Description
This creamy loaded baked potato dip with bacon and chives is the perfect game day or potluck appetizer. It tastes exactly like the inside of a loaded baked potato, but without the effort of actually baking potatoes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream, full-fat
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded fresh from a block
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Optional garnish: extra bacon crumbles, extra chives, paprika
Instructions
- Cook the bacon. Place 8 slices of bacon in a cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook, flipping occasionally, until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble into small pieces. Reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish.
- Soften the cream cheese. Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start. If you forgot, cut it into cubes and let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes, or microwave on low power for 10 seconds. It should be soft enough to dent with your finger but not warm.
- Mix the base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
- Add the seasonings. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Beat again until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds.
- Fold in the cheese and bacon. Add 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon (reserving the 2 tablespoons for garnish). Use the spatula to fold everything together until evenly distributed. Don’t overmix—you want distinct pockets of cheese and bacon.
- Taste and adjust. Scoop up a chip and taste. Need more salt? Add a pinch. Want more bacon flavor? Crush in another slice.
- Chill (optional but recommended). Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. If you’re in a rush, serve immediately.
- Garnish and serve. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Top with the reserved bacon crumbles, a sprinkle of fresh chives, and a dusting of paprika if desired. Serve with potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, or fresh veggies.
Notes
Room temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth texture. Let cream cheese soften for 30 minutes before mixing. Cook bacon until very crispy to avoid moisture in the dip. Shred cheese from a block for best melting. Let dip rest in fridge for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Not recommended for freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Protein: 10
Keywords: loaded baked potato dip, bacon dip, creamy dip, game day appetizer, party dip, cold dip, easy dip