This Warm Bacon Cheese Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending creamy, gooey cheese with smoky, crispy bacon in just 20 minutes. Perfect for game nights or cozy gatherings, its rich, velvety texture and bold flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds. The golden, bubbly top and irresistible aroma make it impossible to resist.
With a balance of savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and a hint of tangy cream cheese, every bite is a flavor explosion. Serve it warm with crusty bread or crunchy veggies for a satisfying contrast. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, this dip is your new go-to for effortless indulgence.
Ingredients for Warm Bacon Cheese Dip
- 8 strips Wright Brand Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon (or any thick-cut bacon)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 package, softened to room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, based on preference)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best for flavor)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (use full-fat for creaminess)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Assorted crackers for dipping (choose your favorite variety)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook 8 strips of bacon until crispy. (Tip: For perfectly crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.) Crumble 6 strips and set aside the remaining 2 strips for topping.
- Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, 2 sliced green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
- Spread and bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir.
- Add toppings: Crumble the remaining 2 strips of bacon and sprinkle them over the dip. Top with the remaining sliced green onion.
- Finish baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden around the edges.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with your favorite assorted crackers for dipping. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Dip
This Warm Bacon Cheese Dip is a crowd-pleaser, and pairing it with the right dippers can take it to the next level. Serve it with assorted crackers for a classic touch, or try sliced baguettes, pretzel bites, or tortilla chips for variety. For a veggie-friendly option, offer carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices. It’s also fantastic as a topping for baked potatoes or a spread for sliders!
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to resist!), store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish and warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, bake it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and warm. Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of color before serving again.
Switch It Up: Recipe Variations to Try
Customize this dip to suit your taste! Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a spicy kick, or use smoked Gouda for a deeper flavor. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. You can also add a handful of chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. The possibilities are endless!
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use pre-cooked bacon to skip the frying step—just crumble it and mix it in. Soften the cream cheese quickly by microwaving it for 10-15 seconds. If you’re prepping ahead, mix all the ingredients (except the bacon crumbles and green onions for topping) and store the mixture in the fridge. When ready, bake as directed, adding the toppings during the last 5 minutes.
Essential Equipment for Easy Prep
To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need a few key tools: a medium mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a baking pan (8×8 inches works perfectly), and a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. A sharp knife and cutting board will help with slicing green onions and crumbling bacon. For even cooking, use a wooden spoon to stir the dip halfway through baking.
Warm Bacon Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 strips Wright Brand Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon
- 8 ounces cream cheese 1 package, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- assorted crackers for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook 8 strips of bacon to desired crispiness (get the instructions HERE for our favorite way to cook bacon). Crumble 6 strips of bacon and set aside the other two strips for later.
- In a medium bowl, mix together crumbled bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, 2 of the green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Spread mixture in prepared 8 x 8 inch pan and cook for 10 minutes, then stir.
- Crumble the two remaining bacon strips and top the bacon cheese mixture with the bacon crumbles and remaining green onion. Cook for 5 more minutes, then remove from oven and serve with your favorite assorted crackers.