Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheddar Dip

Name: Sweet and Spicy Bacon Cheddar Dip
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb bacon; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped, plus more for garnish; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1/4 cup sweet and spicy pepper glaze; 1/4 cup bacon bits; 1/2 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed for topping; Crackers or chips, for serving

This sweet and spicy bacon cheddar dip combines creamy layers of cheese, bacon, and sour cream with a tangy pepper glaze topping. It's an easy make-ahead appetizer that delivers bold savory and spicy flavors in every bite.

🌍American 🏷️Bacon cheddar dip 🏷️Hot dip 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Party food Game day

🏷️

🏷️Cheesy

-0:00

amyelizabethtaylor_onTikTok

Total

40 min

Servings

8

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by amyelizabethtaylor_

-0:00

amyelizabethtaylor_onTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb bacon
1/4 cup green onions, chopped, plus more for garnish
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup sweet and spicy pepper glaze
1/4 cup bacon bits
1/2 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed for topping
Crackers or chips, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain on a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
3
To the cream cheese mixture, add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, most of the chopped green onions (reserving some for garnish), and the crumbled cooked bacon. Mix until everything is well combined.
4
Spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish.
5
Drizzle the sweet and spicy pepper glaze over the top of the dip.
6
Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the bacon bits.
7
Garnish with the reserved chopped green onions.
8
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and top with crushed buttery crackers.
10
Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or chips.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble finely so pieces distribute evenly throughout the dip rather than settling to the bottom.
Crush the buttery crackers into fine to medium crumbs just before layering on top to keep them crispy and prevent sogginess.
Reserve some shredded cheddar for the top layer to create an appealing presentation and ensure every bite has cheese flavor.

Substitutions

Sharp cheddar → mild cheddar or gruyere (milder flavor)
Sour cream → Greek yogurt (tangier, less fat)
Mayonnaise → crème fraîche (richer, more tangy)
Buttery crackers → crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs (different texture and flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or serve cold. Best made no more than 1 day ahead without the glaze topping.

Common Questions

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dip (without the glaze and cracker topping) up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add the glaze, bacon bits, and crushed crackers just before serving or baking.

Should I bake this dip or serve it cold?

The recipe works either way. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through for a warm dip, or serve chilled straight from the fridge for a cold appetizer.

What can I use instead of sharp cheddar?

Mild cheddar, monterey jack, or a cheddar-gruyere blend work well. Sharp cheddar delivers the most flavor, but adjust to your taste preference.

Can I swap the pepper glaze for something else?

Yes. Try hot sauce, sriracha mayo, or a honey-jalapeño drizzle for different flavor profiles. Keep the amount similar to avoid making the dip too wet.