Creamy Toasted Sesame Dip Recipe – Nutty Tahini-Style Sauce

Asian-Inspired Cheesy Goodness

Toasted Sesame Dip offers a fresh, flavorful twist for happy hour or casual snacking. Cream cheese and a bit of mayonnaise form a rich base, while peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar and toasted sesame oil add savory depth. Crunchy water chestnuts, green onions and sesame seeds brighten the texture. Serve it on rice crackers, cucumber slices, celery, or as part of a grazing board.

After moving to a more convenient neighborhood we’ve had friends drop by frequently, which has been a fun excuse to experiment with new appetizers. This dip was created to pair with a citrus-forward martini, but it stands on its own as a versatile, crowd-pleasing spread.

The combination of creamy, salty and nutty elements works especially well for nibbling. You can serve the dip immediately, but the flavors meld and improve after a few hours in the refrigerator. I made it for a Friday gathering and the leftovers on Sunday were even better.

Recipe Card

The recipe below is straightforward and easy to customize. Measurements for seasonings, peanut butter, soy sauce and sesame oil are suggestions—taste and adjust to your preference. Make the dip your own by varying the amounts or substituting ingredients to suit dietary needs.

Rice Crackers

Rice crackers are my go-to for serving this dip. They are widely available—check the cracker aisle or the Asian foods section of most grocery stores. The light, crispy texture complements the creamy dip without overpowering it.

If you can’t find rice crackers, plenty of other dippers work great: potato chips, cucumber rounds, raw vegetables, celery, or fried wonton wrappers. The dip is forgiving and pairs well with many textures and flavors.

No Peanuts, No Problem

If someone in your group has a peanut allergy, simply omit the peanut butter. To replace the slight sweetness and body that peanut butter contributes, add about 1/2 tablespoon of brown sugar or a touch more toasted sesame oil and extra sesame seeds for a nuttier profile. You can also increase the water chestnuts or green onions for extra crunch.

Yield: 12 to 15 servings

Toasted Sesame Dip Recipe

Toasted Sesame Dip is an Asian-inspired spread built on cream cheese with subtle peanut butter, soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. The result is savory, slightly nutty, and wonderfully creamy—perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

• 8 ounce package of cream cheese
• 2 to 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional—see notes)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dry ginger
• 6 green onions, sliced thin
• 2 (8-ounce) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained and finely diced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds + 1/2 tablespoon for topping
• Rice crackers and cucumber slices for dipping

Instructions

1. Let the cream cheese soften. Place it in a mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the mayonnaise, and beat on high until light and fluffy.
2. With the mixer running on low, slowly add the toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and peanut butter. Taste as you go and adjust amounts to suit your palate.
3. Beat on high again until the mixture is smooth and airy. Gradually add the dry seasonings—white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and dry ginger—tasting and adjusting as needed.
4. Thinly slice the green onions and reserve some green tops for garnish.
5. Drain and finely dice the water chestnuts, then fold them into the dip along with the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Use the lowest mixer setting or fold by hand to keep some texture.
6. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight for best flavor.
7. When ready to serve, top with reserved green onion pieces and the remaining sesame seeds. Serve with rice crackers and cucumber slices.