Beef Jerky Dip (Easy Game Day Appetizer)
If you are tired of the same old chips and salsa at game day, this Beef Jerky Dip is a savory change of pace. Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise make a smooth, rich base that is loaded with chewy bits of beef jerky, sharp cheddar, garlic, and green onions. A dash of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce adds tang and umami, so every scoop tastes bold and savory. It comes together in about 15 minutes, can be made a day ahead, and travels well to tailgates and potlucks.
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This beef jerky dip pairs the bold, savory flavor of chopped beef jerky with a rich, creamy cheese base. It is easy to throw together, making it a great fit for tailgating, potlucks, or any gathering where you want a crowd-friendly snack without much effort.
The dip needs very little equipment, so you can even make it at the cabin or while tailgating. Meat lovers and cheese fans both find something to like.
What makes this dip the perfect party appetizer
This innovative dip breaks all the conventional rules by combining beef jerky’s bold, savory flavor with a rich, creamy cheese base. The result is an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that keeps everyone returning for “just one more dip.” Perfect for tailgating, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort, this recipe proves that sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most memorable dishes.
Why you should give this recipe a try
- Cream cheese gives the dip structure. It forms the rich, creamy foundation that holds the jerky and cheddar in every scoop.
- Sour cream and mayonnaise keep it spreadable. They loosen the cream cheese into a smooth, scoopable texture and add tang and richness.
- Finely shredded cheddar blends in smoothly. A fine shred disappears into the base instead of leaving stringy clumps, while still adding sharp flavor.
- Chilling brings the flavors together. An hour in the refrigerator gives the jerky, garlic, and seasonings time to blend into the creamy base.
- The heat level is easy to adjust. A little Tabasco and black pepper provide the heat, so you can turn it up or down to suit your crowd (see the variations below).
- It is built for make-ahead and travel. Everything mixes in one bowl and keeps well in the refrigerator for a day, which makes it easy to bring along.
Beef Jerky Dip Ingredients
To make shredded beef jerky dip, you’ll need:
- Cream cheese – Creates the rich, creamy foundation and gives the dip structure.
- Beef jerky – The star ingredient, adding meaty flavor and chewy texture.
- Fresh garlic – Provides savory depth and an aromatic base.
- Cheddar cheese – Adds sharp flavor and a cheesy texture.
- Sour cream – Adds tang and helps the dip reach the right consistency.
- Mayonnaise – Brings richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable texture.
- Tabasco sauce – Brings heat and vinegar tang.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth and complexity.
- Onion powder – Provides concentrated onion flavor.
- Ground black pepper – Adds subtle heat and seasoning.
- Green onions – Add fresh flavor and a crisp contrast to the creamy base.
Pro Tips for Success
- Serving Strategy: Use smaller serving bowls and refill as needed
- Jerky Selection: Choose unflavored beef jerky for best results
- Cheese Grating: Use the finest shred setting for a smooth texture
- Garlic Prep: Fresh garlic is preferred, but granulated can be used (½ teaspoon)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soften and prep. Set the cream cheese on the counter to soften for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the beef jerky into small pieces, grate the garlic, thinly slice the green onions, and finely shred the cheddar cheese if needed. Set everything aside.
- Blend the base. Beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth with a stand mixer or electric hand mixer. If you do not have either, use the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Add the jerky and cheese. Stir in the chopped beef jerky and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season. Stir in the Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, ground black pepper, and grated garlic.
- Fold in the green onions. Gently fold them into the dip. Save a few slices for garnish if you like.
- Chill. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors can blend.
- Serve. Stir the dip well, transfer it to a serving bowl or dish, and garnish with sliced green onions if you like.
Serving suggestions & pairings
Use a smaller serving bowl and refill it as needed throughout the event. These dippers all work well:
- Tortilla chips: A classic that needs no prep and is sturdy enough to hold the dip’s weight.
- Bagel chips or pita chips: A more modern take on the traditional chip.
- Fresh vegetables: Carrot, cucumber, and celery sticks bring crunch and freshness.
- Pretzels: Their saltiness contrasts with the creamy, tangy dip.
The dip also pairs well with other game day snacks like Mississippi Meatballs and Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Store unserved dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For make-ahead prep, you can mix it up to 24 hours before serving and keep the garnishes chopped separately. Stir well before serving. Do not save dip that has already been served.
- Freezer Storage: Not recommended. Dips made with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise can separate and turn watery when thawed.
More cheesy and meaty appetizer recipes
- Boudin Sausage Dip
- Deviled Ham Cheese Ball
- Dried Beef Cheese Ball
- Mississippi Sin Dip
- Texas Trash Dip
Find lots of easy appetizer recipes right here on CopyKat!
Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
Beef Jerky Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 6 ounces sour cream
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup finely chopped beef jerky
- 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup chopped green onions plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a medium bowl. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the beef jerky and cheddar and stir until evenly distributed. Then add the Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Gently fold in the green onions.
- Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt, garlic, or onion powder if desired.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the dip a quick stir. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired and serve with your favorite dippers like tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Chop the jerky into small pieces so every scoop carries meaty flavor without long, tough strands.
- Let the cream cheese soften fully before mixing. Cold cream cheese leaves lumps that are hard to beat out.
- The dip firms up in the refrigerator, so give it a good stir before serving.
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