Baked Cheese Dip

This Baked Cheese Dip is rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting, made with a blend of melted cheeses, yogurt or sour cream, fresh thyme, and a subtle smoky kick from paprika and chipotle. Warm, bubbly, and deeply savoury, it’s the kind of easy oven-baked appetizer that disappears fast-perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or cozy evenings in.

Hey folks – if you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss dip that delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort, this one checks all the boxes. It comes together in minutes, bakes into a bubbling, golden dish, and pairs beautifully with bread, crackers, or fresh veggies. So, let’s dive into this creamy Baked Cheese Dip.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cheese Dip

• Creamy and rich. A combination of cream cheese, shredded hard cheese, and yogurt or sour cream creates a luscious, scoopable texture.
• Smoky and savoury. Smoked paprika and chipotle add gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the cheese.
• Easy to customize. Use your favourite melting cheeses or adjust the herbs and spices to taste.
• Perfect for sharing. This dip is best served hot and bubbly, straight from the oven.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This dip is rich, creamy, and deeply savoury, with a balanced smoky undertone and light herbal freshness from the thyme. When baked, the surface may appear slightly oily – this is completely normal, as the cheeses and yogurt naturally release fats while melting. Simply give the dip a gentle stir before serving to reincorporate everything. It remains smooth, luscious, and never greasy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

For this Baked Cheese Dip, you’ll need a short list of simple ingredients that melt beautifully and balance richness with flavour.

• Cream cheese. Softened cream cheese forms the creamy base and helps bind the dip.
• Shredded hard cheese. Cheddar, Gouda, mozzarella, or a mix all work well—choose cheeses that melt smoothly and aren’t overly salty.
• Plain yogurt or sour cream. Adds tang and keeps the dip from feeling too heavy.
• Fresh thyme. Brings a subtle herbaceous note that pairs well with cheese.
• Smoked paprika. Adds warmth and a gentle smoky flavour.
• Chipotle powder. Just a touch for depth and mild heat.

Possible Additions and Variations

• Extra herbs. Swap or supplement thyme with rosemary, chives, or a little fresh oregano for a different herbal note.
• More heat. Add a pinch of cayenne, extra chipotle powder, or a spoon of chopped pickled jalapeños for a spicier version.
• Cheese swaps. Try smoked Gouda or cheddar for deeper smokiness, Gruyère for nuttiness, or a small amount of blue cheese for bold contrast.
• Garlic boost. Stir in a clove of roasted or sautéed garlic for extra savoury depth.

How to Make Baked Cheese Dip

To make this Baked Cheese Dip, preheat the oven to 375–380°F (190–193°C). In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, most of the shredded cheese (reserve some for topping), yogurt or sour cream, thyme, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder until well mixed.

Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, sprinkle with the reserved cheese, and bake until melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, about 20–25 minutes. For a deeper golden top, briefly place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnished with extra fresh thyme or herbs.

More Delicious Dip Recipes

Are you looking for more fun recipes, like this Baked Cheese Dip? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Beetroot Horseradish Dip
• Sun-Dried Tomato Feta Dip
• Smoked Salmon Dip
• Beetroot Pine Nut Dip
• Beetroot Walnut Prune Dip
• Cheese Chestnut Dip with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto

I’d love for you to try this creamy baked cheese dip. If you recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!

Print

Baked Cheese Dip

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

5.0 from 3 votes

Course: Cheese Dips and Spreads

Servings

6-10

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Baked cheese dip is creamy, smoky, and irresistibly rich, flavoured with thyme, smoked paprika, and chipotle. Perfect for sharing.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 2/3 cup plain cream cheese, softened

• ~ 250 gr. shredded hard cheese – about 3 cups (You can use any hard cheese that melts well and not too salty, such as cheddar, gouda, mozzarella or the mix of cheeses)

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

• 1/2 fresh thyme or more, if desired

• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp. chipotle powder

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375/380 degrees F.
• In a bowl combine the softened cream cheese, most of the shredded cheese (reserve about 1/2 cup for later), yogurt or sour cream, thyme, and spices.
• Transfer the mix into an oven-safe dish (dishes). Sprinkle with the reserved cheese on top.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, place under the broil for 1-2 minutes for a nice brown top.
• Remove from oven and serve immediately, while still hot and bubbly. if desired, sprinkle with some extra fresh thyme or other herbs.