If you’re looking for a festive appetizer that disappears faster than holiday cookies, this Texas Christmas Dip is your new go-to. It’s creamy, tangy, a little bit spicy, and packed with irresistible Southern charm. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a game day gathering, or just feeling snacky, this dip brings the warmth and cheer of Texas right to your table.

Made with a base of cream cheese and shredded cheese, then loaded with pimentos, jalapeños, and a blend of spices, it’s the kind of dip people can’t stop talking about (or scooping up with crackers). It’s colorful, bold in flavor, and requires no baking — which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Texas Christmas Dip smooth and easy, you’ll want to have the following tools on hand:

Mixing Bowl – This is where all the flavor magic happens. A medium to large bowl gives you space to combine and blend ingredients evenly.
Rubber Spatula or Spoon – For folding everything together gently without breaking down the creaminess.
Electric Mixer (Optional) – If your cream cheese is still a bit firm, a mixer will help blend everything quickly.

Fine Grater – For shredding your own cheese, which melts better and adds more flavor compared to pre-shredded.
Serving Dish or Bowl – Presentation matters! Choose a festive or rustic bowl to showcase your dip.

Each of these tools plays a role in creating a creamy, well-mixed, and visually appealing dip. Prepping these ahead makes the process seamless.

Ingredients for the Texas Christmas Dip

Each ingredient in this festive dip plays a role in building a bold, creamy, and craveable bite:

Cream Cheese – The rich, velvety base that makes this dip addictively smooth.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds a sharp bite and hearty texture.

Diced Pimentos – Brings in a mild, sweet flavor and beautiful red color.
Chopped Jalapeños – The perfect Texas heat! Add more or less depending on your spice preference.
Garlic Powder – Gives the dip a savory boost.

Onion Powder – For depth and that classic dip flavor.
Mayonnaise – Adds tang and extra creaminess.
Parsley (Fresh or Dried) – A touch of green and herbaceous lift.

Salt & Pepper – Balances and enhances all the other flavors.

How To Make the Texas Christmas Dip

Step 1: Soften and Prep

Let your cream cheese come to room temperature so it’s easier to mix. While you wait, shred the cheese if you’re using a block, and chop your jalapeños and parsley.

Step 2: Blend the Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth using a spatula or electric mixer for a fluffy consistency.

Step 3: Fold in Flavor

Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently fold everything together until evenly combined.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Transfer the dip into a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, top with a little extra shredded cheese or parsley for a festive touch.

How to Serve and Store Texas Christmas Dip

Serve this dip cold or slightly chilled, straight from the fridge. It pairs beautifully with buttery crackers, tortilla chips, pretzels, or even crisp veggie sticks like celery and bell pepper strips. For a festive twist, serve it in a holiday-themed bowl or shape it into a wreath with parsley and red pepper garnish.

If you’re prepping ahead, this dip can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers will keep fresh for up to 4-5 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to revive its creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dip?

The dip has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the jalapeños. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less, or swapping them out for green chiles for a milder version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Make it the day before your party to save time.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese and mayo, but it may affect the final texture slightly. It’ll still taste great though!

What else can I mix in?

Feel free to experiment! Some tasty add-ins include crumbled bacon, diced green onions, or a splash of hot sauce if you like it extra spicy.

Is this dip freezer-friendly?

It’s not ideal to freeze due to the cream cheese base, which can separate when thawed. Stick to making it fresh for the best texture.

Want More Dip Ideas with a Festive Twist?

If you’re hooked on this Texas Christmas Dip, here are a few more recipes you might love from the Life With Olivia kitchen:

Meaty Texas Trash Dip for a heartier, hot version loaded with ground beef.
Creamy Boat Dip (Rotel Ranch Dip) for an easy party favorite.

Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria to pair your dip with a festive sip.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a flavorful slow cooker main dish.
Scalloped Corn Casserole to round out your holiday spread.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so it’s easy to find when party season rolls around again: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavier on the spice or keep it mellow? Did you toss in any extras like bacon or green onions?

I always love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions welcome too—let’s keep the creativity (and the chips) going!

Texas Christmas Dip

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Texas Christmas Dip is a creamy, crowd-pleasing, no-bake appetizer made with cream cheese, cheddar, pimentos, and a kick of jalapeños. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or game day, it delivers a festive blend of color, texture, and bold Southern flavor in every scoop.