If you're a chips and dip junkie, you're going to LOVE this out-of-this-world 3-ingredient sour cream potato chip dip recipe that does double duty as a delicious veggie dip... A perfect dupe for the Midwestern classic Lawson's chip dip, it's ideal for tailgating and more!
My Favorite Potato Chip Dip
A party's not a party without chips and dip. Am I right?! I mean, you simply can't go wrong if you show up with a bag of your favorite potato chips and a bowl of creamy potato chip dip. Chip dips are everyone's favorite!
I've shared lots of my favorite easy dip recipes with you already. But I've been saving my very favorite potato chip dip recipe for a special occasion, and the Big Game coming up on Sunday seems like the perfect choice!
Copycat Lawson's Chip Dip Recipe
I know it's simple enough to grab a container of dip out of the dairy case, but me and this particular chip dip recipe go waayyy back...
We're talking the early 80's here, friends. You know, back when it was common to pop into the corner convenience store to pick up milk, eggs, orange juice, and/or bread throughout the week as needed.
Our local store was Lawson's, and in addition to these basic staples, they also sold a handful of specialty items, including chipped ham (IYKYK) AND the most delicious sour cream chip dip EVER.
The very best Friday nights of my childhood were spent watching the Dukes of Hazzard while scooping up Lawson's chip dip with Jones' potato chips (the very BEST chips around!) and sipping on Coke from a 2-liter poured over ice in my mom's Tupperware tumblers.
How To Make Sour Cream Chip Dip
That's right -- just 3 ingredients and 30 seconds is all it takes to get this out of this world chip dip recipe on the table! And yeah, I guess this is more of a semi-homemade dip for chips, but it's still FAR better than any store bought dips for chips I've tried these days.
My not so secret ingredient is Philadelphia Chive & Onion Cream Cheese, which can be found with the cream cheese spreads in the dairy department. It's what gives this easy dip recipe its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
I typically let it sit out for about 30 minutes to soften before preparing this dip, but you can also use it right out of the refrigerator with a hand mixer to smooth out any lumps. Actually, I just prefer to use my hand mixer for it anyhow, because it makes this cream cheese sour cream dip super creamy and light.
To the cream cheese you just need to add your favorite sour cream and about a tablespoon of dry ranch dressing mix. Easy-peasy!
Oh, and while developing my own homemade dry ranch dressing mix is on my to-do list, for today's purposes, I just grabbed a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Dry Ranch Dressing Mix from the salad dressing aisle.
Did you know it also comes in a big shaker container now? Meaning you're not stuck with a partial package of dry ranch mix sitting around!
Chips and Dip
Serve with your favorite brand of potato chips, and watch this delicious chip dip disappear! In fact, you may want to pick up a second container of the cream cheese with chives to make more. If you grab the 16-oz. size sour cream, you should have plenty of dry ranch seasoning left for a second batch.
If you're planning to take this dip on the road, I'd recommend picking up some of these Chinet chip and dip trays. They eliminate having to leave your favorite chip and dip server behind -- just toss them when they're empty! And believe me, your tray WILL be empty before the party's over...
Copycat Lawson's Potato Chip Dip
Ingredients
- 1 (7.5-ounce) tub chive & onion cream cheese spread, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix
Instructions
- Set the cream cheese out to soften about 30 minutes before you intend to prepare the dip.
- Using a hand mixer, whip together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and dry ranch dressing mix.
- Serve with your favorite potato chips or veggies.
Recommended Products
Double Duty Veggie Dip Recipe
P.S. This homemade chip dip also doubles as a fabulous sour cream veggie dip... Whether you serve it on a tray surrounded with up cut up veggies or make up these little individual veggie cups with dip (always a crowd pleaser!!!), it disappears just as fast as with chips!
More Easy Dip Recipes
If you like this chip dip recipe, you might also enjoy these other easy dip recipes:
Did you make this recipe?
I'd love to see how your XXX turns out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Li says
I don’t know how you did it but this is dang on near close our beloved Lawson’s. This is a dangerous recipe. Thank you so much!
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy you love it, Li! It's been a long time since I've had the real thing. We made it for the Buckeyes game last week using the ALDI brand chives & onion cream cheese, and I think it's even better than the Philadelphia brand. Super flavorful and cheaper!!
Gina says
This dip was such a hit at the Memorial Day barbecue that it's been requested at our Fourth of July celebration. Thanks!
Cindy says
Made this last week. However, I substituted Boursin Cheese for the cream cheese simply because I needed to use it up. Turned out great. Was a nice change from plain old ranch dip!
Lexi says
I made this dip for a party and it was gone in no time! I am making it again and was wondering how far in advance can you make this for a party?
Tara Kuczykowski says
You can definitely make it ahead of time! I can’t say how far because it’s once it made in my house, it never last more than a day - even when we double it.
Sharon Sledge says
It was a smash at my jobs food day
Mark says
Still at circle K in Canton Ohio as of fall 2022. Definitely not long gone.
carl says
Hi, I’m from newton falls, oh and our circle K had lawson’s when I was back home in July. I moved to Colorado in May and have been missing Lawson’s sorely. Our circle K has always carried it, though, so maybe you’ll have luck there finding it?? Sometimes it is sold out though!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks, Carl -- I guess I will just keep checking!
Sharon Urschel says
I loved Lawson’s chip dip! I have heard that Circle K gas stations have it , but I never think to go there. I live in Mansfield,Oh and I will give your recipe a try and see how it compares to some of the others I like now. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Tara Kuczykowski says
I'm so glad you found my recipe, Sharon. I actually grew up in Mansfield, and I still have a lot of family there! Hoping that I find the original in a Circle K one of these days, but I haven't had any luck yet. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong spot?
KSHEPP says
@Tara Kuczykowski, Mansfield, TX??
Tara Kuczykowski says
Mansfield, OH. :)
Becki says
I cannot wait to try this dip... I grew up eating Lawson's dip and it is the BEST! I have found it in Ohio at Circle K, but I live in Oklahoma now and only get back to Ohio about every other year... so I'm hoping this will satisfy my Lawson's dip cravings!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hope you love it, Becki! We just made a double batch for the Super Bowl last week. Obviously it's best with Jones chips, but I can only get those when my mom brings them from Mansfield. ♥
Becki says
@Tara Kuczykowski, The the dip was perfect! Thank you soooo much for posting it!!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yay, so glad you loved it! I'm still trying to track down a Circle K near me that carries it. Or maybe I'm just looking in the wrong spot and should just ask a clerk next time.
Douglas says
@Tara Kuczykowski Google maps is your friend.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks, Douglas! Unfortunately, none of the Circle K stores in my area carry it. Luckily my dad brought me some from my hometown for Christmas!
Megan says
This is a great one to have on hand for game day. Ended up finding your recipe after buying the cream cheese. Enjoying with chips and carrots.
Tara Kuczykowski says
So perfect for game day!! This is exactly how we like to serve it - so good on chips but delish with veggies when you’re trying to detox from the holidays. ❤️
Joyce T says
Lawson’s chip dip was a holiday tradition in my childhood home. Instead of heading to circle k to buy a tub I searched for a dupe recipe online and found this. I just made it and it is fabulous. The chive and onion cream cheese makes it. Thanks!
Tara Kuczykowski says
SO happy to hear this, Joyce!! I've checked a couple of Circle K's around me since reading Cyril's comment, but I still haven't been able to track it down. I'm glad it's as similar as I remember.
Cyril Figgis says
Here in northeast Ohio circle k bought the dairy Marts that used to be lawson's. They have the lawson's chip dip. Says exclusive to circle k on it.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Wow, I didn't know that, Cyril. Thanks for sharing -- I will have to check it out!
Leslie Aussem says
I love this stuff..and if you can find a Circle K, they sell it! but I'm never near one..so this is my go to...you'll love it..
Laura Reese says
I love a easy chip dip!!
Kara says
So easy, but so good! I need to keep this on hand all the time because my kids will eat way more veggies if they have sometime tasty to dunk them into!
Katie says
Chip dip is one of my all time favorite party foods/appetizers/snacks. This did not disappoint!
wilhelmina says
The perfect addition to any party menu!
Toni says
Everyone at my house really loved it! Thank you!
Heidy L. McCallum says
OMG! I love Lawson's chip dip!! Seriously one of the best dips ever! I used to devour it by the containers in the 90s! You sharing this recipe has made my day. So easy too with just 3 ingredients.
Caroline says
I love how easy this is, perfect for entertaining.
sue says
I'm a long time chip-a-holic here, so this is right up my alley. I love the tip about the disposable chip and dip trays!
Lisa says
Now this is the ranch dip of my dreams! I know I would go WAY OVERBOARD eating this, but it would be worth it!
Mirlene says
I cannot wait to try this dip. I bet it will be great with carrots and celery too.
Brandi says
I made a double batch for the party. So easy and everybody loved it !