This Jarlsberg cheese dip recipe is an easy, no-fail dip and spread that comes together in about 10 minutes with simple ingredients. Jarlsberg spread is full of flavor and the perfect quick appetizer for chips and crackers or to amp up a sandwich.
Are cheesy dips calling your name? Then try our Velveeta chili cheese dip, Franks buffalo chicken dip, and garlic cheese spread.
Jarlsberg dip
Jarlsberg dip is my go-to dip for parties, gatherings, and game day. Everyone loves it, and it always disappears fast!
And with only 6 ingredients and 10 minutes to put together, this dip could not be easier.
I even show you how to make a baked version that you won’t be able to stop dipping.
If you love Jarlsberg cheese and creamy dips, this Jarlsberg cheese spread is a must-make for your next watch party or family get-together!
And then end the night on a sweet note with powdered sugar fruit dip, Cool Whip fruit dip, or cream cheese fruit dip.
Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create the best Jarlsberg cheese dip! Check out the recipe card at the end of the post for exact measurements.
- Jarlsberg cheese: Buy a piece of Jarlsberg cheese and shred it with a cheese grater or in a food processor. I prefer large shreds to give the dip some texture. Shred the cheese finely if you prefer a less chunky texture.
- Mayonnaise is the creamy foundation of the dip. Choose your favorite kind of mayonnaise, whether it’s Hellmann’s, Dukes, low fat, or whatever.
- Red onion adds punch and bite to the dip.
- Chives elevate the flavor of the dip and add a pop of color.
- Pickle juice may seem weird, but it adds a touch of tang to the dip. You can use any pickle juice you like and have available. The brine from bread and butter pickles, sweet pickles, dill pickles, and garlic pickles will work. Pickle juice is also a major flavor giver in our fried pickle dip and sweet potato fry sauce.
- Milk: You need a little milk to thin out the texture a tiny bit.
How to make Jarlsberg cheese dip
This easy Jarlsberg dip recipe looks unassuming but honestly tastes so good! Your family and friends will think it takes a lot more effort, but little do they know it’s only 2 simple steps!
1 Add ingredients
Place the shredded Jarlsberg cheese, mayonnaise, red onion, chives, and pickle juice into a medium mixing bowl. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to create a soft, spreadable texture.
2 Mix dip
Stir until the ingredients are combined and the cheese shreds are fully coated.
✱ Baked Jarlsberg dip
Jarlsberg cheese melts beautifully and you’ll have a delicious warm cheese dip!
To make baked Jarlsberg cheese dip, transfer the mixture into a small skillet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Serve right away with tortilla chips or pita crackers.
Substitutions
There are options to swap out ingredients or add additional ones to change up this Jarlsberg cheese dip recipe every time you make it!
- Cheese: Jarlsberg cheese is readily available at most supermarkets, but if you can’t find it, Swiss cheese, Emmental, and Gouda will work in a pinch. You can also swap in sharp cheddar, gruyere, or Monterey Jack if you desire a stronger cheese flavor.
- Mayo sub: Replace the mayonnaise with 1/4 cup softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt.
- Roasted onion: Chop a small red onion and sauté it with 1 tablespoon of butter over low flame for 10 minutes. This will create a sweeter, milder onion flavor.
- Herbs: Parsley, dill, and oregano are good substitutes for chives.
- Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar are suitable alternatives for pickle juice.
- Cream: For a richer dip, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Salt and pepper: Feel free to season the dip with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Add-ins: Create variations by adding horseradish, chopped jalapenos, and crispy bacon bits to the dip.
Serving suggestions
Jarlsberg cheese dip is amazing served with anything crunchy and crisp. We love it with pretzels and crackers.
Carrot sticks and celery stalks are a delicious veggie options.
The dip is also a tasty addition to cheese platters and charcuterie boards.
- Dip: The most popular way is to serve this recipe as a dip. This Jarlsberg cheese recipe goes well with all kinds of dippers! Eat it with kettle chips, Ritz crackers, mini pretzels, and veggies.
- Spread: Make a Jarlsberg spread sandwich. Spread some of the dips on the back of a sandwich or bagel, or prepare a fancy grilled cheese.
- Pinwheels: Spread the dip on a tortilla and tightly roll it up. Then, use a sharp knife to slice the rolled-up tortilla into small pinwheels. Stick a toothpick into each pinwheel to hold it together.
- Pasta sauce: Cook a pot of pasta, drain well, and add the pasta and Jarlsberg dip back into the warm pot. Stir to combine and serve. Any pasta, like macaroni, penne, butterfly noodles, and spaghetti, works here.
- Baked potatoes: Use the dip to stuff baked potatoes and return to the oven to bake for another 15 minutes.
Storage instructions
How to store Jarlsberg cheese dip
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
The texture will firm up a little as your homemade Jarlsberg spread sits in the fridge. Let it sit on the countertop for about a half hour to soften up before eating as a dip.
Make Jarlsberg recipe ahead of time
Feel free to whip up the dip 1 to 2 days in advance and store it tightly covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can you freeze Jarlsberg dip?
No, I don’t recommend freezing this Jarlsberg dip recipe. Mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well and will change the texture of the dip after thawing.
FAQ
What is Jarlsberg dip?
My recipe is inspired by the Kroger Jarlsberg cheese dip, a mild, creamy dip made with shredded Jarlsberg cheese, mayonnaise, and red onion.
I guess you could also call this a copycat Kroger Jarlsberg Cheese Dip recipe.
It’s perfect as a dip with crackers and chips or as a spread on bread or sandwiches.
What is Jarlsberg cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild yellow cheese made from cow’s milk. It’s a mix between Emmental (Swiss cheese) and Gouda. The cheese features a characteristic pattern of holes and a mild, nutty flavor.
Jarlsberg is an all-purpose cheese – you can use it for cooking and eating as a snack.
The cheese originated in Jarlsberg County, Norway, and traces back to the 1850s. It was introduced to the United States in 1964 and has become the most popular imported cheese in the US.
What does Jarlsberg cheese taste like?
Once you remove the wax rind on a piece of Jarlsberg, you’ll discover a semi-firm, buttery yellow cheese with a delightfully mild, nutty flavor.
Is Jarlsberg the same as Swiss cheese?
Jarlsberg cheese is a singular creation but somewhat similar to Emmental and other kinds of Swiss cheese.
In fact, you can substitute Swiss cheese for Jarlsberg in this easy dip recipe.
Other dip recipes
Impress the guests at your next party with these easy dip recipes! They come together in a pinch and taste so creamy and flavorful that you will not be able to get enough!
Did you enjoy this recipe? Give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment! Appreciate it so much, thank you!
If you had any issues, I’d appreciate the chance to help you troubleshoot before you rate.
Jarlsberg Cheese Dip Recipe
This Jarlsberg cheese dip recipe is an easy, no-fail dip and spread that comes together in about 10 minutes with simple ingredients. Jarlsberg spread is full of flavor and the perfect quick appetizer for chips and crackers or to amp up a sandwich.
Ingredients
- 8 oz / 225 g Jarlsberg cheese
- 1/2 cup / 115 g / 4 oz mayonnaise
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Shred the cheese. Use a cheese grater to shred the Jarlsberg cheese. I prefer large shreds to give the dip some texture. Shred the cheese finely if you prefer a less chunky texture. You can also use the shredder attachment (fitted with the coarse shredding blade) on your Kitchen Aid.
- Add ingredients. Place the shredded Jarlsberg cheese, mayonnaise, red onion, chives, and pickle juice into a medium mixing bowl. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to create a soft, spreadable texture.
- Mix dip. Stir until the ingredients are combined and the cheese shreds are fully coated.
- Rest. Cover the dip with plastic wrap or tin foil and refrigerate for 2 hours (or until ready to serve). This allows the ingredients to mingle and create a more flavorful dip.
- Serve. Serve the dip with chips, crackers, or veggies (like baby carrots, bell pepper sticks, or celery stalks). Or use it as a spread in sandwiches, grilled cheese, and wraps.
- Store. Keep leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Substitutions
- Cheese: Jarlsberg cheese is readily available at most supermarkets, but if you can't find it, Swiss cheese, Emmental, and Gouda will work in a pinch. You can also swap in sharp cheddar, gruyere, or Monterey Jack if you desire a stronger cheese flavor.
- Mayo substitute: Replace the mayonnaise with 1/4 cup softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt.
- Roasted onion: Chop a small red onion and sauté it with 1 tablespoon of butter over low flame for 10 minutes. This will create a sweeter, milder onion flavor.
- Herbs: Parsley, dill, and oregano are good substitutes for chives.
Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar are suitable alternatives for pickle juice. - Cream: For a richer dip, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Salt and pepper: Feel free to season the dip with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. - Add-ins: Create variations by adding horseradish, chopped jalapenos, and crispy bacon bits to the dip.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 213Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 199mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 8g