Mary Berry Stilton Dip Recipe

Mary Berry Stilton Dip is a rich, creamy, and boldly flavoured dip that highlights the distinct character of blue cheese. Made with Stilton, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, this dip is incredibly easy to prepare yet impressive enough for parties, holiday tables, or gourmet snack platters. It delivers a smooth texture with a savoury depth that pairs beautifully with crackers, crudités, crusty bread, or even roasted vegetables. With minimal prep time and no cooking required, it’s a practical recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

What Is Mary Berry Stilton Dip?

Mary Berry Stilton Dip is a no-cook, creamy dip made by blending crumbled Stilton cheese with soft cream cheese, fresh herbs, and a touch of acidity from lemon or Worcestershire sauce. The result is a smooth, flavour-packed spread with a balance of saltiness, tang, and richness. This dip is perfect for entertaining and works equally well as a starter, sandwich spread, or topping for baked potatoes.

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Quick and effortless – Ready in minutes with simple ingredients.
• Impressively flavourful – Stilton adds bold depth without overwhelming the palate.
• Versatile use – Works as a dip, spread, or sauce for warm dishes.
• Ideal for hosting – A crowd-pleasing addition to party tables.
• Flexible seasonings – Easily adjust herbs, creaminess, and acidity.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Stilton Dip

• 150g Stilton cheese, crumbled
• 150g full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or crème fraîche
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: A pinch of garlic powder, a drizzle of honey, or chopped walnuts for serving

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or small whisk
• Soft spatula
• Chopping board and knife
• Small serving bowl or ramekin
• Food processor (optional for ultra-smooth texture)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Stilton Dip

• Cream the base – In a bowl, beat 150g cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
• Add Stilton for flavour – Mix in 150g crumbled Stilton, using a fork to combine evenly.
• Stir in creaminess – Add 2 tbsp sour cream to loosen the mixture and create a smooth dip.
• Add acidity – Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to balance richness.
• Season and finish – Add chopped herbs, salt, and pepper; adjust the consistency by adding more sour cream if needed.
• Serve chilled – Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Dip turned too thick – Added a splash of milk or extra sour cream to loosen it.
• Flavour tasted sharp – Stirred in a small drizzle of honey to soften the tang of Stilton.
• Too salty – Chose a milder Stilton and avoided adding extra salt.
• Texture felt grainy – Used a food processor to achieve a smoother blend.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Stilton Dip

• Swap full-fat cream cheese for reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for added protein.
• Use a lighter blue cheese for milder sodium levels.
• Add chopped celery or cucumber for texture and freshness.
• Reduce portions and serve with raw vegetables for a healthier snack.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Stilton Dip

• Replace Stilton with Danish blue, Gorgonzola, or Roquefort.
• Substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture.
• Use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for sharper acidity.
• Add fresh dill or basil instead of chives for new flavour notes.
• Mix in Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for tanginess.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Stilton Dip

• Serve with crusty bread – Ideal for scooping generous portions.
• Pair with crackers or breadsticks – Adds crunch to each bite.
• Enjoy with vegetable sticks – Carrots, celery, and cucumbers pair well with Stilton.
• Add to a cheese board – Complements cured meats and grapes.
• Serve alongside roasted potatoes – Works beautifully as a warm dip.
• Spread on sandwiches – Adds a gourmet twist to simple fillings.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Stilton Dip

• Bring ingredients to room temperature – Ensures smooth blending.
• Choose good-quality Stilton – Fresh, creamy Stilton improves flavour.
• Adjust acidity gradually – Add lemon or Worcestershire in small amounts.
• Taste before salting – Stilton already contains salt.
• Refrigerate before serving – Enhances flavour and thickens texture.
• Garnish thoughtfully – Herbs or walnuts add colour and texture.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Stilton Dip

• Mix in honey and walnuts for a sweet-savory twist.
• Add roasted garlic for a deeper, mellow flavour.
• Stir in caramelised onions to add sweetness.
• Blend with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a robust flavour.
• Add a pinch of chilli flakes for gentle heat.
• Fold in bacon bits for smoky richness.

Storing Mary Berry Stilton Dip the Right Way

• Refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store for 3–4 days as dairy-based dips keep well.
• Stir before serving to restore texture.
• Avoid freezing as the dairy may split or turn grainy.
• Keep chilled during serving to maintain thickness.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Stilton Dip

This dip is best served cold or at room temperature. If used as a warm sauce:

• Gently warm on low heat, stirring constantly.
• Avoid boiling to prevent separation.
• Add a splash of cream if the mixture thickens too much.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: Minimal
• Sodium: Moderate

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FAQs

How do I stop my Stilton dip from becoming too thick after chilling?

Stilton dip firms naturally in the fridge because of the cheese and cream content. To loosen it, stir in a small splash of milk, sour cream, or lemon juice before serving. Mix until smooth and creamy again.

Why is my Stilton dip grainy instead of smooth?

A grainy texture happens when the Stilton isn’t fully softened or mixed properly. Allow the cheese to reach room temperature before blending, and use a fork or food processor for a smoother finish. Adding a spoonful of sour cream can help the mixture emulsify.

Can I make Stilton dip milder if the blue cheese flavour is too strong?

Yes, you can balance the intensity by increasing the cream cheese or sour cream. Adding a small drizzle of honey or a touch of lemon juice also softens sharp notes without losing the Stilton character.

How long in advance can I prepare Stilton dip for a party?

Stilton dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving to restore its creamy texture.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Stilton Dip is a beautifully simple yet bold and creamy dip that brings elegance to any table. With minimal ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a quick recipe that still delivers impressive flavour.