My delicious Jarlsberg cheese dip recipe takes just a few minutes to make and tastes amazing with honey mustard and onion pretzel crisps!
(Originally published 12/7/17 and updated for content 3/18/24)
If you like this recipe, check out my Guinness Cheddar Dip next!
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Is Jarlsberg Cheese Dip a regional thing? It is a staple at my Kroger deli which is the grocery store chain that is local to me. Are you familiar with this cheese dip? Jarlsberg cheese originates in Norway and has holes in it like a Swiss cheese. It’s a mild cheese with a sweet and nutty flavor that is similar to Swiss cheese as well.
Grocery store Jarlsberg spread is made from just three simple ingredients – shredded Jarlsberg, mayonnaise and red onion. My biggest complaint with this cheese and onion dip is the huge chunks of onion. Chopping my own is the way to go. Making my own results in a copycat Jarlsberg dip that is so much better and obviously different from the original.
More creamy dips
Ingredients for jarlsberg dip recipe
- Jarlsberg Cheese – If you’ve never tried Jarlsberg, I’d describe it as a mild flavored Swiss cheese with a nutty flavor. If you can’t find Jarlsberg, you could replace it with a baby Swiss cheese.
- Mayonnaise – A little mayo adds flavor to this easy dip and helps to hold all the ingredients together.
- Sour Cream – Adds more flavor plus a little sharpness.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Salty umami flavor pairs really well with Jarlsberg. A much better addition to this dip than cow’s milk (as seen in some other copycat Jarlsberg dips).
- Red Onion – Finely chopped red onion makes this an oniony dip that is a real crowd pleaser.
- Chives – Chives have a mild onion flavor and so they harmonize with all the other flavors in this dip very well.
- Garlic Powder – Really helps to round out all of the flavors.
- Black Pepper – Again adds more flavor. You can add a little salt but it’s not necessary because of the Worcestershire sauce.
Instructions
This dip is so easy to prepare! Simply shred the Jarlsberg cheese and then stir the grated cheese together with the rest of the ingredients. Allow the dip to chill for about a half hour, so the flavors have a chance to meld together. And garnish with a few more chopped chives to serve.
Pro tips
The best new kitchen product I’ve bought recently is this nesting bowl set. It includes a lid with a cheese grater insert! And then once the dip is prepared you can store it in one of the smaller bowls with airtight lid.
Storage directions
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container for up to three days. Or store any leftover dip in the freezer (also in an airtight container or freezer safe plastic bag) for up to two months.
Serving suggestions
My absolute favorite dippers for this Jarlsberg cheese dip are these Honey Mustard and Onion Pretzel Crisps. The flavors pair so well together. But feel free to serve this easy party appetizer with your own favorite pretzels, crisp crackers or even tortilla chips.
For a party or game day, set this dip out with favorite snacks – pimento cheese and crackers, onion dip and chips and Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket.
Kitchen tools
- Mixing bowls with airtight lids (and cheese grater insert) that I used for testing this recipe
- My favorite Santoku knife for finely chopping the onion
- My favorite brand of chives that are already prepared
Jarlsberg Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz Jarlsberg cheese shredded
- 3 tbsp red onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chives finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped chives. Serve with honey mustard and onion pretzel crisps. Or your favorite crackers.
Nutrition
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Claudette says
Awesome recipe. Pretty authentic!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you so much!
Lynn C Rothfuss says
Excellent! It was popular at our last party!
foodtasticmom says
Happy to hear this. Thank you Lynn! Hope you are doing well!
Doreen says
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
foodtasticmom says
Yay, you liked it! You’re welcome 🙂
Michael Folk says
My local Kroger offers a couple variations. Both excellent.
In one they use smoked gouda instead of the Jarlsberg. Side by side we cant tell a difference and the gouda is often much cheaper. My favorite though is to add a half a thinly shreded Jalopano. Not spicy hot just a bit of zing.
foodtasticmom says
I like the idea of shredded jalapeño. I’m going to try that next time!
Sharon Chen says
Interesting that this was refrigerated as compared to the usual oven-baked. But it was delicious, I was surprised! Thanks for the recipe!
foodtasticmom says
See, I’ve not ever heard of oven baked Jarlsberg Dip! I’ve only ever had this cold version. It must be a regional thing. I’ll have to look up an oven-baked recipe now!
DK says
Simple yet immensely delicious! The dip was irresistible, especially with the pretzel crisps you highlighted – I found the same ones!
foodtasticmom says
The flavors of those pretzels and the dip are literally perfect together. I’m glad you liked the combination too!
Harriet Young says
What a delicious dip! We all loved it. Will definitely be making again.
foodtasticmom says
Yay! Love to hear this.
Ieva says
Loved it. Simple and delicious flavours that speak for themselves. Had it with sourdough crackers. Will definitely make it again!
foodtasticmom says
Sourdough crackers sound fantastic. So happy you enjoyed the flavours in my dip recipe!
Beth says
This dip has such a rich, deep flavor, and I love how easy it is to make. This is my new go-to cheese dip.
foodtasticmom says
So happy to hear this Beth. Thank you!
Elisa says
Love this Jarlsberg cheese dip recipe, easy and delicious!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!
Paula says
I’d only ever had the store-bought version of Jarlsberg cheese dip until today. This version is 10x better! Never going back!
foodtasticmom says
I know right? Some things aren’t worth the time to recreate but this dip could not be simpler to throw together. So much better than the store bought version!
TAYLER ROSS says
I made this cheese dip for Easter over the weekend and it was delicious! Everyone was asking me for the recipe!
foodtasticmom says
So happy to hear this. Glad everyone loved it!
Charla says
Loved this dip, made it for our chic flick night and it’s a keeper for sure!
foodtasticmom says
How fun! So glad you and your girl friends enjoyed the dip!
Harriet Young says
Amazing! It’s creamy, rich and delicious. Perfect with crackers.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you! This dip is on repeat in our house now!
Heather Ann Farmer says
Never had jarlsberg before but wow!! So tasty! Will definitely make this dip again. It was a big hit!
foodtasticmom says
Happy to have introduced you to Jarlsberg. Thanks for the great review!
Lauren says
I love a good cheese dip and this one was so good! I don’t use jarlsberg often, but would buy it again just to make this dip!
foodtasticmom says
I’m glad you’re a fan too. Thanks for taking the time to rate and review my recipe!
Andrea says
What a marvelous dip. I love that you used Jarlsberg as it’s one of my favorites. Can’t wait to dig into this.
foodtasticmom says
It’s on repeat for Friday nights here!
Gianne says
The creamy texture and rich flavor of the cheese made it the perfect appetizer for a gathering.
foodtasticmom says
I’m happy you liked it!