Description
Smoky, cheesy, and utterly addictive! This Smoked Gouda Bacon Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or game day. Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to disappear fast!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Assorted crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Cool and crumble.
- Shred the Cheeses: Shred smoked Gouda and cheddar cheeses.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sour cream and mayonnaise; beat until well combined.
- Add the Cheeses: Gradually add shredded smoked Gouda and cheddar cheese, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Incorporate Bacon and Seasonings: Add crumbled bacon, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Gently fold until evenly distributed.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- (Optional) Bake the Dip: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer dip to an oven-safe baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Serve with assorted crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables. Garnish with green onions or bacon crumbles, if desired. Serve warm (if baked) or cold/room temperature.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Mix in chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or Parmesan.
- To lighten the dip, use light cream cheese, light sour cream, and reduced-fat mayonnaise.
- Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Stir occasionally.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes