Have you ever stood in your kitchen an hour before guests arrive, frantically wondering what appetizer to serve? That was me last football season when I promised to bring something “homemade and impressive” to my friend’s playoff party. What I recreated in my last-minute panic has become my go-to appetizer for every gathering since: this effortless yet irresistible Copycat Kroger Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip.
With just three ingredients and less than 10 minutes of active prep time, this creamy, smoky cheese dip delivers a rich flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The best part? You can make it days ahead; this delicious dip only improves with time.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Dip Special
This isn’t just any cheese dip. The distinctive smoky flavor of Gouda combined with the subtle bite of red onion creates a complex taste that elevates simple crackers into a memorable appetizer. The spreadable texture makes it perfect for crackers, bread, or even a decadent sandwich spread.
I recreated this recipe after loving the gourmet cheese spreads at my local Kroger deli counter. After regularly spending too much money on their house-made spreads (especially their Smoked Gouda version), I decided to try recreating them at home—and was shocked at how easy and economical it was to make them myself.
Ingredients and Their Functions
- Smoked Gouda cheese – Provides the rich, distinctive smoky flavor and creamy base of the dip; the star ingredient that gives this dip its unique character
- Mayonnaise – Creates a spreadable texture and adds richness while binding the ingredients together
- Red onion – Adds a sharp, pungent contrast that balances the richness of the cheese and creates depth of flavor.
How to Make Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the base: Place mayonnaise in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add flavor: Finely dice the red onion and add it to the mayonnaise. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate the cheese: Shred the smoked Gouda cheese and mix it into the mayonnaise-onion mixture until evenly distributed.
- Chill and develop flavors: Cover the cream cheese mixture and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dip is perfect for making ahead of time! It tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a day or two as the flavors have more time to develop. Store in an airtight container; this dip will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- A teaspoon of Dijon mustard for tanginess
- Cheese options: While smoked Gouda is the star, you could experiment with smoked cheddar or a mix of cheeses for different flavor profiles
- Onion alternatives: Substitute green onions (either the white portion or green tops) for a milder onion flavor
Add-ins for extra flavor:
- Crispy bacon bits for a savory addition
- Fresh herbs like chives or parsley
- A dash of hot sauce or pinch of cayenne for heat
Love cheesy dips and appetizers? Try these recipes!
- Cream Cheese Cheese Ball
- Dried Beef Cheese Ball
- Easy Cheese Fondue
- Ham and Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
- Layered Taco Dip
- Liptauer Cheese
- Pimento Cheese Spread
- Rotel Dip with Meat
Favorite Game Day Recipes
- Asian Chicken Wings Recipe
- Breaded Jalapeno Poppers
- Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
- Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Hidden Valley Ranch Veggie Pizza
- Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Check out my easy dip recipes and the best game day food here on CopyKat!
Copycat Kroger Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons red onion minced
- 8 ounces smoked gouda cheese
Instructions
- Place mayonnaise and onion in a bowl. Stir to combine.
- Shred cheese and mix the cheese into the mayonnaise.
- Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving.
yummy
Just like the one in Kroger! SOOO good and easy and cheaper than the stores!
**I did double the onion.
I absolutely loved this dip from the store, but only one of the many Smith’s stores around here carry it. I am so happy I found it on your website. The only thing I can add is it’s great warm, but only once. If you try to reheat it, the second time is NOT pretty. LOL
I bet it is great warm!
I made this today and I am thrilled!!! It taste just like the dip from the store. For anyone worried about the mayo taste taking over try using half mayo and half sour cream. Worked like a dream for me!
I am glad you liked it.
How long does this dip last in fridge and freezer? Thanks so much! 😊
7 to 10 days.
Hi Stephanie, I have tried to find the recipe to subways oatmeal raisin cookies and they don’t wanna give it up can’t find it and the ones that are trying to copy didn’t seem right it would be amazing if you could give it a try. Would be much appreciated. Thanks, April
I loved the dip from the store. This has potential. Initially all I could taste was mayo. It took days for the flavors to meld and then it was quite delicious. I think I I’m going to split the mayo with cream cheese, and perhaps add paprika. Thank you for the recipe Stephanie..!!
I am very happy that I made it today. It tastes just like store-bought dip. If you’re concerned that the mayo flavor will dominate, consider dordle mixing half mayo and half sour cream. It was a dream come true for me!
Too much mayo. I had to buy extra cheese to double the amount of cheese in the recipe. The original spread didn’t have nearly this much cheese.
I am sorry this recipe didn’t work for you. The cheese dip is pretty wet at my local grocery stores.
We loved this recipe. First made it just as written. The second time I added 5 or 6 drops of liquid smoke. We liked that too. We thought it tasted a bit more like Kroger. Perhaps the difference is in the gouda that we used versus what Kroger uses. It was very subtle. You could add about anything to this and it would still be good! Thanks for this recipe!
I love the smoked gouda dip. I sometimes notice some pinkish color as well and I figured it was some red run off from the onions 🙂 I watched them make up a batch instore and it seems to just be those three ingredients and like you said, it is open to add what you like to it! One time my stepmother got a batch of this from Kroger and she put it in a small CrockPot to serve it warm and that was pretty tasty too!
You are so right, heated up this is great.
Made this for my party, there was none left!
I Appreciate This Work Amazing Post For Us I Like It.
Served this at a party, and everyone loved it.
I really enjoy the Chad’s dip from Murray’s so I was very excited to try this. Not sure what I’m doing wrong but all I taste is mayonnaise. So far I have increased the chopped red onion to 6 teaspoons and added half a teaspoon of paprika.
You might want to let it rest a bit before sampling the dip. I typically use Hellman’s or Dukes.
Hi Stephanie,
I just had some of the original dip from Kroger which has a pinkish color. What do you suppose would give the dip the pink tone?
You suggested adding 1/4 tsp smoked paprika as an upgrade. Do you think the Kroger recipe contains the paprika?
Thanks.
Hi! Do you use regular or low fat mayo? Thanks!
I used regular mayonnaise.
So you know how many carbs this dip has?
It has zero carbs. For some reason, when there is zero of something, the nutritional card will not populate with that info.
I personally love many of the cheese spreads that they craft in the store.!
Hi Steph! Great recipe and perfect timing for Super Bowl. Here in Michigan, the ground is still frozen and overnight we just got 2” of fresh snow but I’m going to go out and find me some wild garlic in my yard and maybe some chives to add. Have a great weekend! Love, mbs
Mary 😉 It’s so nice to hear from you. I think this dip would be perfect with some chives, or some wild garlic. Stay warm 😉
GREAT RECIPE!
My sister in law made this and it’s amazing! THANKS!
I am glad you liked it1