If you’re looking to elevate your snack game and bring some bold Southern flavors to your next gathering, then look no further than this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious Collard Green Dip paired with crispy Lemon Pepper Garlic Tortilla Chips. This combination is everything you want in a hearty appetizer—comforting, flavorful, and easy to share. Whether it’s game day, a family cookout, or you’re just craving some next-level dip, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds, thirds, and, let’s be honest, probably fourths.
If you’re familiar with collard greens, you know they’re a staple in Southern cooking. Slow-cooked with smoked meats and packed with rich, earthy flavor, collard greens have been a classic side dish for generations. Now, imagine those same deep, savory greens transformed into a cheesy, creamy dip that’s perfect for scooping up with a crispy tortilla chip. Not just any chip, though—these are homemade, perfectly seasoned Lemon Pepper Garlic Tortilla Chips, giving you that extra kick of flavor.
Why make this dish? It’s simple:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of collard greens with cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a deep, savory, and creamy dip that’s the ultimate comfort food. Adding Hunter’s Caribbean Mustard and Texas Seasoning brings a unique spice that balances out the richness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a party or a quiet family gathering, this dip is a show-stopper. Serve it in the same skillet you baked it in, and folks will appreciate the rustic, down-home presentation.
- Southern Heritage Meets Modern Snack: This dish ties together the flavors of Southern cuisine with a modern twist—dip form! Plus, those homemade tortilla chips are the perfect way to enjoy the dip while keeping it all fresh and flavorful.
- Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep both the dip and the chips ahead of time, so when it’s time to serve, you’re not stuck in the kitchen. It’s low effort but yields maximum taste.
Ingredients for Collard Green Dip and Lemon Pepper Garlic Tortilla Chips
Collard Green Dip Ingredients:
- 1 bushel collard greens, chopped (remove stems)
- 3/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp Hunter’s Caribbean Mustard
- 3 tbsp Hunter’s Texas Seasoning
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/2 smoked turkey wing (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
Lemon Pepper Garlic Tortilla Chips Ingredients:
- 6 white corn tortillas, cut into 6 pieces (triangle-shaped)
- Hunter’s Lemon Pepper Garlic Seasoning (to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Collard Green Dip and Lemon Pepper Garlic Tortilla Chips
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want that ready to go so that the dip comes together quickly once all the ingredients are mixed.
Step 2: Sauté the Seasoning Base
In a cast iron skillet, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add Hunter’s Texas Seasoning, Hunter’s Caribbean Mustard, minced garlic, and chopped onions. Let that mix cook down for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent, and you can smell that aroma from the garlic and seasoning blend. This is where the flavor starts building.
Step 3: Cook the Collard Greens
Add your chopped collard greens to the skillet with the seasoning base. If you’re using a smoked turkey wing, toss it in now. Let the greens sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to wilt and become tender. You’re looking for that perfect balance where they’re cooked but still vibrant. Remove the skillet from the heat once they’re ready.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic of this dip comes to life—creamy, cheesy goodness that complements those hearty greens.
Step 5: Combine and Transfer
Once the collard greens are tender and full of flavor, fold them into the cheese mixture. Make sure everything is well combined, and then transfer it back into your cast iron skillet (no need for more dishes—you’ll bake it right in there).
Step 6: Bake the Dip
Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is a light golden brown. The smell alone will have everyone waiting by the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the dip cool for about 5 minutes. Serve it right in the skillet for that rustic touch. You’re all set for dipping!
Step 8: Make the Lemon Pepper Garlic Tortilla Chips
While the dip is baking, heat up your oil for frying the tortilla chips. Fill a pot with vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C).
Step 9: Fry the Tortillas
Cut your tortillas into triangles and fry them in small batches. Cook for 4-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 10: Season the Chips
While the chips are still hot, sprinkle them generously with Hunter’s Lemon Pepper Garlic Seasoning. Give them a good toss in a large bowl so that the seasoning coats every chip. These chips will be packed with zesty, garlicky flavor and will pair perfectly with your dip.
Looking for more Appetizers?
- AB’s Ultimate Guacamole Recipe
- Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Baked Spinach Dip in a Cast Iron Skillet: The Ultimate Recipe for Irresistible Flavor
- Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Saucy, and Bursting with Flavor
- Bang Bang Shrimp: Crispy, Spicy Perfection
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Collard Greens Prep: Make sure to wash your collard greens thoroughly. They can be sandy, so give them a good rinse, then dry them before chopping.
- Cheese Hack: If you want an even creamier dip, use room-temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can be a little hard to blend.
- Make It Smokier: If you don’t have a smoked turkey wing on hand, you can add a touch of liquid smoke or a dash of smoked paprika to the sautéed collard greens for that extra smoky depth.
- No Cast Iron? No Problem: If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any oven-safe skillet or dish will work. Just make sure it’s deep enough to hold all that creamy goodness.
- Crispier Chips: For extra-crispy tortilla chips, fry them in smaller batches so the oil doesn’t cool down too much.
- Lighter Option: If you’re looking to make this dip a little lighter, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. It adds a nice tang without sacrificing creaminess.
15 Variations for Collard Green Dip and Tortilla Chips
- Bacon Lover’s Twist: Add crispy bacon bits on top for an added crunch and salty flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Throw in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who like it spicy.
- Vegan Version: Substitute vegan cheeses and vegan mayonnaise to make this dip plant-based.
- Smoked Gouda: Swap out the mozzarella for smoked gouda for a deep, smoky flavor.
- Spinach & Collard Combo: Use half collard greens and half spinach for a variation on a classic spinach dip.
- Add Artichokes: Toss in some chopped artichoke hearts to give the dip more texture and depth.
- Creamier Base: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to make it even richer.
- Hot and Cheesy: Top the dip with extra mozzarella cheese and broil it for the last 3 minutes for a golden, cheesy crust.
- BBQ Flavor: Add a tablespoon of barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Crumbled Sausage: Mix in some crumbled cooked sausage for a meatier version.
- Pimento Cheese: Fold in pimento cheese for a Southern-style variation.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Top with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
- Add Corn: Add some sweet corn kernels for bursts of sweetness in each bite.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Crab Collard Dip: Add lump crab meat for a seafood spin on this classic dip.
What to Serve with Collard Green Dip and Tortilla Chips (15 Options)
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty French bread for a hearty dipper.
- Pita Chips: Crispy pita chips are a great, sturdy option for scooping up dip.
- Cucumber Slices: For a lighter option, use fresh cucumber slices.
- Carrot Sticks: Crunchy carrot sticks are a refreshing and healthy dipping choice.
- Celery Sticks: Crisp celery pairs perfectly with the creamy dip.
- Bell Pepper Strips: Sweet bell pepper strips add a pop of color and crunch.
- Crackers: Choose your favorite crackers, like Ritz or club crackers, for a buttery complement.
- Pretzel Sticks: The salty crunch of pretzel sticks goes great with this dip.
- Bagel Chips: Thin, crispy bagel chips are perfect for this kind of hearty dip.
- Nacho Cheese Chips: For a double cheese hit, use nacho cheese-flavored chips.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Offer a side of pickled jalapeños for those who like extra heat.
- Grapes: Fresh grapes on the side balance out the rich flavors of the dip with a sweet note.
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños: For a spicy, savory pairing, serve alongside bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers.
- Fried Pickles: The tanginess of fried pickles will pair perfectly with this rich dip.
- Roasted Cauliflower: For a healthy, low-carb option, roasted cauliflower florets are perfect for dipping.
Check out more of my Latest Recipes:
- Blackened Catfish Recipe
- Classic Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
- Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Onion Gravy
- One-Pot Sausage and Rice Skillet
- Southern Comfort on Your Table: Green Beans, Cornbread & Candied Yams
- Pan-Seared and Oven-Finished Pork Chops with Hickory Balsamic Marinade
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Collard Green Dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freeze: You can freeze the dip before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
- Tortilla Chips: Store your Lemon Pepper Garlic Tortilla Chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best when eaten fresh, but they’ll still be crispy for a few days after making them.
How Much Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
For a typical family gathering of about 10-12 people, I recommend doubling the recipe. You’ll want to make at least 6 cups of dip, as folks will be going in for more than one round. You should also prepare at least 36-48 tortilla chips so everyone has plenty to scoop up that delicious dip.
How Far in Advance Can I Make the Collard Green Dip and Tortilla Chips?
You can make the Collard Green Dip up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge before baking. On the day of, simply pop it in the oven, and you’re good to go. For the Lemon Pepper Garlic Tortilla Chips, they’re best made fresh, but if you’re pressed for time, you can fry them up the night before and store them in an airtight container.
Collard Green Dip with Lemon Pepper Garlic Tortilla Chips: Southern Comfort in Every Bite
Collard Green Dip Ingredients:
Lemon Pepper Garlic Tortilla Chips Ingredients:
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want that ready to go so that the dip comes together quickly once all the ingredients are mixed.
- In a cast iron skillet, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add Hunter’s Texas Seasoning, Hunter’s Caribbean Mustard, minced garlic, and chopped onions. Let that mix cook down for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent, and you can smell that aroma from the garlic and seasoning blend. This is where the flavor starts building.
- Add your chopped collard greens to the skillet with the seasoning base. If you’re using a smoked turkey wing, toss it in now. Let the greens sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to wilt and become tender. You’re looking for that perfect balance where they’re cooked but still vibrant. Remove the skillet from the heat once they’re ready.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic of this dip comes to life—creamy, cheesy goodness that complements those hearty greens.
- Once the collard greens are tender and full of flavor, fold them into the cheese mixture. Make sure everything is well combined, and then transfer it back into your cast iron skillet (no need for more dishes—you’ll bake it right in there).
- Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is a light golden brown. The smell alone will have everyone waiting by the oven.
- Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the dip cool for about 5 minutes. Serve it right in the skillet for that rustic touch. You’re all set for dipping!
- While the dip is baking, heat up your oil for frying the tortilla chips. Fill a pot with vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut your tortillas into triangles and fry them in small batches. Cook for 4-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While the chips are still hot, sprinkle them generously with Hunter’s Lemon Pepper Garlic Seasoning. Give them a good toss in a large bowl so that the seasoning coats every chip. These chips will be packed with zesty, garlicky flavor and will pair perfectly with your dip.
