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Easy Cheddar Bacon Loaded Dip for Any Gathering

Easy Cheddar Bacon Loaded Dip for Any Gathering

A hot, creamy cheddar and bacon dip with crisp bacon, scallions, and a golden cheese topping. It makes approximately 2 1/2 to 3 cups and serves 8 to 10 as an appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6-8 slices Bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Thinly sliced green onions or scallions
Seasonings
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Ingredients
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 pinch Cayenne
  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Cook the bacon until genuinely crisp. Drain it well on paper towels, cool, crumble it, and reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons for the topping.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, stir or beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until nearly smooth.
  3. Mix in 1 cup of the cheddar, most of the crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add onion powder, cayenne, or mayonnaise if desired.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish, pie plate, or shallow ovenproof skillet. Spread it into an even layer.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and reserved bacon over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot throughout and bubbling at the edges.
  6. Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with sliced green onions or chopped chives and serve warm with your favorite dippers.

Notes

Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoothly. For make-ahead preparation, assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate it, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time when chilled.