Jarlsberg Cheese Dip

My Jarlsberg Cheese Dip Recipe At A Glance

Primary Cooking Method: No Cook
Number of Ingredients: 6
Total Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Cook Time: N/A
Level of Effort To Make: Easy Peasy
(Learn more about our recipe effort levels)

Cheese dips are basically my love language and this Jarlsberg Cheese Dip? Is really freaking good. Creamy, tangy, and just onion-y enough to keep things interesting, I def don’t recommend kissing anyone after eating it, though. Making Jarlsbery cheese dip is stupid easy—no cooking, no stress, just a bowl, a whisk, and simple ingredients. I make this for parties, snacking, and eating straight out of the fridge with crackers at midnight.

6 Ingredients to make Jarlsberg Cheese Dip

• ½ cup Mayonnaise: Don’t like mayo? I hear you—but trust me, you won’t even notice it once it’s mixed in. Greek yogurt might work as a swap, but mayo is the OG here.
• 1 Tablespoon Pickle Juice: No pickle juice? Use a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice.
• 2 Tablespoons Milk: Whole milk is my go-to, but if you’re working with 2% or almond milk, no judgment—it’ll still get the job done.
• ½ of a Medium Red Onion, Chopped: Red onion keeps things sharp without overpowering. If you’re out, a sweet onion will work, but it’s not quite the same.
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Chives (Plus More to Garnish): Fresh is key here, so skip the dried stuff this time. Green onions are a great stand-in if you’re out of chives.
• 2 Cups Shredded Jarlsberg Cheese: Swiss cheese is a solid backup if you can’t find Jarlsberg, but it won’t have that same nutty flavor.

Make This Recipe Yours With Additions

• Crumbled Bacon (½ cup): Stir it in for some smoky, salty goodness, or sprinkle it on top.
• Diced Jalapeños (1–2 tablespoons): Feeling spicy? Add some fresh or pickled jalapeños for a kick.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (¼ cup): Chopped sun-dried tomatoes bring a little tangy sweetness and make the dip feel kind of fancy. Like, date-night appetizer fancy.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning (1 tablespoon): Sprinkle this on top for a fun, savory twist.
• Caramelized Onions (½ cup): Swap the raw red onion for caramelized onions if you’re feeling ambitious. They add a rich, sweetness that’s totally worth the extra few minutes.
• Chopped Dill Pickles (2 tablespoons): Take that pickle juice flavor up with actual pickle bits.
• Crushed Pretzels (¼ cup): Toss some crushed pretzels on top for a salty crunch that goes well with the jarlsebery cheese.

How to make Jarlsberg Cheese Dip

For detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Prep Ahead

Mix everything—mayonnaise, pickle juice, milk, chopped red onion, fresh chives, and that glorious shredded Jarlsberg cheese—in a bowl. Cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge overnight. It tastes even better the next day.

My Best Cooking Tips for Making Jarlsberg Cheese Dip

1. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese might be convenient, but it’s often coated in anti-caking agents that can mess with the creaminess. Shred your own Jarlsberg—it’s worth it.
2. Chop the Onion Finely: Big chunks of red onion can overpower the dip. Go for a fine chop so the onion adds flavor without overpowering the dip.
3. Measure Like You Care: This recipe is easy, but measuring matters. Too much mayo or too little milk, and you’ll end up with a dip that’s either too thick to scoop or too runny to handle.
4. Let It Rest: This dip gets better as it sits, so if you have time, let it chill in the fridge for a bit before serving. It gives the flavors time to mingle, and trust me, it’s worth the wait. If you’re in a rush, it’ll still taste great, but give it an hour if you can.

How to store Jarlsberg Cheese Dip

Fridge Storage: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a bit, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day. Just give it a quick stir before you dive back in.

Quick Recipe Help and Common Questions