Healthy Cheese Dip

how to make a healthier dip

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Healthy Cheese Dip is easy to make, full of fiber, and packed with protein. Plus it’s a delicious take on queso or nacho cheese, but healthier.

When Healthy Cheese Dip is best!

It’s that time of year- fall football. Before you know it the Super Bowl will be here! As a die-hard sports fan, it’s one of my favorite days of the year and I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing my team (the Steelers) win twice in my lifetime. While your team can’t win every year you can at least enjoy delicious food.

Typical football party food includes: chicken wings, sliders, chili, pigs in a blanket, and my favorite- a wide variety of dips. Being a dietitian I always try to bring a dip that is nutritious and delicious. I’m sharing some tips that can make your dip healthier without cutting the flavor plus my recipe for an award winning healthy cheese dip!

healthy cheese dip

Tips to make a Healthy Cheese Dip

  1. Add beans

Pureed beans make the dip super creamy while adding protein and fiber to make it more filling. I guarantee most party goers won’t even taste the beans.

  1. Sneak in veggies

Most of the time people aren’t looking for veggies in their cheesy dip so it’s easy to mix in a few finely chopped ones- adding in vitamins and minerals.

  1. Create texture through toppings

Dips tend to be mostly thick and not super eye appealing. By sprinkling some green onion or tomatoes on the top you’re adding more nutrients and making the dip look more appetizing.

healthy chicken cheese dip

  1. Spice it up by adding heat

While I’m not a huge spicy fan (mild salsa is as hot as it gets) many people love heat- the hotter the better. Chopped jalapeño, salsa, and hot sauce can be utilized to add spiciness to your dip. Cumin and paprika can add a peppery aroma and flavor as well.

  1. Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream

This is one of my favorite nutrition hacks- substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. I use this all the time for Mexican food and it works perfectly in a dip, especially when combined with other ingredients.

  1. Choose lean protein

If your tip isn’t vegetarian and you plan on using meat, go for shredded chicken over ground beef.  There are multiple heart healthy benefits for choosing lean proteins.

healthier cheese dip

The recipe can be made easily and is customizable- you can chose your own toppings and beans, add buffalo sauce or cayenne pepper to spice it up, or omit chicken to make it vegetarian friendly. I am excited to make this one again for Super Bowl Sunday this weekend! What are you making??

Healthy Cheese Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz can white beans pureed
  • 1 16 oz jar salsa verde
  • 1 5.3 oz cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 red peppers chopped
  • cup corn I used frozen
  • 2 cups chicken cooked and shredded
  • cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • Optional: tomatoes and green onion for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350
  • Combine bean puree, salsa verde, and Greek yogurt in a large bowl, mix thoroughly
  • Stir in peppers, corn, chicken, and cheese (optional: Save some cheese for topping)
  • Add cumin and make sure everything is evenly mixed
  • Transfer to cask iron skillet or baking pan
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted
  • After removing from oven, add green onion and tomato topping if using
  • Serve hot with tortilla chips

What are other Healthy Snacks for the Super Bowl (or just football in general):

Mediterranean Hummus Dip

Olive Pesto Dip

Mango Quinoa Salad

And a few from other dietitian friends:

Bean Dip

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Healthy 7 Layer Taco Dip

healthy nacho cheese

 

What team are you routing for right now?? What’s your favorite part of games like the Superbowl- game? commercials? halftime show? Do you have a “go-to” snack to bring??

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