A warm, creamy, “sit-by-the-fire” appetizer made with milk, cheese, herbs, and cozy fall flavors.
This dip feels like the moment the air turns cool and you pull on your favorite sweater. It’s warm, creamy, and full of those comforting flavors Southerners serve when the days get shorter and everyone gathers inside. It’s the kind of appetizer you put in the center of the table and watch disappear scoop by scoop. Serve it with bread, crackers, veggies — anything. It tastes like fall, comfort, and togetherness.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for warmth
- Optional mix-ins:
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- ½ cup chopped spinach
- ½ cup caramelized onions
Instructions
1. Sauté the aromatics
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook until soft and golden.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2. Make the creamy base
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
3. Add the cheese
Turn heat to low.
Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and silky.
4. Season it
Add smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust — this dip should be warm, cozy, and flavorful.
5. Add optional mix-ins
Fold in bacon, spinach, or caramelized onions if you want a heartier dip.
6. Serve warm
Pour into a bowl and serve with:
- warm bread
- pita chips
- crackers
- pretzels
- toasted baguette slices
- fresh veggies
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk
Enjoy !!
