[mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”aqgs5tjtw5yij87enddg” ratio=”16:9″ thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1689183708/vswbdhdkifpgbhasjszm.jpg” title=”Best Mexicali Dip” volume=”70″] Mexicali Dip recipe – easy 4 ingredient, 5 minute NO BAKE appetizer made in the micro. Warm, creamy, spicy and absolutely irresistible!

Mexicali is a delicious dip that’s BIG on flavor but low on effort. Just 4 simple ingredients you can have creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy dip that’s perfect for game day, parties or any given Tuesday evening.
Just add the ingredients to a bowl, microwave for a few seconds until smooth then serve it up with a back of crunchy tortilla chips.
Why this is my family’s favorite dip:
- Just 4 ingredients and a microwave and all ingredients are easy to find at grocery stores.
- 5 minutes is all you need to make this dip.
-
Game day ready – nothing says football food like a cheesy, warm dip with a little heat.
- This spicy dip is guaranteed to a be a hit at your next party.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- jar salsa (your favorite brand, any spice level)
- cream cheese
Tips for the best Mexicali Dip:
- Use room temp cream cheese to help the ingredients blend easier. If the cheese is cold, it’ll take longer to make the dip.
- Shred your own cheese. The dip will be creamier than using preshredded cheese.
- Microwave at 30 second increments.
- Stir well between microwaving, scooping from the bottom of the bowl.
- Use jar salsa found on store shelves – not ‘fresh salsa’ in refrigerated section or the dip will be watery.
How to make Mexicali Dip:
To a medium (microwave safe) bowl, add cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), shredded cheese and salsa.
Cover with wax paper and microwave for 30 seconds.
Remove bowl from the micro and give it a good stir.
Pop it back in the micro for another 30 seconds, repeating in 30 minute increments until the dip is smooth, warm and creamy.
Serving suggestions:
Spoon into a serving bowl and add any of the following for scooping:
-
Crunchy tortilla chips
-
Corn chips
-
Fresh veggie sticks for a lighter option
Subs and addition:
This dip is amazing as-is, but you can you can switch things up with a few easy add-ins:
- Sour cream instead of Greek yogurt.
- Neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese.
- Monterey jack cheese swap for cheddar.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of slivered green onions, bell pepper, black olives or fresh cilantro.
- Bulk up the dip with (rinsed and drained) black beans.
- Add minced jalapeno pepper into the dip or extra jalapenos sliced on top.
Storage:
Keep leftover Mexicali Dip in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
To make this dip ahead, make completely and store in the fridge. Reheat slowly in the microwave, stirring well until warmed through.
More easy game day and party dips:
Cowboy Queso – cheesy, spicy and loaded with chorizo, black beans, corn and cilantro.
Chorizo Queso – Cowboy Queso’s cousin and nothing but chorizo-cheesy goodness.
Beer Cheese Dip – the perfect dip for all appetites. Your favorite beer ramps up the flavor in this bowl of cheesy delight.
Best 5 Minute Cheese Sauce – from scratch (NO Velveeta!) – great for nachos or cheese fries, top veggies or baked potatoes or add to pasta for mac and cheese.
👉 Make this Mexicali Dip once, and I guarantee it’ll become your go-to warm dip. Try it for your next party and let me know in the comments how you served it!

Mexicali Dip
Equipment
- medium size microwave safe bowl
- microwave
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt OR sour cream
- 1/2 heaping cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3/4 cup jar salsa not refrigerated salsa
- 3 ounces cream cheese room temperature
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese, greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese and salsa to a medium size microwave safe bowl.
- Cover with wax paper and microwave for 30 seconds. Remove from the micro and give it a good stir.
- Return to the micro for another 30 seconds, repeating until the dip is smooth, warm through and creamy. Serve with tortilla chips, corn chips or fresh vegetables.









Oh my goodness! I can do this – how easy peasy. Looks wonderful!
Thanks Bette! — Yes – you can definitely do this 🙂 It’s super easy – no fail and so good!!
Can I serve this cold, will it taste just as good if not warmed up?
Hi Cheryl – yes! You’ll still need to melt the ingredients so everything blends together – then refrigerate until chilled and you’re good to go! Thanks for a great question — Bernie