This Bacon Cheese Dip is loaded with cheese and bacon then baked in a bread bowl for the perfect warm and creamy dip. Makes the perfect party appetizer for game days and more!
Fall is here, which means the holiday season is starting along with more parties and game days! This Baked Cheddar Bacon Dip is loaded with three types of cheese, bacon, green onions and tons of flavor. The bacon dip is cooked in a bread bowl until creamy and warm and served with pretzels and celery sticks.
Take the dip to the next level with additional bacon, cheese and hot sauce over top. This dip can also be prepped ahead of time, so less mess and hassle when ready to bake. I hope you enjoy this tasty dip and your next get-together.
Ingredient Notes
Bread Bowl: I love making the cheesy bacon dip in a bread bowl. It doubles as a baking dish and you can dip the crusty bread into the dip (so good)! If you do not want to go the bread bowl route, you can use a regular 9x9 inch backing dish instead. If using a bread bowl aim for one that is 12-16 oz large at least.
Cheese: I used a three cheese combination of mozzarella cheese, pepperjack cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese for this baked bacon dip. I think this trio adds a good flavor, subtle spice and gives the dip a nice creaminess. Along with these I also used cream cheese. You can use this combination or add in other similar cheese to make it your own. Other good options include Monetary Jack cheese, mild or white cheddar, or a gouda cheese.
Why You'll LOVE This Dip!
Statement Maker: This Dip Takes it to a New Lever with the Bread Bowl
Great for Parties, Game Day and More!
Customizable: Make it Your Own with More Spices or Different Cheeses
Instructions
- Use a sharp bread knife to remove the top of the bread bowl. Next, use a spoon to scoop out the inside making sure not to bread through the bottom. I leave no more than an inch around the outside. Once prepared, with with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper then set aside and prepare dip.
- Add softened cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream to a large prep bowl. Use a hand mixer and combine on low-medium speed and whip together until creamy.
- Add in remaining ingredients and stir until combined. The dip will be slightly thick.
- Scoop dip into bread bowl, then place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes. You can sprinkle over additional cheese the last 15 minutes of baking for a cheesy top layer.
- Once the dip is warmed through and bread is crisp, remove and serve warm with dippers like pretzels or celery. Enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
I recommend removing any leftover dip from the bread bowl and storing in an airtight container. Store the dip in the fridge for up to 4 days and stir/rewarm before serving. The bread bowl does not save well stored, and I do not recommend saving it, so eat it up people!
FAQS
I love to use the bread bowl and a dipper, but you can mix it up with others. Some other good things to serve bacon and cheese dip with are celery or carrot sticks, pretzels, or you can be really extra and dip popcorn chicken in.
Bread bowls are versatile and make regular dishes feel more fun and elevated. Plus, they are super tasty! I like to make dips in bread bowls or put in soups like potato or tomato soups work great.
Kitchen Tool Recommendations
I like to use a hand mixer to whip together the sour cream, mayonnaise and cream cheese. I think the dip texture turns out better this way and is more creamy.
I like to serve my baked dip in a bread bowl on a large serving board. I think this makes the dip look nice and I can add extra dippers around the sides.
Pro Tips
Whip It: I highly recommend whipping the sour cream, mayonnaise and cream cheese with a hand mixer before adding in the other ingredients. I think the texture turns out so much better and there aren't any clumps of cream cheese doing it this way.
Add Some Toppings: I like to dress the dip up with some additional cheese, bacon, and chopped green onion before servings. For some extra heat you can also add some hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
Wait on the Cheese: When adding extra cheese over the top of the bacon dip, wait until the end of the bake time. If you add it on right away the cheese will burn before the dip is finished. I like to add mine the last 10-15 minutes for the perfect melty cheese topping.
Prep Ahead Instructions
You can prep the dip up to 24 hours ahead of time and store in the fridge for less mess and prep the day of baking. Following instructions for whipping and mixing dip. Next, store in airtight container in the fridge instead of adding to bread bowl. When ready to bake, prep the bread bowl and follow recipe instructions.
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Happy Eating!
Baked Bacon Cheese Dip in a Bread Bowl
Ingredients
- 16 Oz Bread Bowl Sourdough works well
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- 8 Oz Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 4 Green Onions Chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoon Hot Sauce I like Tabasco
- 4 Oz Pepperjack Cheese Shredded
- 4 Oz Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
- 8 Oz Sharp Cheddar Shredded
- 8 Slices Bacon Cooked and Crumbled
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Optional for Serving
- Pretzels
- Carrot Sticks
- Celery
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. While preheating, use a sharp bread knife to remove the top of the bread bowl. Next, use a spoon to scoop out the inside making sure not to bread through the bottom. I leave no more than an inch around the outside. Once prepared, mist with with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste then set aside and prepare dip.
- Add softened cream cheese, mayo and sour cream to a large prep bowl. Use a hand mixer and combine on low-medium speed and whip together until creamy.
- Add in remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Scoop dip into bread bowl, then place on a cookie sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes. You can sprinkle over additional cheese the last 15 minutes of baking for a cheesy top layer.
- Once the dip is warmed through and bread is crisp, remove and serve warm with dippers like pretzels or celery. Enjoy!
alex
I made this for my family on Super Bowl Sunday. It was definitely a hit.
I never thought of coating the bread bowl with olive oil, but it was a brilliant addition.
I then coated the bread pieces with oil and when I added the extra bacon and cheese to the top, I laid the bread pieces around the cookie sheet and toasted them as well.
Next time I think I'll lightly toast the bread bowl for about 5 minutes before adding the dip to warm.
Caitlyn Erhardt
Glad you enjoyed it!
I want to try and toast the bowl ahead next time as well!
Patricia
How do you prepare the bread removed from bread bowl? Or do you use it.? I am going to try to toast the pieces to use for extra dipping. Would appreciate your input.
Caitlyn Erhardt
Yes, I just toast them in the oven with a little oil, salt and pepper and use them as dippers!
Enjoy 🙂
Karen
What do you do with the bread that you cut out from the middle?
Caitlyn Erhardt
I use it as a dipper! Sometimes I toast it, other times I just leave it as is.
Patti
This is so yummy I am always asked for the recipe!!! I served with mini naan dippers in addition to pretzels and celery. I will be following your recipes💙
I was wondering if you make ahead of time, without baking, can you freeze , thaw then bake before serving?
Caitlyn Erhardt
I think you could keep it in the fridge overnight then bake it and it would be fine! Glad you liked it!
Maria
Cheesy recipe! It looks easy to make. Looks good to have it as a snack too.
Caitlyn Erhardt
Yep, super cheesy and delicious!
Tavo
Looks really hearty and delicious, the perfect decadent dish for cooler days.
Caitlyn Erhardt
Totally agree 🙂
Jessie
WOW Yum!!! Yes please!! This looks so good! I will be making this for the game this weekend!! I can not wait to try this!
Caitlyn Erhardt
I hope you LOVE it!
Beth
We loved this. It was devoured like there was no tomorrow. I serve it with pretzel chips.
Caitlyn Erhardt
Glad you all enjoyed!
Renee | The Good Hearted Woman
De-licious! This is going to be on our regular Sunday football night rotation from here on out!
Caitlyn Erhardt
YASSSS! This is a game day must!
Sara Welch
I am loving all this cheesy goodness in this dish; my kind of comfort food, indeed! Easily, a new favorite recipe; my whole family loved this!
Caitlyn Erhardt
So happy to hear!