Why does the dip need to chill before serving?

Chilling lets the garlic powder soften and the chive flavor infuse into the sour cream, resulting in a more balanced, mellow taste.

Can I make this dip ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can make it up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then stir well before serving.

What can I serve with this dip besides chips?

Try it with fresh veggie sticks like carrot, celery, bell pepper, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes — also great on baked potatoes.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, but the dip will be thicker and tangier. Use plain whole-milk Greek yogurt and add a splash of milk to thin if needed.

Is it possible to make this dip dairy-free?

Absolutely — just swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like cashew or coconut sour cream available in stores.

Home / Recipes / american / Sour Cream and Chive Dip

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Sour Cream and Chive Dip

RATING

4.4/5(98)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A cool, creamy, and tangy dip bursting with fresh chive flavor. Perfect for potato chips, crunchy veggie sticks, or as a quick party appetizer, this classic comes together in under five minutes with just a handful of pantry staples.

PREP

10m

COOK

SERVES

1 TBSP

60 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 8 servings

1 cupsour cream · full-fat, cold3 tbspchives · fresh, finely chopped1 tsplemon juice · freshly squeezed1 pinchgarlic powder1 pinchblack pepper · freshly ground1 pinchsalt

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

CALORIES · 1 TBSP

Protein1g · 7%

Carbs1g · 7%

Fat6g · 90%

Fiber0g

Sugar1g

Saturated fat4g

Cholesterol17mg

Sodium30mg

Potassium35mg

Phosphorus5mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 4 STEPS

prep · ~2 min
Prep the fresh chives.
1.Rinse the fresh chives under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2.Using a sharp knife, finely chop the chives until you have 3 tablespoons.
mix · ~2 min
Combine all the ingredients.
In a medium mixing bowl, add the cold sour cream, chopped chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together with a whisk or rubber spatula until the chives are evenly distributed and the dip is smooth.
rest · ~15 min
Chill the dip before serving.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step makes a big difference in taste.
TIPDon't skip the chill time — it softens the garlic bite and lets the oniony chive flavor fully bloom into the cream.
serve · ~1 min
Give a final stir and serve.
Remove the dip from the fridge, give it a quick stir, and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve alongside potato chips, crudités, or crackers.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For the best flavor, use full-fat sour cream — low-fat varieties can taste watery and thin.
2
Pat the chives completely dry after washing; excess water will make the dip runny and dilute the tang.
3
Let the dip chill for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, to let the garlic powder mellow and the chive flavor deepen.
4
Taste and adjust the salt and lemon juice just before serving; chilling can dull the seasoning slightly.
5
Make a double batch for parties — this dip keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
6
For a smoother texture, whisk the sour cream alone first to loosen it before adding the other ingredients.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

dill and onion

Dill and onion

Replace the chives with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill and 1 teaspoon of dried minced onion for a classic dill-sour cream dip perfect with potato chips.

spicy chipotle