This Loaded Baked Potato Dip combines everything you love about baked potatoes into a creamy, cheesy dip. The bacon adds a savory crunch, while the cheddar and sour cream bring richness and depth of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties, tailgating, or even as a casual snack.
For a fun twist, you can personalize the dip with different toppings like crispy onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing. Whether you’re serving it with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, this dip is sure to be the hit of the party.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup sour cream
-
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
-
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend them until smooth and creamy.
-
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
-
Transfer the dip to a serving dish and top with extra bacon, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese for garnish if desired.
-
Refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal per serving
Servings: 8 servings
The Star Ingredients: What Makes the Dip Irresistible
This dip gets its creamy, indulgent texture from the combination of sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. The sour cream helps bind everything together, giving the dip a smooth, creamy consistency, while the cheddar cheese adds a rich, sharp flavor that makes this dip unforgettable. When it comes to the bacon, it’s important not to skimp—center-cut bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled into the dip provides that essential smoky crunch, reminiscent of a loaded baked potato.
Fresh chives are added for a mild oniony kick and a burst of color, bringing freshness and brightness to balance out the richness of the other ingredients. A dash of Louisiana-style hot sauce introduces a hint of heat without overpowering the flavors, adding a layer of depth to the dip. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect harmony that mimics the comfort and satisfaction of a baked potato topped with cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
Ways to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Dip
The beauty of this dip lies not only in its taste but also in its adaptability. The traditional choice is to serve it with crispy waffle fries—perfect for scooping up a hearty dollop of the creamy dip. However, you can go beyond fries and pair this dip with a variety of other dippables. For a potato-focused spread, serve it with homemade potato chips, roasted potato wedges, or even crispy baked potato skins. If you’re looking to add a little crunch, pretzel rods make for an excellent dipper, providing the perfect salty balance to the creamy dip.
For a lighter, more health-conscious twist, you can offer fresh vegetable sticks, such as celery, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices. These fresh, crunchy vegetables are an excellent way to balance the richness of the dip. If you’re feeling adventurous, toasted baguette slices or crunchy crackers can also serve as an excellent vehicle for this irresistible dip. The key is to choose something that is sturdy enough to hold the thick dip without breaking, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.
Loaded Baked Potato Dip Variations to Try
If you’re looking to make this dip your own, there are plenty of variations to try. To add some heat, you can stir in a diced jalapeno or a teaspoon of chipotle powder for a smoky kick. This will give your dip a spicy depth that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. For a creamier twist, you could use ranch dressing mix instead of hot sauce, providing a fresh herby flavor that complements the cheddar and bacon. If you’re looking to boost the nutritional value, finely chopped roasted broccoli can be added for a green element that adds both color and health benefits. You could also opt for caramelized onions to give your dip a rich, savory flavor, reminiscent of French onion dip.
How to Store Loaded Baked Potato Dip
One of the best things about this dip is that it can be made in advance. You can prepare the dip ahead of time, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. The dip will stay fresh for about three to four days when kept chilled and covered. However, before serving, make sure to give it a quick stir to refresh the consistency. If you’re making this dip for a party or gathering, it can be prepped a day ahead, making your hosting duties much easier.
Can You Make Loaded Baked Potato Dip Hot?
While the dip is traditionally served cold, you can easily make it into a hot version. For a gooey, melty take on this recipe, replace half of the sour cream with cream cheese to help the dip hold together when baked. Simply combine all the ingredients, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden on top. This makes for a perfect dip for colder months or a different experience that can be served with the same crispy fries or chips.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Loaded Baked Potato Dip is ideal for various occasions. It works beautifully as a game day snack, offering something hearty and satisfying to keep everyone fueled up during the big game. It’s also a fantastic addition to any potluck or cookout, where its bold flavors and creamy texture will have people coming back for more. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a more formal gathering, this dip’s universal appeal makes it a go-to dish for any party.
If you’re hosting a party, setting this dip out will quickly turn it into a crowd favorite. It’s simple to make, requires little preparation time, and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes. The fact that it pairs well with so many different types of dippers means you don’t need to worry about running out of options for your guests.
Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic
Loaded Baked Potato Dip brings the comforting flavors of a loaded baked potato into an easy-to-eat and shareable format. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of fresh chives, it’s a dish that’s sure to make a lasting impression. Whether you’re serving it cold for a light dip or transforming it into a hot, gooey version, it’s a versatile and satisfying choice for any gathering. This dip is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection, perfect for game nights, parties, or just a casual evening snack.