Ingredients:

  • 225 g cream cheese (8 oz), softened to room temperature
  • 115 g sour cream (1/2 cup)
  • 60 ml mayonnaise (1/4 cup)
  • 170 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
  • 6 g smoked paprika (1 tbsp)
  • 5 g garlic powder (1 tsp)
  • 3 g onion powder (1/2 tsp)
  • 1.5 g cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp), optional
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. If it is cold or lumpy, microwave it for 15 seconds.
  2. Beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or spatula until completely smooth with no lumps.
  3. Fold in the sour cream and mayonnaise until uniform and velvety.
  4. Sift in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Stir until the color is a consistent pale orange.
  5. Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar gently until evenly distributed.
  6. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed.
  7. Serve chilled. Optional: transfer to a small oven-safe dish and warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until heated through, then serve.