So I've been told this copycat Lawson's chip dip recipe is dangerous… Yes. It. Is!! I personally think it's THE BEST potato chip dip EVER — and it's made with just 3 ingredients!
A party's not a party without chips and dip. Am I right?!!
I mean, showing up with a bag of potato chips and a container of creamy potato chip dip is always a smart contribution to any event. But if you go the extra mile and show up with chips and a batch of this homemade chip dip? You're sure to be the life of the party!
Yes, I've been holding out on you... I've share a LOT of easy dip recipes, but this one? This Lawson's chip dip recipe might be my #1 favorite!!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- the BEST 3-ingredient potato chip dip recipe
- delicious as a potato chip dip or with veggies
- quick & easy to prepare
- doubles and triples easily
A near perfect dupe of the Midwestern classic Lawson's French onion chip dip, this copycat recipe is ideal for tailgating and beyond.
Wait, you've never heard of Lawson's? Let me introduce you...
"This is a dangerous recipe!"
I don’t know how you did it, but this is dang on near close to our beloved Lawson’s. Thank you so much!
What Is Lawson's Chip Dip?
I know it's simple enough to grab a container of dip out of the dairy case these days, but me and this particular chip dip recipe go waayyy back...
We're talking small town Ohio in 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 as needed throughout the week.
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 sour cream chip dip with the OG wavy Jones' chips — AKA the very BEST potato chips ever made until they had to change the recipe.
All while sipping pop (definitely NOT soda) from one of my mom's horrid 70's harvest color Tupperware tumblers.
Lawson's Chip Dip Ingredients
As chip dip recipes go, this HAS to be the easiest around! Just 3 ingredients are all you need to make this simple dip for chips: cream cheese, sour cream, and dry ranch dressing mix.
But not just ANY cream cheese... My not-so-secret ingredient is Philadelphia chive & onion cream cheese! It's what gives this easy dip recipe its fresh flavor and ultra creamy texture.
I pretty much sub this flavorful little gem for plain cream cheese in ALL of my dip recipes. Not sponsored at all — just a HUGE fangirl!
Tara's Tip: Double Check The Cream Cheese
Look for the chive & onion cream cheese with the cream cheese spreads in the dairy department. Be sure to pick up the regular variety, NOT the whipped version!
They do look very similar. I've accidentally picked up the wrong container before, and it's just not as good in this recipe.
How To Make Potato Chip Dip
For the creamiest texture, let the chive & onion cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Add it to a large mixing bowl, and whip it smooth with an electric hand mixer to ensure a lump-free dip.
You're already halfway there! Now just add your favorite sour cream (mine is Daisy) and a tablespoon of dry ranch dressing mix. Mix on high until the dip is super creamy and light. Easy-peasy!
BTW, I've always used the packets of Hidden Valley Ranch dry ranch mix from the salad dressing aisle. But I recently discovered that it also comes in a big shaker container now! Now I won't find partially used packets of ranch mix lurking in my pantry anymore...
In either case, these yummy oven-roasted ranch potatoes are another tasty way to use dry ranch dressing mix!
Serving 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 in the packet for a second batch.
Because chances are, your tray WILL be empty before the party's over. And you're gonna want some all to yourself once your guests leave!
Oh, speaking of trays... I just got a new chips and dip serving tray and I like WAY more than the one I used in these photos. Since the dividers and bowl are all separate pieces, it's more versatile and much easier to clean!
Printable Recipe ↓
Copycat Lawson's Chip Dip
Key Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (7.5-ounce) tub chive & onion cream cheese spread - softened (regular, not whipped version)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix
Instructions
- Set the chive & onion cream cheese out to soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before you intend to prepare the dip.
- Spoon the cream cheese to a large mixing bowl, and whip it with a hand mixer to smooth out any small lumps.
- Add the sour cream and dry ranch dressing seasoning. Mix on high until the dip is super creamy and light.
- Enjoy with your favorite potato chips or cut veggies.
Doubles As Veggie Dip
P.S. This ranch 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 delicious and easy dip recipes:
Did you make this recipe?
I'd love to see how your Lawson's potato chip dip turns out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Ryan Wilson says
can't wait to try this....anyone in Ohio 70s thru the 90s knows what I'm talking about...it's so addictive..best ever
Vicky Buck says
THE BEST dip !!!!! my go to! thanks for sharing
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 !