Name: 3 Ingredient Chip Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz sour cream; 8 oz cottage cheese; 1 oz onion soup mix (one envelope)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this 3 Ingredient Chip Dip Recipe because it’s one of those magical dishes that delivers incredible flavor with such minimal effort. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with just the right hint of onion, making it my go-to for when I need a quick appetizer that everyone will rave about. Whenever I bring this to a gathering, it disappears fast, and I appreciate how simple it is to whip up without sacrificing taste or quality.

Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Chip Dip Recipe

What truly makes this dip stand out for me is its amazing flavor profile. The combination of sour cream and cottage cheese creates this wonderfully rich and creamy base, while the onion soup mix adds a burst of savory, zesty goodness that immediately draws everyone in. It hits that perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and slightly salty, making it so addictive. Every time I scoop some up with a crunchy chip, I’m reminded why this simple dip is a perennial favorite.

I also adore how effortless it is to prepare. Seriously, I can mix all the ingredients in just a few minutes and have a delicious dip ready to chill while I prepare other parts of the meal. It’s perfect for last-minute parties, casual get-togethers, or even just a simple snack at home. Its versatility and quick prep make this 3 Ingredient Chip Dip Recipe a lifesaver for anyone who enjoys delicious food without spending ages in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a wooden board holds a mixture with two layers: the bottom layer is creamy white, thick, and smooth, while the top layer is a crumbly, light brown mixture with visible granules, partly covering the white layer. Inside the bowl is a white spatula with some of the mix on it. In the background, a dark bowl filled with ridged, pale yellow potato chips sits nearby, and a large white plate holds fresh cut veggies arranged in neat sections: green celery stalks on the right, bright orange baby carrots in front, and a row of light orange to red mini peppers toward the back. Everything is placed on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is straightforward yet essential, perfectly combining to create a dip that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy on the eyes. Here’s why I love each one and how they add to this dip’s magic:

8 oz sour cream: This provides the creamy, tangy base that’s soft and smooth, making every bite luscious.
8 oz cottage cheese: Adds subtle texture and richness while keeping the dip light and wholesome.
1 oz onion soup mix (one envelope): The star seasoning that packs in all the savory onion flavor and a hint of herbs, making the dip irresistibly tasty.

Directions

Step 1: Grab a medium-sized bowl and add the 8 ounces of sour cream. This is your creamy canvas.

Step 2: Next, spoon in the 8 ounces of cottage cheese. It’s fine if it’s slightly lumpy; it will blend nicely once mixed.

Step 3: Sprinkle the entire 1-ounce envelope of onion soup mix over the dairy. This is what gives your dip that bold, savory flavor everyone loves.

Step 4: Stir everything together gently but thoroughly. You want that dip to be evenly combined with no streaks of any single ingredient. The texture should be creamy with little cottage cheese bits peeking through for added interest.

Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. Serving it chilled is key to maximizing taste and texture.

Servings and Timing

This 3 Ingredient Chip Dip Recipe makes enough to serve about 10 people, making it ideal for small to medium gatherings. The prep time is lightning fast—only about 5 minutes—and since there’s no cooking involved, the total time is roughly 5 minutes plus chilling time. I recommend letting it rest in the fridge for around 30 minutes to an hour to really bring out the deep onion flavor and ensure it’s well set before serving.

How to Serve This 3 Ingredient Chip Dip Recipe

A close-up view of a thick, creamy white dip with small visible lumps, lightly sprinkled with black pepper on top, sitting in a white textured bowl at the bottom center of the image. Behind the bowl, toward the left, there is a blurred plate filled with golden, ridged potato chips. On the right, there is a blurred glass container filled with black peppercorns. The setting is on a wooden surface with a white marbled background, creating a cozy and inviting feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dip, I like to pair it with a variety of crunchy accompaniments to create a colorful and vibrant party platter. Classic ruffled potato chips are a natural match and add perfect crunch, but I also love including fresh carrot sticks, crisp celery, cucumber slices, and red bell pepper strips. The freshness of the veggies contrasts beautifully with the creamy dip and makes it feel a little lighter.

Presentation matters to me, so I often garnish the dip with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of green that looks so inviting. Serving it chilled in a pretty bowl surrounded by assorted dippers always feels festive and inviting. This dip fits in just as easily at casual weeknight dinners as it does at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or game-day celebrations.

For drinks, I find a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer pairs excellently with the tangy, savory notes of the dip. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a hint of lemon or a cold iced tea work beautifully. I usually serve the dip cold or at room temperature—it’s never something I heat up, because that creamy texture is best fresh and chilled.

Variations

One of the joys of this 3 Ingredient Chip Dip Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you want to lighten it up, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed twist. If dairy isn’t your thing, I’ve also experimented with vegan sour cream and plant-based cottage cheese alternatives, which work surprisingly well.

If you’re looking to change up the flavor profile, try swapping the onion soup mix with ranch seasoning or a smoky chipotle seasoning to give a spicy kick. Another fun variation is to stir in some finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or tarragon to brighten the taste. Sometimes, I like to add a dash of garlic powder or even some grated sharp cheddar for a richer, more indulgent dip.

If you have more time, you could gently blend the dip in a food processor for a super smooth texture, or let it sit longer so the flavors develop even more. However you customize it, this dip is forgiving and flexible, making it perfectly adaptable to your tastes.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always keep any leftover dip in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to 2 days. Because the cottage cheese can dry out a bit, giving it a quick stir before serving helps restore its creamy consistency. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods to keep it safe and delicious.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this dip because the dairy ingredients tend to separate and become grainy once thawed. The texture changes significantly, which can diminish the overall enjoyment of the dish. It’s better to make this dip fresh or store it refrigerated for a couple of days to maintain its ideal flavor and creaminess.

Reheating

This dip is best served chilled or at room temperature and does not need reheating. Heating it can cause the dairy to separate and the texture to become rubbery or watery. If you feel it’s too cold, pulling it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving will allow it to soften and bring out the flavors without compromising texture.

FAQs

Can I make this 3 Ingredient Chip Dip Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it at least a few hours ahead or the day before to let the flavors deepen. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Is this dip suitable for people who are gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients in this dip are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the onion soup mix to be sure it doesn’t contain any gluten additives. Many brands offer gluten-free options.

Can I use low-fat or fat-free sour cream and cottage cheese?

Definitely. Using low-fat or fat-free versions works well and reduces calories without losing too much creaminess. Just keep in mind the dip might be slightly less rich but still delicious.

What chips or dippers work best with this dip?

I love classic ruffled potato chips for their sturdy crunch, but this dip pairs wonderfully with a wide range of vegetables, crackers, or even pretzels. It’s versatile, so feel free to experiment!

How can I make this dip spicier?

To add some heat, I like mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or finely chopped jalapeños. Just add gradually and taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that you can pull together with minimal ingredients but maximum flavor, this 3 Ingredient Chip Dip Recipe is your new best friend. It’s creamy, delicious, and so simple to make that I always keep it in my recipe rotation. Give it a try at your next gathering or as a cozy snack for yourself—you won’t regret it!