Charred Scallion Chili Crisp Dip (Printable Version)
Creamy, smoky dip with charred scallions and crunchy chili crisp. Perfect party appetizer for chips and crudites.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
01 - 1 bunch scallions (about 8–10), trimmed
02 - 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
→ Dip Base
03 - 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
04 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
→ Sauces & Flavorings
06 - 2–3 tbsp chili crisp (store-bought or homemade), plus more for serving
07 - 1 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
08 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
09 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - Juice of 1/2 lime
→ Garnish
12 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
13 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Set a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and allow it to become smoking hot.
02 - Lay the trimmed scallions across the hot pan. Cook without disturbing for 1–2 minutes, then turn occasionally, until deeply blistered and softened with dark char marks, about 4–5 minutes total. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
03 - Once cooled, finely chop the charred scallions into small, even pieces. Set aside.
04 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated garlic, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously until completely smooth and well blended.
05 - Add the chopped charred scallions and 2–3 tablespoons of chili crisp to the dip base. Fold gently until evenly distributed throughout. Taste and adjust the chili crisp and salt levels as desired.
06 - Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle additional chili crisp over the surface in a generous swirl, then sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds if using.
07 - Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside tortilla chips, crackers, crudités, pita, or toasted baguette slices.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
- That smoky char on the scallions transforms a simple creamy dip into something people will not stop talking about.
- Chili crisp brings crunch, heat, and umami all at once, making every bite addictive and complex.
02 -
- If your cream cheese is cold it will leave stubborn lumps no matter how hard you stir, so plan ahead and let it soften on the counter.
- Making this a day ahead actually improves the flavor because the char and garlic have time to mellow and meld with the creamy base.
03 -
- Do not move the scallions around too much while charring, as letting them sit undisturbed is what builds those dark, smoky spots that make the dip special.
- Swirling the chili crisp on top right before serving instead of mixing it all in gives a beautiful presentation and lets guests control their own heat.