Easy Hawaiian Dip
This Easy Hawaiian Dip is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and creamy—bringing a tropical flair to any gathering. With its combination of pineapple, ham, bacon, and cream cheese, it’s a unique and addictive dip that’s ready in minutes and always disappears fast at parties.
Why People Will Love This Recipe:
No Bake, No Fuss: Simple, mix-and-chill recipe that anyone can make.
Flavor-Packed: The sweet pineapple balances the salty ham and smoky bacon perfectly.
Party Favorite: It’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, barbecues, or game day spreads.
Versatile Dipper: Pair it with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies—whatever you have on hand.
Crowd-Pleasing Combo: Classic ingredients with a Hawaiian twist that everyone loves.
Recipe Notes:
Use Room Temp Cream Cheese: It blends easier and creates a smoother texture.
Drain Pineapple Well: Too much liquid can make the dip runny. Reserve just 1/4 cup juice.
Customize: Swap cheddar with pepper jack for extra kick, or use turkey ham for a lighter version.
Make Ahead: This dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept chilled.
Serving Ideas: Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple shell or small bread bowl for a fun presentation!
Easy Hawaiian Dip
Ingredients:
8oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve 1/4 cup of juice, set aside)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup ham, chopped
1 2.8 oz package bacon pieces
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Crackers for dipping
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice until smooth and creamy.
Spread the mixture evenly into a pie dish or shallow serving dish.
Evenly layer the shredded cheddar cheese, drained crushed pineapple, chopped ham, bacon pieces, and chopped green onions over the top of the cream cheese base.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled with Ritz crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh veggie sticks for dipping.
Important Notes for Easy Hawaiian Dip:
Soften the Cream Cheese Properly:
Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before mixing. This ensures it blends smoothly without lumps.
Drain Pineapple Thoroughly:
It’s important to drain the crushed pineapple really well to prevent the dip from becoming too watery. Reserve just 1/4 cup of the juice to mix into the base for extra flavor.
Use Quality Bacon Pieces:
For best flavor, use real bacon bits or cook and crumble your own bacon instead of the hard packaged bacon pieces.
Freshness Matters:
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded if possible—it melts better and tastes fresher.
Chill Time:
Let the dip chill for at least 30 minutes after assembling. This gives the flavors time to meld together and improves the texture.
Customize the Ingredients:
You can swap the ham for diced cooked chicken, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different protein flavor.
Feel free to add extra mix-ins like chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or pecans for a little crunch or spice.
Serving Suggestions:
Besides Ritz crackers, this dip also pairs deliciously with tortilla chips, pretzels, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or mini bell peppers.
Presentation Tip:
For a tropical touch, serve the dip in a hollowed-out pineapple shell or top it with a sprinkle of extra green onions or parsley before serving.
Storage:
Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. Best if eaten within 2–3 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Scaling the Recipe:
This dip can easily be doubled or tripled for larger parties—just use a bigger serving dish!
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per 2-tbsp serving):
Calories: 110 | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Carbohydrates: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Protein: 4g | Sodium: 200mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight as the flavors blend more fully.
Can I serve this warm?
This dip is designed to be served cold, but you could bake it at 350°F for 15–20 minutes if you’d prefer it hot and melty.
What type of ham should I use?
Any cooked ham works well—deli ham, leftover baked ham, or even honey ham chunks.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies if needed.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, just finely chop it and make sure to drain the juice well before using.
How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
Microwave it for about 15–20 seconds or leave it at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before mixing.
What’s the best way to drain canned pineapple?
Use a mesh strainer over a bowl, press down with a spoon to squeeze out excess juice, and reserve 1/4 cup.
Can I use whipped cream cheese?
Yes, whipped cream cheese gives a lighter texture but slightly less density—perfect if you want a fluffier dip.
How long should I chill the dip before serving?
At least 30 minutes is ideal, but 2 hours or more enhances the flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger dish or serve in two smaller ones.