Description

This delicious Cheese and Bacon Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer perfect for parties or game day. Made with crispy bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and a blend of tasty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, it’s rich and flavorful. The dip can be served warm in a bread bowl topped with crushed crackers for a delightful crunch or simply in a bowl with crackers, chips, or toasted bread for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Ingredients

350 g / 12 oz bacon, chopped
250 g / 8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream (preferably full fat)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp garlic powder (or substitute onion powder)
1 cup shredded tasty or cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shallots / scallions, chopped (~4 – 5 stalks)

Bread Bowl and Topping

1 round cob bread (sourdough works best)
5 Jatz, Ritz, or other plain savory crackers, crushed
Oil spray
Crackers, chips, toasted bread for serving

Instructions

Cook Bacon: Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over high heat. Cook the chopped bacon until browned and crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
Prepare Dip Mixture: In a heatproof bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
Combine and Microwave: Stir in most of the cooked bacon, all of the shredded cheeses, and most of the chopped shallots into the cream cheese mixture. Microwave the mixture on high for 3 minutes. The dip may appear oily as the cheese melts; stir thoroughly until the texture becomes uniform and creamy.
Serve in Bowl: For immediate serving, transfer the dip into a serving bowl. Top with the remaining bacon and shallots for garnish.
Serve with Dippers: Offer alongside crackers, chips, and toasted bread to enjoy with the dip.
Prepare Bread Bowl: To make a bread bowl, use a small knife to cut a circle around the top of the cob loaf. Remove enough bread from the center to create a hollow bowl shape.
Fill Bread Bowl: Pour the prepared dip into the hollowed-out bread bowl.
Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle crushed crackers on top of the dip in the bread bowl. Lightly spray the top with oil spray. Bake the bread bowl at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Final Touches and Serve Warm: Remove the baked bread bowl from the oven. Top with the remaining crispy bacon and shallots. Serve the warm bread bowl dip immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Note 1: Using a mix of tasty or cheddar and mozzarella cheese provides a great balance of sharpness and creamy meltiness.
Note 2: Crushed savory crackers add a crunchy texture and enhance the flavor when sprinkled on top of the bread bowl.
For best results, use full-fat dairy products to keep the dip rich and creamy.
Toast the bread pieces removed from the cob loaf for extra crunchy dippers if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheese and bacon dip, bacon dip, warm cheese dip, party dip, bread bowl dip, creamy bacon dip, appetizer recipe