appetizer, but I mean… it’s Bubba Gump, you have to get shrimp!

Copycat Bubba Gump Far Out Dip
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Copycat Bubba Gump Far Out Dip

A fantastic twist on spinach dip!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, dip
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 58kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray a 9" x 9" baking pan with non-stick spray.
  • Combine all ingredients except for the chips and crackers in a large bowl. Mix well. Transfer to the baking pan and cover with foil.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicy version substitute pepper jack cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 499mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 84IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Chicken Nacho Dip

Truthfully, I was just looking for a way to use up some grilled chicken breast I found in the freezer. I wasn’t thinking I’d found anything too terribly exciting when I ran across this recipe for a chicken nacho dip. Well, I wasn’t just sort of wrong, I was very wrong. This chicken nacho dip is fantastic. Super cheesy, spicy, and creamy. This is a great dip, best served with tortilla chips.

Chicken Nacho Dip

Rotisserie Chicken Is Great Too

If you don’t have grilled (or smoked) chicken on hand, rotisserie chicken will work just fine too. My Weber grills and smoker make for great chicken. And I often have leftover chicken. I just save it and use it in great dishes like this chicken nacho dip.

Oh and don’t forget to warm the tortilla chips. They take just a few minutes in a 350 F degree oven. Warm chips and warm dip were meant for each other.

Also try my Jose’s party cheese dip.

Chicken Nacho Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Chicken Nacho Dip

This chicken nacho dip is fantastic. Super cheesy, spicy, and creamy. Heck, I might eat as a soup next time!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, dip, nachos
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 121kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place everything except for the beans into a slow cooker and cook on high for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick thin with a little milk.
  • Add the beans and cook another 30 minutes.
  • Stir before serving with warmed tortilla chips.

Notes

Use Mexican Velveeta for a nice twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 633mg | Potassium: 194mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 481IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 229mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing

This Cajun dip and salad dressing goes great over a salad. It is also fantastic as a dip for everything from veggies to onion rings, to chicken nuggets. Adjust the Cajun seasoning, to taste. I’d use a bit less Cajun seasoning when making a salad dressing and a bit more when making a dip. The end result will taste better if you use a homemade Cajun seasoning mix or a store-bought one that has less salt.

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing

The Perfect Dressing For A Wedge Salad

We served the dressing over a simple wedge salad. We love the crispy freshness of iceberg lettuce.

Check out my new site, Dress My Salad, for more great salad dressing ideas!

I use Duke’s mayonnaise whenever I can get it. It has a less-sweet flavor than the other mayonnaise you get in your local grocery store since it does not have any added sugar.

Also try my spicy creamy coconut salad dressing.

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing
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4 from 1 vote

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing

This Cajun dip and salad dressing goes great over a salad, and it is also fantastic as a dip for everything from veggies to onion rings, to chicken nuggets. 
Course Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, dip, homemade salad dressing
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 660kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all of the ingredients.
  • Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 660kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 515mg | Potassium: 414mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4300IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 216mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Buffalo Queso Dip

This is how you kick up your standard queso dip. Add in some Buffalo wing-inspired flavors and you’ve got a hit. I certainly can’t get enough of it. Lightly spicy, creamy, with a hint of smokiness (I used fire-roasted tomatoes), it’s a fantastic dip to serve along my other favorite appetizer, Buffalo wings! We made this Buffalo Queso dip for the Superbowl and it was perfect!

Buffalo Queso Dip

Ole For Great Queso!

Feel free to make a few tweaks to this recipe for Buffalo Queso dip to suit your tastes. Substitute chopped (drained) green chiles for the pepper. Instead of regular Velveeta substitute Mexican or even Queso Blanco. This recipe doubles or even triples easily, making it great for a crowd!

I always have Cholula hot sauce on hand so that’s what I used. I have different flavors so I can make this dip to my tastes!

Also try my Buffalo Ranch pretzel bites!

Buffalo Queso Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Buffalo Queso Dip

This is how you kick up your standard queso dip.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, cheesy, dip
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 8
Calories 87kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a small slow cooker sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Heat on high for 2 hours, stirring often, until cheese is melted. Reduce heat to warm and serve.
  • You can also bake this dip in a small baking dish at 375 F for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 741mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 419IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 191mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

My wife and I recently visited Scotty’s Brewhouse, in West Lafayette, Indiana (which sadly, is now closed). Before dinner we decided to try an appetizer, the 7 Tidals Buffalo chicken dip. One bite in and we both agreed that I had to make the same dip at home. My version is close, very close. And it’s crazy good. Not terribly hot or spicy, just right actually.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Blue Cheese. Or Not.

To match Scotty’s Buffalo chicken dip you’ll want to also add a few small crumbles of blue cheese to the cream cheese mixture. We found the dip to be fantastic without it. You can also substitute a blue cheese dressing for the Ranch for more blue cheese flavor. And for extra kick, add a few drops (ok, more than a few drops) of hot sauce to the Frank’s wing sauce.

Also try my Buffalo wing hummus, Buffalo queso dip (oh yes!) and my beef enchilada dip (yum!).

Buffalo Chicken Dip
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4 from 1 vote

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Crazy good. Not terribly hot or spicy, just right actually.
Course Appetiser
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, chicken, dip
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 246kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts boneless skinless, 1 very large breast or 2 medium
  • 12 ounce Frank’s RedHot Sauce
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup Ranch dressing the better the dressing the better the dip will be
  • ½ cup celery chopped
  • ½ cup extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • Tortilla chips celery sticks, carrots, for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375.
  • Spray a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the chicken and poach until cooked, 10-15 minutes depending on how thick the chicken is.
  • Remove and let cool slightly then shred with a fork.
  • Transfer chicken to a large bowl and add the entire bottle of wing sauce. Stir to combine well.
  • Pour the chicken into the baking dish and spread out evenly.
  • Add the cream cheese and Ranch dressing to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the cheese is melted, then whisk until smooth.
  • Pour the cheese mixture over the chicken and spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle top with the celery.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle top with cheese and bake another 10 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  • Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Substitute pepper jack or habanero jack for an even spicier version.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 380mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 345IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.