Saturday, September 10, 2011

Lighter Taco Dip


So the NFL has deemed us all worthy of another football season, and I couldn't be more excited. Every Sunday during the season, I make up a game day snack and watch the Eagles game with my husband (E-A-G-L-E-S!).

I've decided to make this Lighter Taco Dip for the season opener, because I want to incorporate some healthier snacks into our rotation. I enjoy traditional sports bar and tailgating food, but it's too much week after week. This year, I'm committed to having more of a balance. Of course, I want to accomplish this without sacrificing taste.

I love a good taco dip. It combines some of my favorite ingredients: salsa, lettuce, cheddar cheese. This Lighter Taco Dip has all the flavor I expect from a taco dip but healthier. I didn't miss any of the extra calories or fat grams. To make this dip, I used a fantastic recipe I found at the blog Skinny Taste. I changed a few things: used individual spices instead of a packet, added the flavor of hot sauce, and used regular cheddar instead of low-fat but used less of it. We loved this dip, and I'll be serving it again for sure.


Had to throw this shot in for the Pyrex fans out there. I love using this Butterfly Gold baking pan! It's so versatile.


LIGHTER TACO DIP

1 c reduced fat sour cream
8 oz neufchatel cheese (often marketed as 1/3 less fat cream cheese)
1 tbsp hot sauce
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder (omit if your salsa has lots of garlic in it)
1 tsp oregano
2 c salsa
1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1/2 c cheddar cheese, shredded

1. Using an electric mixer, blend together the cream cheese and sour cream. Add in hot sauce, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Mix until combined.

2. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture on the bottom of an 8 x 8 glass baking dish. Top with salsa, then lettuce and finally cheddar. Enjoy with some tortilla chips.

This recipe is shared with Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Craft-O-Maniac, On the Menu Monday, Recipe Sharing Monday, Made by You Monday, Tuesday Talent Show, This Chick Cooks, Full Plate Thursday, It's a Keeper Thursday, Cast Party Wednesday

9 comments:

  1. Sure sounds like a winner to me! I like the idea of a lighter dip!

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  2. Fly, Eagles Fly.... On the road to victory! .... E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!!!!! They won today. Oh yes we are huge loyal fans!!!!
    This would be delicious to munch on during the game. I like that you made it a little healthier and lighter but kept great flavors in it!

    Thanks for participating in ON THE MENU MONDAY and bringing your great savory recipe!
    Yvonne

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  3. Wow - this looks wonderful! I would love it if you shared this on Makin' You Crave Monday over at MrsHappyHomemaker.com!!

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  4. Love the pans. I a small collection of Pyrex dishes. I'm always on the hunt for more! Love the recipe as well.... we make taco/mexican dips often. Will have to try this recipe!

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  5. love your recipe we need to eat lighter but do not want to give up what we love come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

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  6. We're trying to eat light and healthy, so I dropped by from On the Menu Monday to see your recipe and know more about it. I'm glad to see you added your own mix. No thank you to package spices. It's just too easy to make your own.
    Sam

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  7. I can't wait to try this since I love taco dips. Please consider linking to Success U Wednesday Linkup Party at www.thestuffofsuccess.com

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  8. It is always nice to have a lighter version of an all time favorite. This looks great! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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