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Pep Dip – The Zesty, Tangy Party Favorite!
A classic Pep Dip (also called California Dip) is a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer made with just two ingredients—sour cream and Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, perfect for chips, veggies, or even as a spread!
Easy Pep Dip Recipe
Prep Time: 5 mins | Chill Time: 1 hour (optional) | Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
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1 (16 oz) container sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
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1 (1 oz) packet Lipton Onion Soup & Dip Mix (or Knorr’s French Onion Dip Mix)
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(Optional) 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or fresh herbs for extra flavor
Instructions:
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Mix sour cream and soup mix in a bowl until fully combined.
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Chill for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let flavors meld.
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Serve with potato chips, pretzels, crackers, or fresh veggies (carrots, celery, bell peppers).
Variations & Upgrades:
✅ Bacon & Cheddar Pep Dip – Add ½ cup shredded cheddar + ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon.
✅ Ranch Pep Dip – Use ranch seasoning instead of onion soup mix.
✅ Spicy Pep Dip – Mix in sriracha, jalapeños, or cayenne pepper.
✅ Veggie-Loaded – Stir in finely diced bell peppers or green onions.
Why Is It Called “Pep Dip”?
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The name likely comes from its peppy, zesty flavor (thanks to the onion soup mix).
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Some say it was a 1950s party staple, promoted as an easy, “peppy” appetizer.
Fun Fact:
This dip was so popular in mid-century America that Lipton officially printed the recipe on their soup mix boxes in the 1950s, making it a retro classic!
Perfect for: Game day, potlucks, or a quick snack. Want a hot version? Try baking it with cheese on top! 🧀🔥
Would you like a low-carb or dairy-free alternative? Let me know! 😊
