Onion and Chive Cream Cheese (vegan, dairy free option)

Y'all have to try this Onion and Chive Cream Cheese Dip Recipe! It's the perfect appetizer and adds loads of flavor to a charcuterie board.

This spread is gluten free and keto-friendly. And while it's true you can buy a chive and onion cream cheese from the store, this recipe has great flavor and is sure to wow your friends and family.

Vegan and Dairy Free Option

This recipe also works with vegan cream cheese, so if you are following a dairy free or vegan diet, you can still enjoy this delicious cheese ball.

What ingredients you need to make onion and chive cream cheese dip recipe:

• 8 ounces ⅓ less fat cream cheese, softened (I use Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion 
• 1 teaspoon dried or fresh chives

To enhance the savory flavor of this delicious snack, add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder to the recipe. Since we're using real ingredients to make this chive & onion dip, there are no artificial flavors or artificial preservatives.

I use ⅓ less fat cream cheese for this recipe, but you can use full fat or even fat free cream cheese. Any brand will work!

It's best to have the cream cheese at room temperature, so follow these tips if you want to soften it quickly.

Substitute the dried minced onion with 2 teaspoons of finely minced shallot, for a fresh onion flavor.

Finely chop two whole green onions in place of the minced onion and chives. Use both the white and green parts of the green onions for maximum flavor. Using real chives are a great way to enhance the natural flavor of this cream cheese onion dip.

How to make chive and onion cream cheese spread:

Place all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and stir until combined and smooth.

To make this dip extra creamy and smooth, use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients together. Add ¼ cup sour cream or heavy cream to thin this onion dip recipe and make it more dippable instead of spreadable. If doing this, you may need to double the amount of onion powder used.

What to eat with chive and onion cream cheese:

Use as a dip for crackers and pretzels.

Use as a spread for pinwheels, sandwiches, and wraps: Add this to a slice of bread (for gluten free bread options, click here), then top with slice cucumbers, followed by another slice of bread for a flavorful finger sandwich fit for afternoon tea. Spread on your favorite tortilla, top with sliced ham or turkey, roll up, and cut into bite-sized pinwheels for an easy appetizer.

Form into a ball and add to a charcuterie board .

Stir into mashed potatoes  or mashed cauliflower for a flavor explosion your tastebuds will thank you for.

Spread on celery and sliced bell peppers for an easy low carb snack.

How to store leftover chive and onion cream cheese dip:

Can Philadelphia cream cheese onion and chive dip freeze? Yes! You can freeze onion and chive cream cheese in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Once you're ready to use the cream cheese, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Stir it well once thawed.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I make this cream cheese dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cream cheese dip recipe can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it the perfect dish to bring to a potluck, especially since it can be made in 5 minutes or less!