Bacon Cream Cheese Dip
This creamy, gooey bacon cream cheese dip, made with common ingredients, is a great appetizer for any party or gathering. It’s perfect for dipping veggie sticks, tortillas, soft pretzels and bread.
Suitable for gluten-free diets.
Hey friends. I have plenty of hot dips that I love, but this bacon cream cheese dip is currently at the top of the list. It packs big flavour with crispy bacon and sweet caramelised onion jam. It’s soooooo good, that you and your guests will keep going back for more.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Dip for all seasons – This hot dip is a staple at my parties and gatherings. Think birthday parties, potlucks, game day and super bowl parties, pool parties, Father’s Day party, Thanksgiving and Christmas parties and a 4th of July party.
- Made with simple ingredients – You’ll only need some everyday fridge and pantry staples, like cheese, bacon, sour cream and some delicious seasonings to create this creamy cheesy dip.
- Quick and easy – I love how a few steps, and about 25 minutes of baking end up with this big on flavor cheesy appetizer that everyone will love.
Ingredient’s you’ll need
I love that you only need a few simple ingredients to make this warm dip. Below is a list of ingredients needed for this recipe. Follow my tips on each ingredient for best results.
- oil – I tend to use olive oil but to be honest I have also used canola oil and vegetable oil.
- bacon – i like to start with smoked bacon as that adds such lovely smoky flavor. Cubed smoked pancetta is a great substitute.
- cream cheese – For this recipe I prefer to use full fat cream cheese for all the flavor. Make sure to soften the cream cheese at room temperature, which will make it much easier to mix and spread out.
- sour cream – I find that full fat sour cream adds the best flavor and texture.
- flavorings – A combination of Worcestershire sauce, salt and freshly ground black pepper adds delicious flavor.
- cheeses – I love adding shredded Gruyère and shredded mozzarella for added gooeyness aka dip perfection. It is best to start with a block of cheese that you shred yourself.
- caramelised onion jam – this is what brings the dip together. It is up to you if you prefer a sweeter or sharper version.
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How to Make Cream Cheese Dip
Use the process shots below as a visual guide to help you make this.
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Heat up oven. Preheat oven to 350F / 180C / gas 4.
- Cook the bacon – Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook pancetta or bacon until crispy. Drain and remove the pancetta (or bacon) and set aside.
- Make the mixture – Combine cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a bowl and beat with hand mixer or electric mixer until combined and fluffy. Then fold in the cheeses, pancetta or bacon and caramelised onion jam.
- Bake – Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake in hot oven until bubbly, about 20 minutes.
- Serve – Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Bintu’s Tips and Variations
I really love switching things up in the kitchen. Here are some tips for easier cooking and variations for you to try if you want something a little different
- Add chili instead. I love swapping out the caramelised onions for some chili. Leftover chili works great but I also use a bean free canned chili from the grocery store. Just use your favorite canned brand.
- Add spicy. If you’re going to an adults-only gathering, add fresh spicy jalapenos or your favourite chili for a little spice to bacon dip. Dijon mustard. smoked parika, garlic powder and onion powder make great additions too.
- Add toppings – I love adding on thinly sliced scallions or chives, chopped fresh herbs like cilantro.
Store
- Prep Ahead – I tend to assemble the dip ahead of time and store it in the fridge until I am ready to bake it. I then just pop it in the oven when my guests arrive for a quick and easy appetizer.
- Store – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through. If you reheat in the microwave then you want to do so at 30 second intervals, mixing between each reheat, till you get the right temperature.
Serving Suggestions
The great thing is that this can be served at room temperature or even cold. However, I think this is best served hot so it is all melty and gooey and dippable.
I tend to serve this up with some vegetables crudités (celery, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, bell peppers), pork rinds, corn tortillas, air fryer tortilla chips and more. I do also serve it alongside 20 minutes air fryer bagels, crostini, fresh easy yeast rolls.
More Dips You’ll Like
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Instant Pot spinach artichoke dip.
- Creamy dill pickle dip.
- Colourful funfetti dip.
- Cadbury mini egg cheesecake dip.
- Grinch dip for Christmas.
- Pizza dip recipe.
- And check out this list of cold dips recipes.
- And this best dips recipes post.
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Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup (75 g) Cubed smoked pancetta or sliced smoked bacon
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese softened
- 1 cup (250 ml) sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded Gruyère
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp caramelised onion jam
- Tortilla chips for serving.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to fan assisted 160C / 180C / 350F / gas 4.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat, and cook pancetta or bacon until crispy. Drain and remove the pancetta (or bacon) and set aside.
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a bowl and beat with hand held or electric mixer until combined and fluffy.
- Fold in the cheeses, pancetta or bacon and caramelised onions jam.
- Transfer to a small baking dish and bake in hot oven until bubbly, about 20 mins.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- You can make your own caramelised onions if you do not have caramelized onion jam in your pantry.
- Add a spicy flavour with jalapenos or your favourite chilies for an adults only gathering.
- Sliced smoked bacon works well in place of pancetta. ” Serve with chips, tortillas, crostini or chopped veggies.
Nutrition
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Hey there Claudia, the nutrition numbers are for if you split the dip into 8 equal portions. Hope that helps.
Maravilhoso!!!! AMEI ESTÁ RECEITA
Two of my favorite words cream and cheese and it made me read. But when I read low carb and gluten free I was all up for it. I think I have found a perfect companion for my tacos and chips. Thanks for sharing!
I love all the cheese in your dip ! This is so perfect when we have friends over on Saturdays
Bringing this to our next football gathering. I also like your veggie recommendations for low carb options so everyone can enjoy.
Thank you.
Looks so yummy with all that creamy cheesy goodness! Keto dieters could use pork rinds as dippers also!
When I saw “Cream Cheese Dip,” I though “Boring.” But reading the recipe…WOW! This is anything but boring with the crispy pancetta and onion jam. Well done!
This really is finger licking good. Glad I changed your mind.
Looks like a great dip to pair with my homemade low carb tortilla chips!