Description

This Creamy Ground Turkey Dip with Cream Cheese is a flavorful and hearty appetizer perfect for gatherings or game day. Combining tender ground turkey with taco seasoning, creamy Philadelphia cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and black olives, this dip offers a balanced blend of creamy and savory notes. It’s easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Base

10 oz cream cheese (Philadelphia brand preferred for smooth texture)
9 oz sour cream (room temperature, about 70°F for better mixing)
2.5 tbsp taco seasoning (for the creamy mixture)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for better melt)

Ground Turkey Mixture

1.25 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
2.5 tbsp taco seasoning (for cooking the turkey, I use McCormick for consistent flavor)

Toppings/Mix-ins

1 cup tomatoes (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
1/2 cup black olives (sliced or chopped)

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Instructions

Prepare the ground turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and 2.5 tablespoons of taco seasoning, cooking and stirring until the turkey is thoroughly cooked and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Mix the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, 2.5 tablespoons of taco seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
Combine turkey with creamy base: Add the cooked ground turkey into the cream cheese mixture and stir well to evenly distribute the meat throughout.
Add cheese and fresh ingredients: Fold in 2 cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and black olives until evenly incorporated.
Chill the dip: Transfer the dip to a serving dish or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly.
Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

Using room temperature cream cheese and sour cream ensures a smoother, more cohesive dip without lumps.
Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties due to less anti-caking agents.
Adjust taco seasoning to taste for spiciness preference.
For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
This dip can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.