Sour cream and chive dip
Prepare to enhance your snacks with this creamy and tangy dip that's easy to make. Our sour cream and chive dip blends the smoothness of sour cream with the fresh zing of finely chopped chives. A touch of Dijon mustard adds subtle depth, while freshly ground pepper and coarse salt enhance the flavours. This dip is ideal with crunchy vegetables, crispy chips, or fresh bread, making it perfect for any gathering or a quick snack.
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Ingredients
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250 ml
Sour cream
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30 g
Fresh chives, finely chopped
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1 tsp
Dijon mustard
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½ tsp
Coarse salt
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Freshly ground pepper
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
For a silky, lump-free dip, start by chopping the chives finely so they blend in seamlessly. Use room-temperature sour cream for easier mixing and a uniform texture. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly, a whisk or hand mixer works best to eliminate any lumps. Season gradually with salt and pepper to keep the flavour balanced. Finally, chill the dip for at least 30 minutes to let it thicken and the flavours meld, then give it a quick stir before serving for that perfectly smooth texture.
For the best flavour and presentation, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut your chives. Clean cuts help preserve their delicate texture and keep the herbs looking bright green, rather than bruised or crushed. Sprinkle them in at the end for a fresh, vibrant finish that makes your dip as eye-catching as it is tasty.
A runny dip can happen if watery ingredients sneak in, but there are simple ways to prevent – and fix – it. Always pat your chives dry after rinsing and use full-fat sour cream for a naturally thicker base. If the dip still feels too thin, stir in an extra spoonful of sour cream or a thicker ingredient like skyr or cream cheese to bring it back together. Another quick trick is to refrigerate the dip for 30-60 minutes before serving, chilling helps it firm up and hold its creamy texture.
Questions about this sour cream and chive dip
Have questions about making sour cream and chive dip? From the best substitutes for sour cream to tasty pairings and whether dried chives will work, here are the answers to help you get it just right.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, there are several easy substitutes you can use in equal amounts (1:1 ratio). Skyr is a great choice – thick, creamy, and tangy, it mimics sour cream closely. Greek yoghurt also works well for a lighter option, while crème fraiche brings a richer, slightly milder flavour. For an extra-thick dip, you can even use cream cheese, though you may want to loosen it with a splash of milk. Each swap adds its own twist, but all will keep your dip smooth and delicious.
What goes well with this sour cream and chive dip?
This creamy, tangy dip pairs perfectly with a variety of crunchy snacks. Serve it with gooey, filo-wrapped mozzarella sticks – the fresh chive flavour balances the rich, melty cheese. Light and delicate kale chips make a great partner too, where the dip’s cool creaminess lift their salty crispness. For a sweeter contrast, try it with sweet potato chips – the dip’s tangy edge cuts through the chips’ natural sweetness for a perfectly balanced bite.
Can I use dried chives instead of fresh?
Yes, dried chives can be used in place of fresh, though the flavour and look will be a little different. Since they’re more concentrated but milder, use about one-third the amount (for example, 10 g dried to replace 30 g fresh). For a better texture, soak the dried chives in warm water before stirring them into the sour cream. The dip will taste slightly different and lack the bright green colour of fresh chives, so for the best flavour and presentation – especially if serving guests – fresh chives are the way to go.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
420 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 0.7 gram fibers |
| Protein | 8.6 | 8.9 gram |
| Fat | 83.1 | 39.5 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 8.3 | 8.6 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
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Easy add-ins to personalise your sour cream and chive dip
It’s easy to give this dip your own twist with a few simple extras. Add a touch of garlic – fresh or powdered – for gentle flavour, or a pinch of onion powder for extra savoury depth. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will brighten the taste, while a drop of Worcestershire or fish sauce can bring a subtle umami boost. For a creamier finish, swap part of the sour cream for mayonnaise or crème fraiche. No matter your add-ins, chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavours meld together.
Choose fresh ingredients for the best flavour
Fresh ingredients are the secret to a vibrant sour cream and chive dip. Bright, crisp chives bring a mild onion-like flavour, while freshly ground pepper adds lively heat. A good-quality sour cream creates a creamy, tangy base, and a touch of fresh Dijon mustard with coarse salt deepens the flavour without overpowering it. Using fresh, well-chosen components gives the dip a balanced, aromatic taste that pairs beautifully with vegetables, chips, or bread.
Can I skip the mustard in this recipe?
Yes, the mustard adds a gentle tang and a bit of depth, but your sour cream and chive dip will still be delicious without it. If you’d like, you can replace it with a small squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar for a similar brightness. Or simply leave it out and let the fresh chives and creamy base shine on their own.
How far in advance can I make sour cream and chive dip?
You can make this recipe up to a day ahead. In fact, preparing it a few hours before serving lets the flavours blend and deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving to bring back its smooth texture. For the freshest taste and colour, add the chopped chives just before serving if you’re making it well in advance.
