Class up your crudité spread with this savory, garlicky, thick, and luscious Creamy Caesar Dip begging for you to dip all of the things. All of the classic flavors you love about Caesar salad dressing find their way into this elevated dip that will have you double dipping everything from carrot sticks to your favorite buffalo wings.
Let’s be honest, game day eats are all about the dips! From classics like chunky blue cheese to less traditional options like blue cheese bacon dip, nothing says party like a bowl of something creamy meant for pulling a George Costanza and double dipping. This thick lemon parmesan dip is perfect for all of your favorite veggies, but also the perfect companion to a plate of wings or tender Caesar chicken meatballs. Aside from being irresistibly delicious, there’s almost zero cooking required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make it ahead of time. Somethings just get better the longer they refrigerate, and this creamy Caesar dip is one of them. It allows all of the flavors to marry and intensify. Looking for something easy to bring to a party you can make in advance? This is it!
- You only need a handful of ingredients. There is absolutely nothing fancy about any of the simple ingredients in this dip. You probably already have the basics like mayo, sour cream, and lemons.
- The flavors and textures are balanced. This dip is thick, creamy, and dreamy, but has the texture you crave in a Caesar salad. Instead of croutons, lemony toasted panko breadcrumbs add a fun pop of crunch to every bite.
Ingredients
- Creamy Base – Pick a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture. Here in the south it’s all about that twang of Duke’s. In addition to mayo you’ll also need sour cream. This isn’t a traditional Caesar dressing ingredient, but it adds additional tang as well as a thick and creamy texture. You can also use Greek yogurt if you want.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is the only way for this. It’ll give the best flavor and texture. I love Parmigiano-Reggiano, but you can use a good quality domestic parmesan if you like.
- Flavor Accents – Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and anchovy paste deliver on that classic Caesar umami. If you absolutely don’t love anchovies, it’s ok, just add a splash more of Worcestershire. But honestly, give it a try!
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is the only way for this. You’re going to make a paste with the clove of garlic and kosher salt. This delivers of deep, bold, and sharp garlic flavor that easily infuses into the entire dip.
- Lemon – Just like you need fresh garlic you need a fresh lemon for this as you’ll be using both the juice and the zest. You’ll also need additional zest for the breadcrumbs.
- Crunchy Topping – This step is completely optional but adds another layer of flavor and fun texture to the Caesar dip. Panko breadcrumbs are toasted in olive oil with freshly cracked black pepper. Once completely cooled they’re mixed with lemon zest, parsley, and parmesan of an extremely flavorful and aromatic topping.
How to Make Creamy Caesar Dip
- Paste your garlic. Finely mince your garlic. Sprinkle a generous pinch of kosher salt over the garlic. Use the blunt side of your knife to smash down on the garlic and then scrape it back into a pile. Repeat this process until the garlic is smooth and has released all of its aromatic oils.
- Grate the parmesan. Either finely hand grate your parmesan cheese or use your food processor to grate. You can do this by cutting the parmesan into smaller chunks. Place in the food processor and pulse until sandy.
- Stir together all of the ingredients. Add the mayo, sour cream, Dijon, Worcestershire, anchovy paste if using, parmesan, garlic paste, plenty of freshly cracked black pepper, lemon juice and zest, and a pinch more of salt to a bowl and mix to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Let the dip refrigerate. Allow the dip to refrigerate for an hour, if possible, although it can be served immediately.
- Make the panko topping. Heat a skillet over medium with olive oil. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the warm oil along with black pepper, and stirring often, allow the breadcrumbs to toast to golden brown, about 5 minutes. Don’t walk away because they will quickly burn. Turn off the heat and transfer to a bowl s they can completely cool. Once cooled stir in the parmesan, lemon zest, and parsley.
- Serve it up! Pour the chilled dip into a serving bowl. Top with more freshly cracked black pepper, and the toasted breadcrumbs. Serve it up with your favorite dippers!
How to Store Creamy Caesar Dip
Because this is a creamy dip it will need to be refrigerated at all times unless being served. If you don’t plan on using it all, hold off topping it all with the toasted breadcrumbs so they don’t become soggy and expand. The breadcrumbs can be kept in an airtight container or freezer safe bag for up to five days. Keep the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will last for up to a week.
Variations and Substitutions
- If you want this dip to be extra thick and tangy, use Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream. For the best flavor whole milk Greek yogurt is recommended.
- Give this dip a little pop of verdant freshness and stir in a tablespoon of finely minced chives.
- Use this dip as a spread on your burgers! This Caesar dip makes a great sandwich and burger spread.
- Instead of serving up your wings with blue cheese or ranch, go for this Caesar dressing with sour cream instead. Just think of your garlic-parmesan wings!
Tips From the Beach
- The easiest and fastest way to grate a lot of hard parmesan is by using your food processor. Simply chop your wedge or chunk of parmesan into smaller pieces and place in the processor. Pulse until you’ve reached a sandy consistency.
- If you don’t want to paste your garlic you can make this recipe in the food processor, or also use a garlic press. Or if you’re like me and hate extra dishes, just go ahead and use that knife and cutting board.
- Taste your dip after it has refrigerated. Once it has chilled and the flavors have married you might want an additional splash of Worcestershire or squeeze of lemon.
- Freshly cracked black pepper is the best for this recipe because it delivers on that bold flavor. Don’t be afraid of a coarse grind either!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use anchovy paste for Caesar dip?
While this does add a nutty, salty pop of umami, you can leave it out if you don’t like anchovies. Give the dip an additional splash of Worcestershire sauce instead.
Creamy Caesar Dip
Class up your crudité spread with this savory, garlicky, thick, and luscious Creamy Caesar Dip begging for you to dip all of the things.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
- Category: Dip/Dressing
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Caesar Dip
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large garlic cloves, pasted with a pinch of kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt,
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus additional for topping
Lemony Panko Topping, Optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Caesar Dip
- Paste your garlic. Finely mince the garlic. Sprinkle a pinch of coarse kosher salt over the top. Use the back of your knife to smash the garlic down, and spread it out. Pull it back into a pile and smash it down again. Repeat this process until a paste has formed, it’s smooth, and has released its oil.
- Add all of the ingredients for the Caesar dip to a bowl and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Place the dip in an airtight container and let refrigerate for an hour if possible.
- To serve, spread your dip into a serving bowl. Crack fresh pepper over the top. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs all over the top.
Lemony Panko Breadcrumbs
- Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle the panko over the top along with black pepper.
- Stirring often, allow the panko to cook until golden in color, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and place the panko into a bowl. Let cool completely.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream.
- If you don’t plan on serving the dip right away after making the panko, hold off topping the dip. The panko topping can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keep the Caesar dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.