Wasabi Cream Cheese Dip

Make this mouth-watering cream cheese wasabi appetizer in just 5 minutes, with 4 simple ingredients. Creamy wasabi sauce adds a touch of heat while soy sauce gives it that delicious umami flavor. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an Asian-style appetizer that’s a crowd pleaser.

block of cream cheese with wasabi cream layered in the middle, on a plate surrounded by soy sauce and topped with sesame seeds and cucumber garnish.

I can’t think of too many appetizers that stand the test of time, or are easier to make than a block of cream cheese topped with pepper jelly. In that same vein, here’s an updated version I first shared in 2014 after a girlfriend shared it with me, and I know your guests will love it too.

It’s a Japanese-inspired appetizer dip, or layered spread, that couldn’t be simpler to make. I served this for girls night appetizers and it got rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Fast, Easy & Convenient. Need a last minute appetizer? No problem! Just put this together in 5 minutes. It’s a fantastic addition to an appetizer party.
  • Care free. There’s no cooking and it’s a delicious cold appetizer that holds up at room temperature for a couple of hours.
  • The flavors! If you love Asian flavors, California rolls, sushi, wontons and the like, then you’ll love this recipe. It’s great for an Asian theme party menu.

The colors make this fun to serve at a green themed dinner party, too.

block of cream cheese with wasabi cream layered in the middle, on a plate surrounded by soy sauce and topped with sesame seeds and cucumber garnish.

The layers of plain cream cheese, spicy wasabi, and salty soy sauce is a marriage made in heaven. Make sure you cut through each layer so you get the full combination of flavors!

Ingredients

  • Block cream cheese. Use full fat or light. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to cut it and prepare the spread.
  • Wasabi Sauce. This is important – do not use wasabi paste, which is extremely hot and concentrated. Look for wasabi sauce “for sandwiches and dipping” in the condiment section or Asian aisle. It’s creamy, mild, and easy to eat. It typically comes in a squeezable bottle similar to ketchup and mustard.
  • Soy Sauce. We usually buy low sodium soy sauce in order to keep salt in check.
  • Sesame seeds. I like how pretty it looks with a mix of regular sesame seeds and black sesame seeds, but you can use what’s convenient.
  • Crackers. My favorite thing to eat this dip on is rice crackers. It’s the perfect pairing! However, any thin and crispy cracker should work. I don’t recommend using thicker crackers like Club crackers or water crackers. They tend to overshadow the cream cheese spread.
cream cheese block and wasabi sauce on marble counter.

How to Make It

  1. Slice the cream cheese in half, lengthwise.
  2. Add the wasabi sauce and spread evenly over one half, then top the wasabi with the other half.
  3. Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds and pour soy sauce in the bottom of the serving dish, around the base of the cream cheese appetizer.
block of cream cheese with wasabi cream layered in the middle, on a plate surrounded by soy sauce and topped with sesame seeds and cucumber garnish.

PARTY TIP: Garnish the dip with diced cucumber and green onions for a pretty presentation.

Expert Tips

  • Keep the block of cream cheese chilled so it’s easier to cut through the center.
  • Prepare the spread on the platter you’ll serve it on so there’s no problems transferring it from one dish to another. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Use a shallow dish that has an edge in order to hold the soy sauce.
  • Prep the spread ahead, but pour the soy sauce when ready to serve. Pour the sauce AROUND the spread, not on it.

Give this layered dip a special presentation by molding the cream cheese in a fluted pan, with the wasabi sauce sandwiched between layers. Start by lining the pan with saran wrap then pressing softened cream cheese into the mold. Cover and refrigerate to firm up.

fluted pan lined with plastic wrap with cream cheese molded inside.

More Cold Appetizer Dips

I just know you’re going to love this wasabi cream cheese appetizer dip. Add it to your next ladies night gathering or casual party.

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block of cream cheese with wasabi cream layered in the middle, topped with sesame seeds and cucumber garnish.

Wasabi Cream Cheese Dip

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Asian inspired appetizer dip with cream cheese, wasabi sauce, and soy sauce. Make it in just 5 minutes and serve for parties and last minute gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Wasabi Sauce (NOT wasabi paste)
  • ¼ cup Soy Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Sesame Seeds
  • Rice Crackers for dipping

Instructions

  1. Make sure the cream cheese is chilled, and cut it in half lengthwise.
  2. Spread the wasabi sauce on one half of the cream cheese and then top it with the other half.
  3. Cover the top with sesame seeds, and pour the soy sauce in the serving dish surrounding the layered dip.
  4. Serve with rice crackers and enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

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