A grocery store cheese case favorite is surprisingly simple to replicate in your home kitchen. From chips and crackers to veggies, there’s nearly nothing this creamy, flavorful Jarlsberg cheese dip won’t pair well with. It may become one of your favorite snacks. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next gathering.
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Jarlsberg dip like Kroger
Cheese lovers who’ve 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 you’re looking to add some sophistication and flavor to your dip spread, you may be surprised to learn it’s 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, it’s a relative of other semi-firm European cheeses like 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
It’s hard to imagine a recipe with a better ratio of flavor to simplicity. An extremely short list of ingredients and literal seconds of mixing can bring you a sophisticated party appetizer or versatile spread. It’s also highly customizable with your favorite mix-ins and flavorings.
Ingredients you will need
Thanks to the rich flavors of each, you’ll only need three simple ingredients:
- Jarlsberg cheese, fresh grated
- Mayonnaise
- Red onion, finely chopped
If you can’t 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
It’s 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 jalapeño peppers for even more heat
- Topped with bacon bits or sliced green onions
You can also make Kroger’s 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 baguette or other crusty bread, while others enjoy it on a baked potato like sour cream. You can even use it on a burger for a special flavor addition.
How to store cheese dip
Storing your copycat Jarlsberg dip is about as easy as it gets. Just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. Serve it cold right out of the refrigerator, or let the dip come to room temperature.
Any leftovers that have been at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded.
Freezing isn’t generally recommended, as it can negatively affect the flavor and texture. Plus, with how simple it is to make, it’s more practical just to make smaller batches more frequently for top freshness.
How long does it last?
This Kroger Jarlsberg dip is a perfect appetizer make-ahead option for parties or other events. It’ll stay good for up to a week when stored properly. This also makes it ideal for cheese lovers who enjoy keeping some of their favorite spreads around the house for quick snacks. Plus, they can feel good about the lack of additives or preservatives.
Popular dip recipes
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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.
Jarlsberg Cheese Dip
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.
Dawn
The name of the dip at kroger is smoked gouda dip. But you use jarlsberg or swiss cheese instead of gouda? Im confused. Also, I can taste the smoky flavor in the Kroger dip. Do you think a drop of liquid smoke would achieve the same flavor?
Stephanie
Well I really intended to make the jalrsberg version that have sold in the past. This recipe references that version. To do a smoked Gouda version, I would substitute the jalesberg cheese.
Darla
When I worked at Giant Eagle, I seen them mix a batch. Jarlsburg, mayo, and a tad of horseradish. I was hooked and make it at home the same way.
Stephanie
I love the add of horseradish.
Lyn Vaccariello
They do have Jarlsberg cheese dip at my Kroger. They also have a smoked Gouda dip. But there is one I absolutely love… jarlsberg Cheese Dip!
When I make it I also buy a bag of the sliced baguette bread. Spoon some of the dip in each piece, put in 350° oven for about 5 minutes. Then hit broil for about 45 seconds to a minute… Watch it closely though!
Stephanie
That sounds heavenly.
Valerie Magallanes
Hi Stephanie I just made your Jarlsberg cheese dip like Kroger and I can’t believe it is exactly better than Kroger , but it’s identical you’re amazing thank you for helping us to copycat some of the great recipes out there you’re the best!
Kari Williams
They make a smoked gouda, too. Same principle.
Stephanie
They also do a jalapeno Jarlsberg variety as well.
Linda Anderson
Kroger has several types/versions of the dip. There is a gouda, a regular jsrlsberg and a southwest jarlsberg along with a few others. The ingredients of each is listed on the package
Lillian Ferguson
I have been making this dip for years. When I can’t find Jarlsberg cheese, I use Swiss. Just as good, and cheaper. My friends and I like it best on sliced French bread and put under the broiler for a minute or two, just til the cheese begins to bubble and kinda melt. Soooo good!!
Wayne
You need to juice the purple onion not just chop it
Amy
I was give the recipe by the Kroger deli worker who actually makes this for sale in the store. When I asked if they had any dip, she said they were out and told me exactly how she makes it. There are only 3 ingredients in the dip – just like the above recipe states. She told me that they don’t even use specific amounts of the ingredients – that she just adds the sliced red onion (although she repeatedly called it a purple onion) and mayonnaise (real mayo, not Miracle Whip) to the shredded jarlsberg cheese until it “seems right.” Well, I bought a piece of the cheese and a red onion and made it myself using Hellman’s (aka Best Foods) mayo. It seemed a bit thick & dry to me, and I had already added a lot of mayo, so I added a couple tablespoons of water to it and it ended up identical to what I purchase in the store.
Gina W
This recipe is missing a little salt and a little fresh squeezed lemon juice that will zip up the taste and complete the flavors.
Deb
then it is not a copycat – the ingredients listed make it taste EXACTLY as the Kroger dip
BenS
Stephanie,
I’m glad to find this recipe since my local Kroger is not carrying this spread anymore. I can make it myself now.
How I use it;
Smashed Redskin Potatoes with Jarlsberg cheese.
After smashing the redskin potatoes, I add a tablespoon of the Jarlsberg cheese dip and bake in the oven for 20 min. Yum!
Shari
Oh, man! Kroger no longer makes this. My friend, Toni (who works in the deli department at my local Kroger) said that everything is going to be outsourced. Since the employees are no longer allowed to make this, I thank you so much for the recipe
Wicked
It’s funny my Kroger’s still sells it
Debbie
Our Kroger doesn’t sell it anymore either . I also liked to put it on their party rye nread , which they only sell seasonaly if he orders it .
Donald
stephaniemanley, i have a container here from krogers and on the ingre4diants listed it states eggs,egg yolks,milk and vinegar also which are 4 i dont see in your list. are these necassary to make it taste right?
Nate
I bought some this weekend and the label breaks down the mayonnaise also. So the eggs, vinegar etc., are the mayo ingredients.
Cindy
That’s mayo ingredients
Luvenua
Someone said you forgot a ingredient, 1/4 garlic powder , is that true?
Joe D.
Thank you so much for this! I wanted to comment real quick and let you know that I was just at King Soopers (Kroegers on the west coast) and the cheese monger there said they had actually quit carrying the dip! I was so devastated so I searched “Jarlsberg Dip” and your recipe came up first and confirmed exactly what I had suspected: Three ingredients and delicious! So thank you very much, you’re a lifesaver!
Stephanie
So on an interesting side note, I was at a food blogging conference and was chatting with the rep for Jarlsberg cheese, she confirmed I had gotten the recipe right ;).
Ruth Renedo
Just bought this spread at Kroger today. It lists cream cheese along with the other ingredients (eggs, egg yolk, milk and vinegar). What gives?
Melissa Hollings
I’ve watched them mix this when I ordered it. It’s a bag of shredded Jarlsberg mixed with a bag of Hellmans mayo with red onion added. No other ingredients. I use this dip to make grilled cheese. I use Brownberry oatnut bread and Velveeta cheese with this dip spread onto the Velveeta. It’s AMAZING!
Stephanie
Your grilled cheese idea is awesome. I can’t wait to try it in my air fryer. Incidentally, I did discuss the recipe with the person who handled(s), the Jarlsburg distribution in the US. It was actually the companies recipe, and my interpretation was correct to her.
Mary
I love the cheese dip and I can only buy it when Kroger has it on sale. now I have a recipe for it yummmmmmmmmm thanks
ELIZABETH
Thank you for sharing! I work in a deli and a customer was asking for the dip. We carry the cheese but not the dip. I will be trying this recipe soon. Thank you again!
Michelle
Add jalapenos for a nice kick!!
Stephanie
I think they sell a dip like that right now.
JulieLeann
I add some bacon to this mix and it’s so good. I can’t seem to keep it in the fridge for a week.
jDaddy
OK, moved out of the Kroger area and do miss this dip. I will be making it according to your recipe this holiday season! I have found bagel chips a perfect dipper – nice and sturdy and with garlic flavoring…. yum.
Lily
When we tried this dip and loved it so much, I bought a small container and checked out the ingredients on the label so I could make my own. I use Swiss cheese instead of Jarlsberg due to cost, Hellman’s mayo, lemon juice, a bit of sugar, bacon, red onion and chives. I’ve fine tuned it to the point where it tastes even better than the last batch I bought.
Pat Daz in Atlanta
Seek & ye shall find. I have never heard of, or had, Jarlsburg cheese or dip until 2 weeks ago!! I was at my Deli in Krogers & they had the dip out for sampling with very thin, crispy crackers from Savory 34 called Crisps, which they sold nearby. I am NOT a fan of raw onions at all …white, yellow or red, but I love them grilled, fried & cooked soft in foods, plus I am allergic to some spices in store bought items & have to be careful.
BUT I feel in LOVE with this dip!! So I Binged it & you were first on the list!! So glad to have this recipe now!! Will also be trying some of the variations to use it by the readers above!!
Good job, CopyCat!!!
Dawna
Keeps in the fridge for about a week?? I must be doing something really wrong… mine doesn’t make it past two days in my fridge!! 😉
stephaniemanley
Great point, this stuff is quite good.
lee
We originally knew this as “Al’s Appetizer” which we bought at Kroger. Then it seemed to disappear for a couple of years. Now it is back as Kroger’s Dip. I usually buy the 2# block of Jarlsburg at Costco and make the whole thing up which makes about 4 nice serving dishes. I have no trouble storing it up to 4 weeks. The only trouble is I have to hide it or it will disappear in about a week.
Stephanie
I definitely think that Costco has the best prices on cheese. I agree this cheese dip is totally addicting.
IrishQueenB
spread on baguette slices, top with bacon bits and bake @ 350F for 15 minutes…YUMMO!
stephaniemanley
That sounds delicious! Great Suggestion.
Midmodtom
Thank you Stephanie! I was wondering if you’ve ever tried to CopyKat Kroger’s sour cream French Onion Dip? Looks like you have a Kroger in your town, but alas, I moved to Chicago where there is no such thing. The dip was a staple at events in my childhood home. I actually ‘import’ it when I got for a visit. Thank goodness for insulated lunch kits! Now I have friends bring it to me when they visit, but it would be grand if there was a CopyKat recipe. Thank you!
furpurr
Midmodtom: oooh, i would also like a recipe for this, as it is definitely my very favorite chip dip!!
Stephanie Manley: well, how about it? will you take a crack at it?? 😎
stephaniemanley
Which recipe do you want me to take a crack at? 🙂
Midmodtom
The Kroger grocery store chain has their own brand of “Sour Cream French Onion Dip”. I would love it if you and your magic touch could recreate it!