A grocery store cheese case favorite is surprisingly simple to replicate in your home kitchen. From chips and crackers to vegetables, there’s nearly nothing this creamy, flavorful Jarlsberg cheese dip won’t pair well with. This beloved Kroger deli counter staple is sure to become one of your favorite snacks and is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next gathering. What makes this copycat version so appealing is its incredible simplicity, requiring just three ingredients and seconds of mixing to create a sophisticated appetizer that rivals the store-bought version.
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Jarlsberg dip like Kroger
Cheese lovers whoāve shopped at the supermarket chain Kroger have likely seen the creamy, distinctive dip for sale and may have even bought it themselves for parties or snacking around the house. But if youāre looking to add some sophistication and flavor to your dip spread, you may be surprised to learn itās a great choice to make at home, too.
Why Kroger Jarlsberg dip is so good
This quick and easy dip relies on the intense flavors of Jarlsberg, a wonderfully rich cheese that traces its roots to mid-20th-century Norway. Combining old-school methods with modern technology, itās a relative of other semi-firm European cheeses, such as Emmentaler and Swiss. Jarlsberg is prized in both recipes and on cheese boards for its rich, mildly sweet, nutty flavor.
This simple dip contrasts these flavors with the sharpness of red onion for an incredible combination that will have you and your guests quickly coming back for another scoop.
Why you should try this recipe
Itās hard to imagine a recipe with a better ratio of flavor to simplicity. A remarkably short list of ingredients and just a few seconds of mixing can yield a sophisticated party appetizer or a versatile spread. Itās also highly customizable with your favorite mix-ins and flavorings.
Ingredients you will need
Thanks to the rich flavors of each, youāll only need three simple ingredients:
- Jarlsberg cheese, fresh grated – Provides the signature nutty, sweet flavor that makes this dip special
- Mayonnaise – Creates the creamy base that binds ingredients and adds richness. I recommend using Dukes or Blue Plate
- Red onion, finely chopped – Adds sharp contrast and aromatic bite to balance the cheese
If you canāt find Jarlsberg, Swiss cheese will also work just as well.
How to make Jarlsberg cheese dip
Here are the super simple steps to make this delicious Jarlsberg cheese dip recipe:
- Place the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate at least two hours to allow the flavors to develop and mingle.
Variations of this cheese spread
Itās easy to put your own twist on the versatile canvas that this dip provides. Readers have submitted ideas like:
- A dash of horseradish for a spicier kick
- A few diced fresh or pickled jalapeƱo peppers for even more heat
- Topped with bacon bits or sliced green onions
You can also make Krogerās Smoked Cheese Dip!
What to serve with this easy make-ahead cheese dip
The most straightforward way to enjoy this cheese dip is with crisp crackers, thick-cut potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, or other dippable snacks.
For a low-carb, keto-friendly option, swap these out for fresh vegetables like peppers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and others.
Meanwhile, some use it as a spread for sliced baguettes or other crusty bread, while others enjoy it on a baked potato, much like sour cream. You can even use it on a burger for a special flavor addition.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for optimal freshness and food safety
- Serving Method: Serve cold directly from the refrigerator or let it come to room temperature for a softer texture. Discard any portion left at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Freezing: Not recommended as freezing negatively affects the flavor and texture of mayonnaise-based dips
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Cheesy appetizer recipes
Be sure to check out more of my copycat dip recipes and the best appetizer recipes for entertaining.
Kroger Jarlsberg Cheese Dip Easy Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces freshly grated Jarlsberg or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons real mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in a covered container for at least 2 hours for flavors to mingle. Serve with crackers. Will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week.
A friend of mine recently brought Kroger Southwest Jalapeno Jarlsberg Cheese Dip to a party. I have been to 6 Krogers in the area and they only have the regular Jarlsberg Cheese Dip. Does anybody know the recipe for the Southwest Jalapeno version?
I haven’t tried making this one.
Thank you! I’ve been wanting to try this for a long time. You saved me the experiment. To keep the cost even less than the deli, check out your local warehouse grocer. We buy our Jarlsburg cheese at Sam’s Club. Price is $4.67 per pound, vs $10 or more per pound at the supermarket. You do have to buy at least a two-pound chunk, but it keeps for a long time. God bless you and your family.
I am glad to help give you more options.
First I toast slices of bread in the oven (I usually use french or italian), then spread the dip on the toast and return it to the oven until cheese is melted. IT IS WONDERFUL!
I love this melted too.
Fabulous dip! We had it at our son and daughter-in-law’s in Houston. Brought some home the last t8ime we visited and tried to break down the ingredients. You’re right on with it’s contents.
I actually know I am right. I spoke with someone in the know š
I found the dip to be overpriced at Giant Eagle but loved it so I asked one day how it was made and they told me. Their recipe has green onions and red onions, shredded jarlsberg and mayonaise. I make it alot for its quick fix but get great reviews!
Never tried it warm though! Thanks for sharing!
you got me totally addiceted to this wonderful dip i abbsolutly love it
Really like this dip, thanks for sharing on how to make it.
I love this dip. The ingredient label says there is lemon juice in it. I added just about a teaspoon of fresh juice.
I had this cheese spread in Pittsburgh PA, the server at the deli said to go home and put it into tortilla scoops and place under broiler until hot, they were amazing!
this may sound weird, but as a college student I try to eat cheap. I bought shrimp and chicken ramen noodles (the packs, not the cups). I cooked the noodles like normal on the stove, added a tablespoon of butter, added 2 – 3 tablespoons jarlsberg cheese dip (as you’ve shown to make), stir together. add shrimp and chicken seasoning packets. It’ll feed 1 hungry student or 2 students. It’s so yummy!! Now I can make big batches of this stuff and use it for everything!
I used to work at Kroger’s and made this dip, but I couldn’t remember the proportions. Thanks for sharing your recipe. It tastes just like Kroger’s at a fraction of the cost!
did you ever make there queso the cold one
if so can u email me jnncle29@aol.com
I used to work at Kroger’s and made this dip, but I couldn’t remember the proportions. Thanks for sharing your recipe. It tastes just like Kroger’s at a fraction of the cost!
Thank you for writing this! I go to the Gerbes store in Columbia, MO where they have this dip at their cheese counter. (Gerbes is part of the Kroger chain.) I love this and have thought of trying to copy it myself. I decided to Google it first to see what I could find. Thanks!!
I hope you enjoyed this recipe.
I make something similar to this but call it onion soufflƩ. I make this with cream cheese, fresh parm, onions, mayo and bake it until bubbly. With my leftovers I put in scrambled eggs, on bakers, etc.
I absolutely love this dip! I also vary it with putting in poppy seeds. It makes a great dip for unexpected company because it is quick to make!
We, in Louisiana, make this dip but call it Onion Pie and we bake it & serve it hot with crackers!
Oooo that sounds so delicious! I have always thought this should be served warm!
Forgot a crucial ingredient, 1/4 TSP garlic powder
I love to spread some of this dip on a slice of baguette and toast it in the toaster oven. The cheese gets all melty and yumm…
Oh, yes, that sounds really tasty!
Would be so yummy but SO expensive. I love Jarlsburg but only limit myself to a very small chunk because it is so expensive. any thoughts on any other, cheaper cheese that tastes similar? This makes me hungry just talking about it, glad you could replicate it!
There is a domestic brand called Alpine cheese that may work well for you. ~Stephanie
Hi. So happy to see our Norwegian pride Jarsberg on your site. Have a nice weekend. Big hug on the way from Oslo, Norway. Cecilie