Best Ever Cheesy Ham Dip
This cheesy ham dip is everything you want in an easy appetizer—warm, creamy, and packed with savory flavor. Serve it with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies, and watch it disappear at your next gathering.

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If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together with almost no effort, Cheesy Ham Dip is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Creamy, savory, and just the right amount of smoky, this chilled dip is the kind of thing you’ll want to keep on hand for last-minute gatherings, cozy movie nights, or any time you’re craving a little something special to serve with crackers or fresh veggies.
The best part? It’s made from simple, familiar ingredients, takes just a few minutes to stir together, and can be made ahead, so it fits right in with busy days and effortless entertaining.
If you have leftover ham, this is a great way to use it up, but don’t hesitate to use deli ham for convenience. The result is a dip that’s creamy, packed with flavor, and always disappears fast.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ham Dip
- You can make it quickly with just ten minutes of hands-on time.
- Go ahead and make it ahead of time; the flavor gets even better after a chill in the fridge.
- It’s great for game days, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
- There’s so much versatility. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, veggie sticks, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
What You’ll Need to Make Cheesy Ham Dip
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 thin slices of smoked ham lunch meat (or about 3–4 ounces of ham)
- ⅓ cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1 green onion
How to Make Easy Cheesy Ham Dip
Prep the Ham and Onion
Chop the ham into tiny pieces. Slice the green onion, reserving a few pieces for garnish.
Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Add the Mix-Ins
Stir in the chopped ham, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onion.
Chill
Spoon the mixture into a serving dish, then sprinkle with reserved green onion for a fresh finish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Serve
Serve chilled with crackers, pretzel chips, or cut veggies.
Tips for Entertaining
- Make it ahead of time; this dip is perfect for prepping a day in advance. Just cover tightly and chill until ready to serve.
- For a party platter, spoon the dip into a pretty bowl and set it in the center of a board surrounded by crackers, crostini, cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, or even pita chips.
- For outdoor gatherings, keep the dip nestled in a bowl over ice so it stays fresh and safe for snacking.
Serving Ideas
- Place it on an appetizer board and pair it with sliced cucumbers, radishes, crackers, and pretzels.
- This dip is delicious served with bagel chips or mini croissants for a brunch buffet.
- Try spreading leftover dip on a baguette or toast for a savory, creamy sandwich.
- Serve with sturdy potato chips or pretzel rods for an easy, hands-off snack everyone loves on game days!
Dip Variation – Smoky Ranch Ham Dip
For a fun twist, swap the sour cream for ranch dressing and add a pinch of smoked paprika. The ranch adds a tangy note, while the smoked paprika deepens the flavor for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Smoky Ranch Ham Dip
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 8 thin slices smoked ham, chopped
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 green onion, sliced
- Pinch of smoked paprika
Mix as above, then sprinkle the top with a little extra smoked paprika and sliced green onion before serving.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again. If serving to a crowd, set the bowl out for no more than two hours, especially in warm weather.
This Cheesy Ham Dip is the kind of recipe that quietly steals the show at any gathering, it’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor.
It’s perfect for making ahead and keeps entertaining easy and stress-free.
More Dip Recipes You May Love
Best Ever Cheesy Ham Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 thin slices smoked ham lunch meat finely chopped
- ⅓ cup cheddar cheese finely shredded
- 1 green onion sliced
Instructions
- Chop ham into tiny pieces. Slice green onion, reserving a few pieces for topping.
- Add cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder to a bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Stir in chopped ham, cheddar, and green onion.
- Spoon into a serving dish and sprinkle with reserved green onion.
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving. Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, or veggies.