Total Time
Prep/Total Time: 10 min.

By Val Goodrich
Recipe by Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Taste of Home’s Editorial Process
Published on May 12, 2025

Jutting off the coast of southern Alaska is the endlessly picturesque Kenai Peninsula. Dotted with quaint Alaskan towns, crossed by rivers filled with king salmon and boasting views of snow-capped mountains, it’s known as “Alaska’s Playground” for a reason. It’s here where, in a town just next to the city of Kenai, sits Echo Lake Meats, the food market credited with creating one of Alaska’s best recipes: Kenai dip.

Alaskans love Kenai dip. They live in a big state where it’s not always feasible to visit Echo Lake Meats whenever the craving strikes, though. Thankfully, whether you live in Alaska or not, it’s easy to make this famous dip right at home.

What is Kenai dip?

Kenai dip is a cheesy, smoky, spicy dip from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. It starts with a mixture of mayonnaise, crunchy diced jalapenos and a few smoky and pungent spices. Shredded cheddar cheese is mixed in at the end to keep the long shreds intact. That’s it!

This regional delicacy is a popular appetizer for cookouts, camping meals, potlucks, picnics and any other occasion where you can take a cooler and a bag of Juanita’s tortilla chips.

Ingredients for Kenai Dip

• Diced jalapeno peppers: Remove the seeds, then finely dice the jalapenos (you can keep the seeds for added spice). If you really like an extra kick of heat, buy another jalapeno and cut it into rounds to garnish the Kenai dip.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the tangy, rich and creamy base in authentic Kenai dip.
• Garlic powder: This pungent seasoning adds the taste of garlic without the overpowering sharpness of raw garlic.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a touch of spice. Use smoked paprika if you like your Kenai dip a little smoky (most Alaskans do!).
• Cheddar cheese: Shred cheddar cheese using the biggest holes on a box grater.
• Chips or crackers: Serve Kenai dip with chips or crackers, just as you would any other dip. In Alaska, the most beloved chips for Kenai dip are Juanita’s tortilla chips, which are sold nationwide under the name Juantonio’s.

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