Ingredients:
- 5 oz (100 g) high-quality, original flavour beef jerky
- 1 Tbsp water or very low-sodium beef broth
- 16 oz (450 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120 g) full-fat sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60 g) full-fat mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt (to taste)
- 2 Tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Roughly chop the beef jerky into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
- Soften: Place the chopped jerky into a small, microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of water or broth. Cover loosely and microwave for 30–45 seconds until the jerky is slightly pliable and steamed.
- Process: Transfer the warm, softened jerky to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse the jerky until it is very finely minced, almost the texture of coarse breadcrumbs. Stop before it turns into a paste.
- Combine Creamy Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or electric mixer (low speed) until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free.
- Add Flavoring: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed.
- Fold in Jerky: Add the finely minced beef jerky to the creamy base. Fold gently until the jerky is fully incorporated. The mixture should become flecked with the dark jerky pieces.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture before adding extra salt, as the jerky is very salty. Add 1/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt only if necessary.
- Chill: Transfer the dip to the serving dish or an airtight container. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes. Chilling is vital for the flavors to meld and for the dip to firm up.
- Garnish: Just before serving, remove the dip from the fridge. Sprinkle generously with fresh, chopped chives for color and fresh bite.
- Serve Cold: Serve chilled alongside thick potato chips, pretzel rods, or sturdy crackers.