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This creamy loaded potato topper dip takes all your favorite spud garnishes and turns them into an addictive, smooth party starter that'll keep guests hovering near the snack table. Great for sports viewing parties, get-togethers, or whenever you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser packed with familiar comfort tastes.
I threw this dip together during a rushed pre-football championship gathering when I needed a quick appetizer. It was such a success that people were fighting over the last scraps with their chips and begging me for the how-to before the game was halfway done.
What You'll Need
- Cream cheese: Forms the thick, luscious foundation that everything else mixes into
- Sour cream: Delivers a nice zip and helps nail that real potato topping feel
- Green onions: Give a light, crisp flavor that cuts through the richness
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds that familiar stretchy, melty goodness everybody can't resist
- Bacon: Brings crunchy, smoky bits that make this dip impossible to stop eating
How To Make It
- Mix your foundation:
- Blend room temperature cream cheese with sour cream until perfectly smooth with no lumps. Your cream cheese must be properly softened for the best texture.
- Combine the goodies:
- Stir in most green onions, half the cheddar, and most bacon pieces. This builds flavor throughout while saving some for a pretty finishing touch.
- Get ready to heat:
- Scoop everything into a pie dish or similar container. Pick something that gives the dip some thickness rather than spreading it too thin, which keeps it extra creamy.
- Top with cheese:
- Scatter the leftover cheddar cheese on top. This creates that beautiful melted layer that makes everyone want to dig in.
- Heat it through:
- Pop it in the microwave covered for about 5 minutes or bake without covering at 375°F for roughly 20 minutes. You want it hot throughout with melted cheese across the top.
- Finish and share:
- Sprinkle the saved green onions and remaining bacon on top just before serving. This adds fresh looks, taste, and crunch against the warm, creamy mixture.
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What really makes this dip stand out is using freshly cooked bacon instead of store-bought bacon bits. I picked up this trick from my grandma who always said properly cooked bacon makes any dish better. She'd make this for family meetups, and everyone would drift toward the kitchen just from the bacon smell even before she finished putting the dip together.
Prep It Early
You can easily get this dip ready ahead of time. Just put everything together up to a day before you need it, wrap it well, and stick it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just heat until it's all bubbly and warm. If you're bringing it somewhere, you can bake it at home and carry it in something that keeps food warm. Just remember to save some of the bacon and green onions to sprinkle on right before people dig in so it looks and tastes super fresh.
Warm Or Chilled Serving
I really like this dip when it's warm with all that gooey, melty cheese, but many folks enjoy it cold too. For a chilled version, just mix everything up and cool it in the fridge until serving time. The flavors actually get stronger as it sits cold. When served chilled, it'll be thicker and feel more like regular chip dip. No matter which way you go, make sure you've got plenty of sturdy chips since this is a pretty thick, filling dip.
Mix It Up
Want some heat? Throw in chopped jalapeños or a few splashes of hot sauce. You can also change things up with other toppings you love on baked potatoes. Try mixing in some roasted garlic, swapping cheddar for pepper jack, or adding fresh herbs like chives or dill. Looking for something lighter? Use Neufchâtel cheese and light sour cream instead. You could even toss in some steamed, finely chopped broccoli for a broccoli cheese potato twist that even kids tend to gobble up.
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Common Questions
- → Can I use light versions of the dairy stuff?
You sure can! Light cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese will work fine but might change how thick and creamy it turns out.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Mix everything up and stick it in the fridge for up to a day. Just heat it up right before you plan to dig in.
- → What's the best way to warm up leftovers?
Pop it back in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or zap it in the microwave bit by bit until it's nice and warm.
- → Is it good if I don't heat it up?
Absolutely! Just stir everything together and pull it straight from the fridge. It's yummy cold too.
- → What goes well with this dip?
Potato chips are the go-to choice, but you can't go wrong with crackers, breadsticks, or even fresh veggies like carrot sticks and celery chunks.