Ultimate Hot Bacon and Cheddar Dip

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 50

Servings:

Calories: 445kcal

Author: Kris Longwell

A creamy, cheesy dip loaded with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, perfectly balanced with a hint of spice—ideal for parties, game days, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

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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.

Video

Notes

NOTE: Watch the video in the recipe card for visual guidance.

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.

Nutrition