If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, this Ultimate Hot Bacon and Cheddar Dip is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky bacon, it’s perfect for game days, parties, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.
Jump to:
🥓 The Ingredients
This dip combines creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with a smoky, spicy kick for a perfectly balanced and irresistible appetizer. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.
📝 Ingredients Notes with Substitutions and Variations
- Cream Cheese, Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These create a rich, creamy base. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but you can swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or a smoked cheese for a different twist.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and smokiness, or substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Scallions: Fresh scallions add a mild onion flavor and color; you can replace them with chives or finely diced red onion.
- Spices & Hot Sauce: Garlic and onion powders add depth, while hot sauce introduces a subtle heat—adjust the amount to your taste or swap hot sauce for cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for variation.
See the recipe card (with video) below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
🔥 Tips and Tricks
- Use softened cream cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to ensure a smooth, creamy dip without lumps.
- Cook bacon until crispy: Crispy bacon adds the best texture and flavor contrast—don’t rush this step!
- Mix thoroughly: Beat the base ingredients well to create a uniform, creamy texture before folding in cheese and bacon.
- Adjust spice level: Start with a small amount of hot sauce and add more gradually to suit your heat preference.
- Make ahead: This dip tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve warm: Reheat gently before serving to keep the cheese melty and the dip irresistible.
- Pair with the right dippers: Serve with sturdy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggies for the best experience.
🍽️ How to Make the Ultimate Hot Bacon and Cheddar Dip
- Step 1: Grease a baking dish (1.5-quart) with softened butter or cooking spray.
- Step 2: Stir (or mix) the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Step 3: Stir in the 2 cups of cheddar, most of the bacon, most of the scallions, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using).
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish.
- Step 5: Top with half a cup of shredded cheddar and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Garnish with the remaining bacon and scallions. Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, veggies, or sturdy chips.
Expert Tip
For an extra hearty and flavorful twist, try adding cooked, crumbled sausage along with the bacon—this boosts the protein and adds a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese base. You can also experiment with mix-ins like jalapeños for heat or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick.
🍽️ How to Serve
- Serve warm straight from the oven or slow cooker for melty, gooey goodness.
- Pair with a variety of dippers like crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or crunchy fresh vegetables such as celery, carrots, and bell peppers.
- Spoon over baked potatoes or use as a topping for nachos to add extra flavor and richness.
- Offer alongside a fresh green salad or sliced apples to balance the richness with some crisp freshness.
- For parties, serve in a bread bowl for a fun, shareable presentation.
🙋🏽♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. Just reheat gently before serving.
Crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, and fresh veggies like celery, carrots, and bell peppers all work wonderfully.
You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and replace bacon with vegetarian bacon or smoked mushrooms for a similar flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
The recipe has a mild kick from hot sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
🎉 More Awesome Party Dips
Ready to take your party to the next level with dip? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowTofeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Ultimate Hot Bacon and Cheddar Dip
Video
Equipment
- 1.5-quart baking dish or similar size (ie, x8" dish)
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature, or cooking spray
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 scallions chopped
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Fry the bacon or bake it in the oven until crispy. Roughly chop and set aside.8 slices bacon
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease the dish with the softened butter or cooking spray.1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a large wooden spoon to mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise
- Stir in 2 cups of the cheddar cheese, most of the bacon, most of the scallions, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.2½ cups cheddar cheese, 3 scallions, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon Kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish. Top with the remaining half cup of cheese. Bake until bubbly and lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. If desired, turn the broiler on HIGH to brown a little more, but keep an eye on it, don't let it burn!
- Top with extra bacon and scallions. Serve hot with toasted baguette slices, crackers, veggies, or sturdy chips.
Notes
- For best results, use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy dip.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
- Crispy bacon adds great texture—cook it well before mixing it into the dip.
- This dip can be made ahead and refrigerated; store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Feel free to add cooked sausage or jalapeños for extra flavor and heartiness.
- Serve with sturdy dippers like crackers or toasted bread to hold up to the creamy texture.
Leave a Reply