Bacon Cheese Dip

Deliciously easy keto bacon cheese dip recipe – this hearty, good hot melted cheese is loaded with bacon and onion flavor!

If you're looking for an extra-indulgent dip for gameday that is a crowd-pleaser – even for low-carb guests – this hearty, rich cheese dip is the ticket!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Keto Cheese Dip With Bacon

Made with cream cheese, mayo, parmesan, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a whole lotta bacon!

Every bite will leave you wanting another and you'll have to beg someone to take the dish away or you'll eat it all – we're speaking from experience here.

It's gooey, salty, cheesy, and a little bit greasy! Suited to parties around the holidays, BBQ cookouts – and of course, game day parties. If you're gathering friends for the big game, and have some who eat low-carb, and some who don't – this dip will be the first thing EVERYONE flocks to!

If you love bacon and cheddar (and who doesn't?) you can LOVE this easy baked cheese dip.

We're loading it with crunchy, salty bacon and fresh chives – plus you can make it low carb and keto diet compatible, too!

This dip is suited to parties, as an appetizer, for game day – or any time you're craving rich, melty cheese and tons of crunchy bacon.

Serve it with fresh tortillas, chips, pretzels, vegetables – or even keto tortilla chipsjalapeno cheddar breador over a juicy air fryer burger – its even great served over pasta!

We hope you love this cheese dip as much as we do!

How to Make Bacon Cheese Dip

This dip uses simple everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand!

• Cream Cheese (at room temperature): This is the base of your dip. Room temperature cream cheese is crucial because it's easier to blend, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture. It adds a rich, tangy flavor and a velvety consistency. A low-fat cream cheese can be used to reduce calories.
• Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated): Cheddar brings a sharp, distinct flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile. Grating it fresh avoids the issues with pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and melting qualities. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly, contributing to a creamier dip. Monterrey jack, colby jack, or a soft gouda can work in place of cheddar as a substitute.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty and slightly salty flavor, creating a more complex taste. It also helps in thickening the dip, giving it a good consistency.
• Cooked Bacon: Bacon introduces a smoky, savory element. It adds both texture and a depth of flavor. The crispiness of the bacon also provides a nice contrast to the creamy components. Turkey bacon is a good option for less calories, cholesterol, and sodium.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise contributes to the creaminess and adds a slight tang. It helps in balancing the flavors and ensures the dip remains lusciously smooth. You can use Greek yogurt for a cholesterol-saving swap.
• Garlic Powder: This adds a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor without the intensity of fresh garlic. It's a background note that complements the cheeses and bacon. To watch the sodium, use garlic powder, and not garlic salt.
• Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder offers a mild onion flavor. It's less pungent than fresh onion and blends seamlessly into the dip.
• Paprika: Paprika not only adds a hint of sweetness and a touch of color but also a slight smokiness, enhancing the bacon's flavor. Opt for a smoked paprika, or fine Hungarian paprika.

• Prep. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Mix cheese. Add cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, most of the bacon, mayo, and spices to a large bowl or stand mixer and mix until fully combined.
• Bake. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon and bake for 20 minutes.

Kitchen notes

Cut bacon cold: To get solid crunchy bacon, we like to cut it with kitchen scissors when still cold, then pan fry until brown and crispy. Bacon is easier to cut when cold – and we find it crisps up more evenly to cut before cooking instead of crumbling after cooking whole slices of bacon.

Rest bacon: Let bacon rest on paper towels to drain off excess grease before adding to cheese dip – letting the grease drain off will help your bacon get extra crunchy and suited to this cheesy dip!

Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality bacon and cheese. The better the quality, the better the flavor of your dip.

Cook Bacon to Perfection: Cook the bacon until it's crispy. This adds not only a great texture but also ensures that the bacon flavor is pronounced. Consider baking the bacon in the oven for even cooking.

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend and results in a smoother dip.

Freshly Grate Your Cheese: As mentioned, freshly grated cheese melts better and doesn't have the additives that pre-shredded cheese does. This leads to a smoother, creamier dip.

Layering Flavors: Add depth to your dip with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a slight kick.

Slow and Low Heat: When combining the ingredients, do so over low heat to avoid separating or scorching the cheese.

Consistency Control: If the dip is too thick, you can thin it with a little milk or cream. Add slowly and stir until you reach the desired consistency.

Garnish: Garnish with green onions, a sprinkle of paprika, or extra bacon bits for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serving: Serve warm with a variety of dippers like crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

Recipe FAQ's

Can we use pre-shredded cheese to save time?

We suggest using fresh shredded cheese for the most even melt – store bought shredded cheese doesn't always melt smoothly.

How long does this dip last?

This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Dip is best when consumed after two days.
We don't recommend freezing and reheating, as the texture can get overly greasy after thawing.

Can we make bacon cheese dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dip ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. stir well after reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

What can we serve with bacon cheese dip?

This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, sliced baguettes, tortilla chips, vegetable sticks like carrots and celery, or even apple slices for a sweet and savory combination.

Can we use pre shredded cheese for this recipe?

While you can use pre-shredded cheese, it's recommended to grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the dip's smoothness and flavor.

How can we store leftover cheese dip?

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3-4 days. Remember to reheat it gently before serving again.

Can we freeze bacon cheese dip?

Freezing is not recommended as the creamy texture can become grainy when thawed and reheated.

Can we make healthier bacon cheese dip?

You can use low-fat cream cheese, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, and use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative.

Can we make substitutions?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add jalapeños for a spicy kick, or mix in some green onions or chives for additional flavor.

What type of bacon should we use for this dish?

Thick-cut bacon tends to work best as it stays crispy and provides a robust flavor. However, any type of bacon you prefer can be used.

Can we substitute the MAYONNAISE?

If you're out of mayo, or don't love the flavor, you can also use sour cream in it's place, for a bit of a tangier creamy kick.

Can we make this dip spicier?

To add some heat, you can add fresh chopped or pickled jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or Aleppo pepper – or you can drizzle some tabasco or hot sauce along the top when done!

What are some flavor variations?

For more zesty flavor, stir in a packet of ranch dressing mix, or homemade ranch seasonings.

Serve it with

Bread: A classic choice. Offer a variety of breads such as sliced baguette sliced no knead breadtoasted crostini, or pita bread. Their crispy texture complements the creamy dip. For keto ideas, try our keto air fryer rollsor keto jalapeño rolls!

Crackers: Choose from a range of crackers – from simple saltines to flavored or whole grain varieties. They add a nice crunch and are easy to handle.

Vegetables: For a healthier option, serve the dip with fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, or celery sticks. They provide a refreshing contrast to the rich dip.

Chips: Tortilla chips, potato chips, or pretzels can be great for dipping. They add a salty flavor and are popular in casual settings.

Fruit: For a unique twist, pair the dip with apples or pears. The sweetness and crisp texture of the fruit can balance the savory, creamy dip.

Meats: Small slices of salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto can be a hit for meat lovers. For gameday, this dip is awesome with chips alongside crispy pork shoulderbrisketor smashburgers and french fries!

Gluten-Free Options: Offer gluten-free crackers or bread for those with dietary restrictions. Our Easy Keto Naan and Easy Keto Sandwich Bread are great options!

Bacon Cheese Dip Recipe

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Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1½ cups cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 8 pieces cooked bacon, chopped and divided
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Add cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, most of the bacon, mayo, and spices to a large bowl or stand mixer and mix until fully combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish and top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon and bake for 20 minutes.