Wasabi Cream Cheese Dip

Dips and spreads are mandatory at almost any appetizer party, and this one starts with a block of cream cheese. It’s a Japanese-inspired dip (or spread) that couldn’t be simpler to make. I first shared it in 2014 for girls night appetizers where it got rave reviews!

The recipe is fast, easy, and convenient, especially if you need something last minute. It comes together in 5 minutes and there’s no cooking!

This cold appetizer holds up at room temperature for at least a couple of hours, and the flavors make it ideal for an Asian theme party.

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

Ingredient Notes

• Block cream cheese. Use full fat or light. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to cut it and assemble the spread. If it’s soft, it’s harder to cut without losing its shape.
• 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. It’s creamy, mild, and easy to eat. It typically comes in a squeezable bottle similar to ketchup and mustard.
• Soy Sauce. Use Light Soy Sauce as it’s better for dipping; Dark soy sauce is too strong and better for cooking.
• 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 use with this dip 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.

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 of cream cheese.
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.

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

Helpful 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.

More Cold Appetizer Dips

• Tomato feta dip
• Pimento cheese (made without cream cheese)
• Easy cowboy salsa (aka redneck caviar)
• Lipton spinach dip
• Layered Mediterranean style cheese dip
• Canned chicken dip
• Classic hummus

Keep in mind this wasabi cream cheese spread has the perfect color combination for a green themed dinner party. Add it to your next ladies night or casual gathering.