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–+ servings
Cream Cheese Tuna Dip
Cream Cheese Tuna Dip is a classic mid-century appetizer that became popular during the 1950s and 1960s when convenience foods like canned tuna and packaged cream cheese rose in popularity. Blending creamy dairy with savory tuna, horseradish, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, this dip delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of retro party spread that graced cocktail gatherings, potlucks, and holiday snack tables. The balance of richness, gentle heat, and tangy depth makes it both nostalgic and surprisingly timeless.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course dips
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 185 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup scallions (chopped, including tops)
  • 2 tsp prepared horseradish
  • ⅛ tsp red pepper sauce
  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 ½ oz tuna (1 can, , drained)
  • paprika (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

  • Place softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Incorporate the Milk

  • Stir milk into the cream cheese, 1 tablespoon at a time, until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Flavorings

  • Mix in mayonnaise, chopped scallions, prepared horseradish, red pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.

Step 4: Fold in Tuna

  • Stir in the drained, crumbled tuna until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

  • Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with paprika.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.

Tips

  • Add finely diced celery for extra crunch.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
  • Blend fully in a food processor for an ultra-smooth spread.
  • Add lemon zest for brightness.
  • Stir in chopped dill pickles for tangy contrast.
  • Top with fresh parsley or chives instead of paprika.
  • Serve in hollowed bread bowl for parties.
  • Use smoked tuna for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 9gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 310mgPotassium: 140mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 0.6mg
Keyword appetizer, classic recipes, creamy, easy entertaining, party dip, retro recipes, seafood, vintage
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