Description
Creamy hot smoked gouda bacon dip blends rich flavors from smoky cheese and crispy bacon. Guests will devour this crowd-pleasing appetizer with crackers or vegetable sticks at parties and game nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 g) smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Lightly coat an oven-safe dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
- Cheese Fusion: Whisk cream cheese until silky, then gradually blend smoked Gouda and cheddar cheese to create a smooth, luxurious base with consistent texture.
- Flavor Layering: Incorporate sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until all ingredients meld together harmoniously.
- Bacon Integration: Gently fold most of the bacon pieces into the cheese mixture, reserving a small portion for garnishing, ensuring even distribution of the savory meat.
- Baking Process: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish and bake at 375F (190C) for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns golden and bubbles with appetizing intensity.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and immediately crown the dip with reserved bacon crumbles and freshly chopped green onions, adding visual appeal and textural contrast.
- Serving Suggestion: Present piping hot with an assortment of dipping vehicles like crisp crackers, tortilla chips, or vibrant raw vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Strategy: Choose high-quality smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar for maximum flavor depth, ensuring smooth melting and rich taste profile.
- Bacon Preparation Tip: Crisp bacon thoroughly before crumbling to maintain textural contrast and prevent sogginess in the final dip.
- Temperature Control Technique: Monitor oven closely during baking to prevent over-browning; golden bubbling surface indicates perfect doneness without burning cheese.
- Dietary Modification Option: Swap full-fat ingredients with low-fat alternatives like reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon for lighter version without compromising overall taste experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg