Hacienda Dip

Two ingredients. Ten minutes. That’s the whole recipe. Cream cheese and salsa get beaten together until smooth, chilled briefly, and served with chips. It’s the kind of dip that shows up at every potluck because it works every single time.

The trick is using softened cream cheese so it blends smoothly with the salsa instead of leaving chunks. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing, or microwave it in short bursts. The chilling step afterward firms it back up so it holds on a chip without sliding off.

Your salsa choice drives the entire flavor here. A chunky restaurant-style salsa adds texture and fresh tomato flavor. A smoky chipotle salsa makes it richer and deeper. A verde tomatillo salsa takes it in a completely different, tangier direction.

Kitchen Tips

• Beat the mixture with an electric mixer or food processor for the smoothest result. A fork works but leaves small cream cheese lumps.
• Taste and adjust. If your salsa is mild, add a pinch of cumin or a dash of hot sauce to give it some backbone.
• This dip thickens in the fridge over time. If it gets too stiff after a day, let it sit out for 15 minutes before serving.