Bagel Dip Recipe
OMG guys this bagel dip recipe is seriously life-changing. Been making it for years n everyone always begs for the recipe. My aunt got it from her neighbor back in the 90s and I tweaked it over time. Its this amazing combo of creamy cheese, dried beef, and seasonings that’ll have ur guests hovering by the appetizer table all night. Seriously make extra cuz this bagel dip disappears FAST.
Why This Easy Bagel Dip Recipe Will Be Your New Go-To
So sick of bringing boring dips to parties that nobody touches? This bagel dip recipe is ur answer! Made it for my sister’s housewarming last month n by the time I went to grab some it was GONE. Caught my brother-in-law scraping the bowl with his finger lol.
Love how easy this bagel dip is to customize. Swap the beef for bacon, play with different seasonings, or go crazy with add-ins. Takes like 10 mins to throw together but tastes like u spent all day on it. Perfect for when u forget u need to bring something til the last minute (we’ve all been there).
The best part? U can make this bagel dip recipe ahead of time. Actually gets BETTER after sitting in the fridge overnight when all the flavors get to know each other.
What You’ll Need for This Bagel Dip Recipe
The Creamy Base:
- 2 blocks (8oz each) cream cheese, softened (leave out for 30 mins or microwave for 20 secs)
- 1 cup sour cream (full fat makes it richer but light works too)
- 3 tbsp mayo (trust me on this – adds something special)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (white and green parts)
- 2 tbsp dried minced onion (gives amazing flavor without the harsh bite)
The Flavor Bombs:
- 1 jar (2.5oz) dried beef, chopped small (find it near the canned meat)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (secret ingredient that makes people go “what IS that?”)
- 2 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt!)
- 1 tbsp dried parsley (adds color n a bit of freshness)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if u have it)
For the Everything Bagel Version:
- 3 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (grab from Trader Joe’s or make ur own)
- Extra dried minced garlic (cuz u can never have enough)
Serving Stuff:
- Bagel chips (store bought or make ur own by slicing bagels thin n toasting)
- Veggie sticks (cucumber n bell peppers r amazing with this)
- Pretzels (the big sourdough ones are SO GOOD with this dip)
How to Throw Together This Amazing Bagel Dip
- Take cream cheese outta the fridge EARLY. Seriously this step is crucial – if its too cold u’ll get lumps n nobody wants lumpy dip.
- Dump softened cream cheese, sour cream n mayo in a bowl. Beat with mixer til smooth n fluffy. If ur arms need a workout do it by hand with a wooden spoon.
- Chop that dried beef SUPER fine. Pro tip: stack the slices n run ur knife through in both directions. If using corned beef from the deli counter ask them to slice it thin.
- Mix the dried minced onion, garlic powder, parsley, pepper n Worcestershire into the cream cheese mixture. Stir til everything is evenly mixed.
- Add the chopped beef n green onions. Fold in gently – dont overmix or it’ll look weird.
- For the everything bagel dip version, add the seasoning now. Start with 2 tbsp n taste before adding more – that stuff can be potent!
- Scrape into serving bowl n smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap pressed right onto surface of dip (keeps it from getting that gross skin).
- THIS IS KEY: refrigerate at least 4 hrs, but overnight is way better. Flavors need time to mingle n get friendly.
- Take outta fridge about 20 mins before serving so its not too firm. Nobody wants to break their chip in the dip!
- Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika if ur feeling fancy.
Awesome Bagel Dip Variations That’ll Blow Minds
Corned Beef Bagel Dip
Swap dried beef for 8oz finely chopped corned beef from deli. Add 1 tsp caraway seeds for that reuben sandwich vibe. INSANE with rye bagel chips.
Ranch Bagel Dip with a Twist
Add 1 packet ranch seasoning mix n skip the other seasonings. Mix in 1/2 cup grated cheddar n some chopped fresh dill. Amazing with raw veggies!
Old English Cheese Bagel Dip
Add 1 jar Old English cheese spread n reduce cream cheese to just 1 block. Sprinkle with paprika before serving. Super rich n decadent.
Spicy Southwest Bagel Dip
Add 1 can drained chopped green chiles, 1 tsp cumin, n 1/2 tsp chipotle powder. Top with crushed tortilla chips right before serving for crunch.
Sweet Brunch Bagel Dip
Go totally different direction – use only cream cheese n sour cream base, add 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, n 1 tsp vanilla. Serve with fruit n cinnamon raisin bagel pieces. Game changer at brunch!
Bagel Dip Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
Creamy Base:
- 2 blocks 8oz each cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream full-fat or light
- 3 tbsp mayo
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 2 tbsp dried minced onion
Flavor Bombs:
- 1 jar 2.5oz dried beef, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional – Everything Bagel Version:
- 3 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- Extra dried minced garlic optional
For Serving (Optional):
- Bagel chips
- Veggie sticks cucumber, bell pepper
- Pretzels
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Leave out for 30 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
- Make Base: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo until smooth and fluffy.
- Prep Beef: Finely chop dried beef.
- Mix Flavorings: Stir in dried minced onion, garlic powder, parsley, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add Beef & Onions: Fold in dried beef and green onions gently.
- Everything Bagel Version (Optional): Stir in 2–3 tbsp of seasoning, adjusting to taste.
- Chill: Transfer to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
- Serve: Let sit at room temp for 20 mins before serving. Garnish with green onions or paprika.
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Bagel Dip Recipe Questions Answered
What are bagels dipped in?
Bagels r usually slathered with cream cheese, butter, or peanut butter but this bagel dip recipe takes things to a whole new level! Traditionally bagels might be dipped in lox spread, hummus, or flavored cream cheese but this savory bagel dip with its creamy texture n bold flavors pairs perfectly with any type of bagel – especially everything bagels. Try it with garlic bagels too – mind blowing combo.
What to dip in Trader Joe’s everything but the bagel dip?
Love TJ’s everything bagel dip? Try dipping cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, carrots, pita chips, pretzel thins or even use as sandwich spread! Our homemade bagel dip recipe is similar but heartier with the meat added. Both r amazing with raw veggies or any kinda cracker. My kids even dip potato chips in it (sounds weird works amazing).
What can you dip bagel bites in?
Those frozen bagel bites from the store? They’re good with marinara but AMAZING with this easy bagel dip recipe! Also try ranch, garlic butter, or even hot honey. For mini bagel bites as party food, this creamy bagel dip makes perfect pairing – just cut mini bagels into quarters, toast em, n serve alongside the dip. Way better than boring ol pizza sauce.
What to dip in BLT dip?
BLT dip loves bagel chips, toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, or crunchy veggies. Just like our bagel dip recipe, BLT dip has that awesome savory-creamy thing going on. Both dips work great spread on wraps or sandwiches too! Try spreading either one inside a hollowed out tomato for fancy summer appetizer.
What’s in crack dip?
They call it crack dip cuz its super addictive! Usually has cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, n ranch seasoning. Similar base to our bagel dip recipe but with different mix-ins. Both r totally addictive n disappear fast at parties! The bacon in crack dip gives smoky flavor while our dried beef adds savory umami taste – both r winners for different occasions.
How to Store Your Bagel Dip (If There’s Any Left)
This bagel dip recipe keeps in fridge up to 5 days in airtight container. But honestly it never lasts that long in my house lol.
If it gets too firm after chillin, let it sit out bout 15-20 mins or microwave for like 10 seconds (NO LONGER or it’ll melt).
Can u freeze this dip? Technically yes but I don’t recommend it. The dairy gets weird n grainy when thawed. Just make smaller batch if needed!
Pro tip: Save lil bit in separate container for urself before putting out at party. Thank me later.
Best Things to Serve with Your Bagel Dip
This bagel dip recipe obv loves bagel chips but get creative! Try:
- Plain bagels cut in bite size pieces
- Everything bagels (epic flavor combo)
- Wheat thins or triscuits
- Pretzel crisps or sticks
- Mini bell peppers, halved
- Cucumber slices (thick cut so they dont break)
- Celery sticks (nature’s little dip spoons)
- Carrot chips
- Apple slices (sounds weird but sweet/savory combo is killer)
My Story with This Bagel Dip Recipe
Not exaggerating when I say this bagel dip recipe changed my potluck game forever. Used to stress about what to bring to parties til my aunt passed this recipe to me. First time I made it was for a work thing I totally forgot about til night before. Threw it together last minute n people literally asked if I catered it!?!
What makes me laugh is how protective ppl get over this dip at parties. Seen full grown adults hover by the bowl or straight up move it closer to their seat. My husband’s college buddy once ate so much he got a stomach ache but KEPT EATING IT.
The dried beef might sound weird but don’t skip it! That salty savory flavor against the creamy cheese is what makes this bagel dip recipe special. If ur veggie tho, sub finely chopped sun dried tomatoes or fake bacon bits.
For more awesome party food recipes, check out my CREAMY SHRIMP SCAMPI or FORGOTTEN CHICKEN RECIPE. Need more snack ideas? My COTTAGE CHEESE CHIPS are insanely good, or try some FROZEN HASH BROWN PATTIES as base for mini dip bites! For full meal plan, start with this bagel dip then serve my CHIPOTLE BOWL RECIPE, FRIED MAHI MAHI or FAJITAS DE POLLO.
Make this bagel dip recipe for ur next gathering n watch it disappear – just don’t forget to save some for urself! Trust me, ull be getting texts next day asking for the recipe.