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Warm Bacon Cheddar Dip is the ultimate warm dip recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for game day parties! Looking for a good party dip idea? This is it!
If I could persuade you to make one dip for the big game, it’d be this one. Warm cheesy bacon dip with a hint of smokiness defines what a delicious, soul-comforting dip should be. I’ve always been a fan of warm dips (I’m looking at you, Artichoke Spinach Dip!), and this Bacon Cheddar Dip solidifies my belief that there’s something absolutely addicting when a creamy dip is baked until warm and bubbly!
Plus, when you have a batch of fresh buttery mini pretzel bites, it’s a requirement to have a fantastic dip to go along with them. Especially a dip that defines what an easy appetizer recipe should be. In short, extra sharp cheddar cheese is combined with lots of bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and just the right seasonings. Then it’s topped with more bacon (because everything is better with bacon, right?) and cheddar cheese, and baked until warm and bubbly. It’s incredible.
Let’s make this together!
How to make Warm Bacon Cheddar Dip
Whether you are hosting a game day get-together, or simply craving a warm snack, this Warm Bacon Cheddar Dip is the answer you are looking for. With just a few ingredients and easy to follow steps, this perfect party dip will be ready in no time.
- Preheat your oven
- Combine ingredients – in a large bowl mix all of the ingredients together, making sure to reserve ½ of the bacon and ½ of the grated cheddar cheese.
- Mix – use a stand mixer or a food processor to combine the ingredients together.
- Transfer – evenly spread the dip mixture into an oven-safe dish (a pie plate works well)
- Top – top with remaining bacon and cheddar cheese
- Bake – 20 minutes in a 375 degree F oven or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Serve
What to serve with Warm Bacon Cheddar Dip
This is a versatile dip that pairs so well with a variety of dippers. Try some of our favorites:
- Buttery Pretzel Bites – these are our absolute favorite dipper for this dip!
- Tortilla Chips
- Crackers
- Carrots, celery, sliced bell peppers
- Toasted baguette
The Best Cheese for Dips
When it comes to the best cheese for dips, the answer isn’t going to be the same. It really depends on the other ingredients and flavors that will be included. So while the answer for the best cheese is “it depends,” one thing is for certain, shred your own cheese if you can!
Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes better and is by far the best option when making a dip, especially a warm dip that should be cheesy, bubbly and delicious!
In this recipe we use sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a classic, and has excellent melting properties. Cheddar cheese adds richness and depth to this recipe and pairs beautifully with bacon and the other flavors.
Make this your own by selecting other cheese that you enjoy.
- monterey jack
- pepper jack
- gouda
- fontina cheese
- parmesan – I wouldn’t recommend using all parmesan, but an addition of parmesan cheese along with the cheddar cheese would be delicious!
The secret ingredient…
The secret ingredient in this recipe adds a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Have you cooked with liquid smoke before? I love just a drop or two in certain recipes like this one.
If you haven’t used Liquid Smoke before in your cooking, it’s usually sold in bottles in the condiment aisle and typically gives meats the smokehouse taste. It works perfectly in this dip to give it that smokey flavor that goes great with bacon, and extra sharp cheddar cheese. You could omit it, but I highly recommend including it!
Warm Party Dip Ideas…
Warm dips are always a hit at parties and gatherings. Here are some delicious hot dip ideas to try for your next :
If you make this recipe for Warm Bacon Cheddar Dip, please leave a comment or tag me on social media. I love to hear from you!
Warm Bacon Cheddar Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonaise
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded divided
- 12 slices bacon – cooked and crumbled divided
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a food processor, or using your mixer, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, liquid smoke, worcestershire sauce, dill weed, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add in ½ cup of extra sharp cheddar cheese, and 6 slices crumbled bacon. Mix until everything is incorporated.
- Spread mixture into the bottom of a pie dish. Top with remaining 1 ½ cups of cheese and 6 slices of crumbled bacon.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until dip is warm and bubbly. Serve immediately with pretzel bites or dippers of your choice.
